Former Preschool Teacher Found Guilty of Child Abuse Involving 3-Year-Old

A previous Natick preschool teacher has been found guilty for assaulting a child, an accusation dating back to May 2022.

Former Natick Preschool Teacher Guilty of Child Abuse

Sophie Varatharasa, aged 44, faced trial before a judge after the defense opted for this case. According to prosecutors, Varatharasa, who was employed at the now-closed Community Montessori School, allegedly caused bruising to the ears of a three-year-old child from Holliston.

During the trial held on Friday, the judge heard testimonies from the parents of the affected child. Additionally, a child abuse specialist provided testimony, indicating that the injuries likely occurred during school hours.

The judge discovered the testimonies to be compelling, noting that Varatharasa was the lone adult present in the basement toddler room with ten toddlers.

Prosecutors have declared that they do not plan to seek imprisonment for Varatharasa, who is presently not in custody. She is expected to be sentenced in the upcoming week.

Sophie Varatharasa, who served as a teacher in 2021 at the Community Montessori School in Natick, a daycare managed by her sister Lucie Varatharasa, faced an accusation of assault and battery.

During the preliminary held in Natick District Court, the boy's parents testified, along with a child abuse expert who determined that the injuries to the child's ears likely happened while he was at the daycare.

The preliminary was overseen by a judge rather than a jury. In delivering the decision, the judge considered the expert testimony and the absence of other adults in the classroom when the injury took place.

Judge Matthew McGrath also took into account a child abuse expert's assessment that photographs taken throughout the day supported the conclusion that the injury occurred at the daycare.

McGrath highlighted an unusual statement made by Varatharasa to the boy's father regarding the incident. Sophie Varatharasa and Lucie Varatharasa, who chose not to comment as they left court, were both present during the trial.

Parents of the Child Expressed Contentment with the Result

Following the decision, the boy's parents, who wished to keep their identities secret, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. They emphasized the importance of holding abusers accountable and raising awareness about childcare vulnerabilities. They also called attention to regulatory deficiencies within the current system.

In 2022, the boy's parents had voiced frustration with the state's investigation, during which Lucie Varatharasa denied knowledge of how the child sustained the injury. Lucie has not faced charges.

The Community Montessori School, previously cited for regulatory violations, has since closed. However, Lucie Varatharasa's name is associated with another daycare, Robbin's Roost Daycare, at the same location, with no records of abuse.

Regarding accountability for the school's actions, the boy's mother expressed dissatisfaction with the state's response, characterizing it as insufficient.

Sentencing for Sophie Varatharasa is scheduled for next week, with the prosecutor indicating no intention to seek incarceration. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care provides information online about licensed childcare programs, including inspection results and closed investigations.