She worked with kids for 34 years. Then she ‘lost it and hit a special needs child on the head, cops say

A bus attendant tasked with the care of special needs students in Polk County is charged with striking one of them in the head Wednesday afternoon.

A witness reported the incident and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit began its investigation. Detectives say video surveillance from the bus confirms that Brenda Nelson, 65, did hit the child.

According to the sheriff’s office, Nelson, worked on a bus that takes special needs children at Doris Sanders Learning Center home from school. Around 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nelson was seen abusing a child on the bus.

The video captures Nelson saying that she’s going to “slap that tongue out of your mouth when I get up there,” to the victim. The female student was already restrained in a “Houdini Harness” that limits mobility.

Nelson walked by and struck her with an open hand, the sheriff’s office said. Moments later, she walked behind the victim’s seat, grabbed her by the hair and shook her head violently. The girl is seen in the video attempting to reach her hand out twice to Nelson, who slaps it away both times.

During the altercation, deputies say the girl can be heard “making squealing noises” and experiencing pain. Nelson showed no sympathy, however, only telling her to “turn around.”

Nelson then instructed the bus driver to abandon the normal bus route and drop the victim off at her house first. The video depicts Nelson sitting next to the victim for the rest of the trip and further limiting the girl’s mobility by pushing her down into her seat.

Detectives interviewed Nelson the next day. She stated that she didn’t remember and she “must have lost it,” according to the sheriff’s office.

"I guess I done it,” said Nelson. “I didn't remember hitting her."

According to the Polk County School Board, Nelson has been employed as a bus attendant for 34 years. She has no past disciplinary action on her record. However, the school board is working to begin the process of terminating her, said Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd.

“Our children are the single most precious thing on this earth. At Polk County Public Schools, our most important job is to protect them, to provide them with a safe environment in which they can grow, learn and thrive. This employee squandered the trust of the children and families in her care,” Byrd said. “She does not embody the values of Polk County Public Schools, and I will not tolerate it. I have instructed my HR staff to immediately begin the process of termination.”

Nelson has been charged with one count of child abuse. Information on her bond amount was not immediately available.

This story was originally published November 10, 2017 at 1:39 PM with the headline "She worked with kids for 34 years. Then she ‘lost it and hit a special needs child on the head, cops say."