A teacher at one of UCLA’s child care centers was arrested and booked on suspicion of sex abuse of a child, the school told parents Wednesday. Christopher Rodriguez was arrested by the UCLA Police Department after other staff members reported his “concerning behavior,” and “inappropriate contact with a minor student,” according to the university.

Rodriguez worked for the university’s Early Care and Education Department, which provides child care and other services for UCLA students, faculty, and staff with young children. He was booked on five misdemeanor charges, including single counts of false imprisonment, battery, and willful cruelty to a child and two counts of sexual battery, said Christina Christie, the dean of the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies.

While it was not clear exactly what led to Rodriguez’s arrest, UCLA said that after he was reported by his colleagues, he was put on administrative leave and has not been back to ECE since then. Rodriguez was a longtime employee of the department, working at the university’s Krieger Center from 1999 to 2001, then at the University Village ECE Center until 2020, then back to the Krieger Center from 2020 until he was put on leave.

UCLA said Rodriguez had been on leave since Dec. 18, when the investigation into him was opened. It was not clear what date Rodriguez was arrested, or if prosecutors have formally filed charges against him. The school said it provided a team of child psychologists for the children in its care, changed the gate codes at the centers, and is giving staff members refresher workshops about their legal duty to report suspected abuse or neglect.

“While we value and honor our commitment to an open and honest community, the sensitive nature of this situation limits what we are able to share with you,” the school wrote in the message to parents. “We also appreciate your respect for the privacy of the individuals involved.” In a statement to The Times, UCLA called the allegations “deeply concerning.”

“Assault or sexual harassment of any kind is reprehensible and intolerable. Our top priority is the well-being and safety of the children in our care,” the university said.

The recent arrest of a teacher at UCLA’s child care center has sent shock waves through the university community. Christopher Rodriguez, a longtime employee of the Early Care and Education Department, was arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse, prompting concerns and questions among parents and staff members.

According to the UCLA Police Department, Rodriguez was arrested after his colleagues reported his “concerning behavior” and “inappropriate contact with a minor student.” The arrest has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the children under his care.

The university has taken immediate action, putting Rodriguez on administrative leave and providing support for the children and families affected by the allegations. In a message to parents, UCLA emphasized its commitment to transparency and honesty while also respecting the privacy of the individuals involved.

The allegations have prompted the university to review its child protection policies and provide additional training for staff members on their legal duty to report suspected abuse or neglect. This proactive response reflects UCLA’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all children in its care.

As the investigation unfolds, the UCLA community is grappling with the shock and disbelief of these disturbing allegations. The university has reiterated its commitment to the well-being and safety of the children, expressing deep concern and a zero-tolerance policy for any form of assault or sexual harassment.

The recent events have left the UCLA community reeling, as they grapple with the implications of these troubling allegations. The university’s swift and transparent response demonstrates its commitment to addressing the situation with the utmost care and urgency.

As the investigation continues, UCLA’s priority remains the well-being and safety of the children in its care. The university is working to provide the necessary support and resources for the affected families, while also reinforcing its dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children.