Brooklyn mother outraged after daughter, 5, left behind at school

WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A kindergartner’s first day of school turned into a nightmare for one Brooklyn family, raising serious safety concerns among parents.

Angelica Vasquez is demanding answers and improved safety measures after her 5-year-old daughter was left unattended in the schoolyard of PS 250, The George H. Lindsay School, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Vasquez recounts the alarming incident: “The principal calls me and tells me that apparently they were out for recess and that my child was left outside in the playground.”

Initially, she was told a student had found her daughter. However, upon speaking with her child, Vasquez learned it was actually a pedestrian who discovered the girl crying in the yard.

The mother’s concern deepened when she realized the potential danger her daughter faced. “All gates were accessible, opened for any pedestrians to come in or out,” Vasquez explained.

This security lapse was confirmed when cameras caught the same gates open during recess on a subsequent day.

Vasquez emphasized the trust parents place in schools and teachers: “We put our trust in these teachers and for it to be the first day of school and my kid goes missing makes it a whole lot worse.”

The incident has left both mother and child shaken, with Vasquez considering switching schools despite previous positive experiences.

Calling for improved safety measures, Vasquez insisted, “They should take better precautions with the children.” She specifically pointed out that “Gates should be closed at all times during school hours.” Vasquez also questioned why neither of the two teachers assigned to the classroom noticed her child was missing.

NYC Schools responded with a statement: “It is essential that our students are safe at school. We take this incident extremely seriously; we are currently investigating and will take follow-up action as appropriate. In the meantime, district leadership is working with the school to ensure proper safety and supervision at all times and provide any needed support to this student.”

While the principal reportedly told Vasquez that the teacher would be disciplined, she feels this response is inadequate. “It’s a little traumatizing as a mother, to go through that experience of somebody calling you and telling you they almost lost your child,” Vasquez shared.

As the investigation continues, Vasquez remains concerned about how long her daughter was left outside. She also expressed gratitude to the pedestrian who found her daughter.

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