GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A former Grady County school bus monitor is facing a simple battery charge after allegedly assaulting a child with autism on a school bus.

According to an incident report, the alleged assault happened Thursday, Feb. 12, at Eastside Elementary in Cairo.

The school’s resource officer and another witness reviewed surveillance video on the bus. The officer said he witnessed the bus monitor pinch the child and “strike him in the face with what appeared to be a bag,” according to reports.

The child’s mother, Monica Jackson, said she discovered a bruise when she arrived at the school, after receiving a call. She said her child, who is autistic, was able to communicate what happened on the bus.

“All parents need to be aware and check on your kids, especially those who are nonverbal,” Jackson said. “Things go on that we don’t know about.”

The 7-year-old’s family said they felt compelled to speak out to protect their child.

“You have to know how to deal with autistic kids,” Shinika Hines, the child’s godmother, said. “Choices are everything. [The bus monitor] had a bad day. But being in the field for so long, while nurturing kids that also have bad days, [the bus monitor] made a bad choice.”

Grady County Schools confirmed that the bus monitor is no longer employed with the district.

The former employee was charged with simple battery, reports said. The school resource officer said officials are working toward an arrest.

The Grady County School System said they will not release the surveillance video at this time.

Statement released from Grady County School System regarding the bus monitor investigation:

The Grady County School System has completed its investigation into an incident involving a bus monitor on a Grady County school bus.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the individual involved is no longer employed by the Grady County School System. Law enforcement has been notified, and charges have been filed against the former employee involving simple battery.

The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. The Grady County School System takes all reports of misconduct seriously and acts promptly to ensure appropriate action is taken when concerns arise.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. The district will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and follow all established policies and procedures regarding employee conduct and student safety.

Due to the ongoing legal process and to protect the privacy of those involved, no further details will be released at this time.

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