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Berrien Co. daycare teacher arrested and charged after allegations of child abuse
Berrien Co. daycare teacher arrested and charged after allegations of child abuse
Berrien Co. daycare teacher arrested and charged after allegations of child abuse

Published on: 05/13/2026

Description

NASHVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - A former Berrien County daycare teacher was arrested on Friday, May 8, after police began investigating allegations of child abuse.

Kalasha Johnson was fired from Joyful Noise Academy on Wednesday, May 6, after multiple videos, which the teacher allegedly shared in a group chat, were then posted to social media and screen-recorded by parents.

>> Previous Coverage: Berrien Co. daycare teacher fired after allegedly hitting a child, being caught on camera <<

The videos show who investigators have identified as Johnson, hitting children.

“I didn’t see the video, I asked her. Does anyone hit you at school? And she said my teacher. I said where does your teacher hit you? And she said right here...immediately my stomach starting hurting,” Boyd said. “I made a post because something in my heart told me that that wasn’t the only kid.”

According to the Nashville Police Department, there are four separate reports involving four victims, one three-year-old and three two-year-olds.

Johnson has been charged with four counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree.

Kalasha Johnson, was fired from Joyful Noise Academy on Wednesday, May 6, after multiple...
Kalasha Johnson, was fired from Joyful Noise Academy on Wednesday, May 6, after multiple videos were shared on social media showing who investigators have identified as Johnson, hitting children.(Berrien County Jail)

Boyd wasn’t the only parent blindsided. Perry McKinney says his two-and-a-half-year-old son is seen in the background of a second video that was posted online. After seeing the footage, McKinney and his wife pulled their son from the daycare.

“If I had the choice to say yes, I would like Stetson to be in her class, knowing her background...no, I wouldn’t have. I wouldn’t have put him in that daycare,” he said.

Both McKinney and Boyd said this is a reminder to tell your children that it is never acceptable for an authority figure to punish them physically and say this isn’t something children should experience in a supposedly safe environment.

In a statement, Chief Ronald Knowles said, “The safety and well-being of children in our community remains one of our highest priorities. We take allegations involving harm to children extremely seriously, and our officers worked diligently to ensure a thorough investigation was conducted.”

Joyful Noise Academy is cooperating with the Nashville Police as the investigation continues. Johnson could face additional charges.

Johnson has bonded out of Berrien County Jail. We are working to reach Johnson’s attorney.

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Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.

News Source : https://www.walb.com/2026/05/12/berrien-co-daycare-teacher-arrested-charged-after-allegations-child-abuse/

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