Shreveport Toddler Left Alone in Classroom for Hours, Staff Fired

SHREVEPORT, LA – Frightening moments for a Shreveport family when they did not know where a young child was. The 3-year-old autistic child is a student at 81st Street Early Childhood Education Center. But the child was left in a classroom alone for several hours after school. The little boy was not put on his bus for the ride home.

School officials have investigated what happened and a Caddo Parish School District employee has been fired while another one has been placed on administrative leave.

Superintendent Keith Burton issued a statement after finding out about what happened. He said:

Let me be clear: we will not tolerate actions that compromise student safety, and we are holding those responsible fully accountable.

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SPD says school leaders have been cooperating with this investigation.

The little boy’s mother, Tekiyah Evans tells KTBS she was waiting at the bus stop for her son Kyler to get off the bus, but when he did not, she quickly sped off to the school to try to find him.

The school was locked up, but a janitor did come to the door and let her in. The youngster was found in a dark classroom playing.

Burton says he takes the safety of children very seriously.

"This situation is not indicative of the expectations we have for our staff, and we are taking decisive action to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence."

Burton adds:

Our educators and staff are dedicated to creating a secure, nurturing, and enriching environment where all students can thrive. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that every child in Caddo Parish Public Schools is safe, supported, and given the best possible educational experience.