Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau

The victim was a 2-year-old minor at the time of the incident. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

PINELLAS COUNTY - Deputies have arrested a preschool teacher for child abuse on a student.

Deputies arrested 62-year-old preschool teacher Rebecca Bird for child abuse on a student at approximately 4:16 p.m. on July 18, 2022.

Bird was charged with one count of Felony Child Abuse.

According to deputies, the victim’s mother was informed by the school that her child had been the victim of battery.

During the investigation, deputies discovered that Bird forcefully grabbed the victim several times and, in another incident, caused the victim to fall to the ground. Deputies also discovered that the incidents were captured on the school’s surveillance video. Bird was employed as a preschool teacher at Aldersgate Christian Learning Center from July 12, 2022 until she was terminated on the morning of July 18, 2022, after the school had reviewed the surveillance video.

At this time, deputies believe there are no additional victims.

The investigation continues.