DAYTON, Ohio -- Police said a day care worker in Dayton is being investigated, accused of punching a 4-year-old boy.

According to the police report, the incident was witnessed by a teacher and now the suspect is facing charges.

On Thursday, officials at the Montgomery County Court filed a misdemeanor assault charge against the day care worker. However, officials with YMCA’s Grace Childcare Center said the woman had been fired.

According to police reports, another worker witnessed the whole incident, saying it started when she saw the boy attempt to slap is teacher in the face.

The police report said, the day care worker, 25-year-old Sherra Howard, then allegedly hit back.

Police reports said the teacher “punched the boy one time with a closed fist in the chest, which caused him to fall down crying”

Howard then allegedly “grabbed his leg and spanked his bottom numerous times with her open had,” the police report said.

The day care rents space out of Grace United Methodist Church on Harvard Avenue, but it is operated by the YMCA.

Police said child was not seriously injured. Howard is expected to be in court on Dec. 3.

The CEO of the YMCA, Tim Helm issued the following statement:
"The YMCA of Greater Dayton is one of the largest providers of childcare in the Miami Valley. As such, we consider the safety and well being of the children and families we serve to be the top priority of our organization and we go to great lengths to ensure that all children in our care are safe. All employees are background checked prior to hiring and sign a code of conduct which outlines our expectations for every staff member’s interaction and conduct with children. As with any organization that hires employees to work with people, we expect our employees to follow our policies and procedures and deal appropriately with those in their care. Clearly, this person acted inappropriately while caring for this child. One of our staff members observed the inappropriate behavior, immediately removed the child from the situation and cared for the child’s needs. The supervisor was alerted and immediately contacted the proper authorities and the parents. The employee in question was then immediately terminated. The YMCA is fully cooperating with local authorities and has fully reviewed our operating policies and procedures and is committed to ensuring that we provide the safest environment possible to the children and families we serve."