News Summary
Yaritza Martinez, a behavior interventionalist at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School in Providence, has been arrested for allegedly biting a 6-year-old student. The incident occurred during a confrontation after the child threw paint in the classroom. Following the altercation, the student reported injuries to the school nurse, prompting an investigation and leading to Martinez’s arrest. She has been placed on administrative leave while the school investigates the incident, which raises serious concerns about student safety and educator conduct.
Providence Behavior Interventionalist Arrested for Allegedly Biting 6-Year-Old Student
Providence, R.I. – Yaritza Martinez, a behavior interventionalist at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School, has been arrested for allegedly biting a 6-year-old student on September 5. She faces charges of simple assault or battery following the incident, which has raised serious concerns regarding student safety and professional conduct within the educational environment.
The altercation reportedly began after the student threw paint across a room, leading to a confrontation with Martinez. This interaction occurred in Martinez’s office at around 2:15 p.m., away from any witnesses. Subsequently, the young boy visited the school nurse, where he disclosed that he had been hit and bitten by the staff member. A police report confirmed the child sustained scratches on his neck and a visible bite mark on his back, resulting from the encounter.
Maria Petrosinelli, the principal of Lillian Feinstein Elementary School, stated that the incident violated professional standards. An investigation was promptly initiated to address the situation. Following the altercation, Martinez was placed on paid administrative leave, and she had already exited the school premises before law enforcement was notified about an hour later. Principal Petrosinelli indicated that she had initially intended to report the incident but was occupied with the school’s dismissal procedures at that time. Additionally, the child’s guardian was not made aware of the incident until after school had concluded for the day.
The investigation further revealed that the police chief described the bite as “minor” and stated that it did not break the child’s skin. In response to the allegations, Martinez voluntarily turned herself in to the Providence Police Department and was subsequently released under the condition that she maintain no contact with the affected student.
In a broader context, a separate, unrelated matter concerning unprofessional behavior by another educator at the same school is also under scrutiny. Principal Petrosinelli underscored that these incidents do not reflect the values of the school community, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to student safety and overall well-being throughout such challenging circumstances.
To further support students affected by the incident, the school has activated its Student Support Services team, which will provide necessary guidance and care to both the students involved and their families. It is crucial for the school community to come together during this time to ensure the well-being of all students.
Yaritza Martinez has been a member of the Providence School District since 2021, and her future with the school remains uncertain as legal proceedings develop. A pre-trial conference for Martinez has been scheduled for November 7, where further details will likely emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the ongoing investigations.
This incident highlights the need for schools to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all students. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further information on both the specific case involving Martinez and the other educator under investigation.
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- Turn to 10 News
- Boston Globe
- GoLocalProv
- ABC6 News
- People Magazine
- Wikipedia: Child abuse
- Google Search: school behavior interventionist arrest
- Google Scholar: educator misconduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: education
- Google News: Providence school incident
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
