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Former Chester County Day Care, Preschool Director Arrested For Failing To Report Child Abuse, Prosecutors Say

WESTTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The former director of a Chester County day care and preschool was arrested after prosecutors say she failed to report child abuse. Police arrested Tiffany Nichols on Tuesday.

She's the former executive director of the Malvern School in Westtown.

Prosecutors say eyewitnesses told Nichols about "abuse accusations" against a teacher in October, but she did not immediately contact the authorities.

"As the executive director and a mandated reporter, it was the legal and moral duty of Tiffany Nichols to ensure the safety and care of all children at The Malvern School. It is unconscionable that the defendant failed to protect these innocent, nonverbal, and defenseless young children. By not immediately notifying Childline, authorities, and the parents about her employee's actions, she allowed abuse to continue. This astonishing criminal behavior will never be tolerated," Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said.

"The safety of our students at The Malvern School is our most important priority, and we take our responsibility as mandated reporters extremely seriously," Debra Martin, director of operations of The Malvern School, said. "Our leaders and teachers are required and trained to act immediately when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of our students, and we do not tolerate lapses in this protocol. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring our students learn and grow with teachers and staff who are fully dedicated to their care, growth and wellbeing."

That teacher was also arrested earlier this year.

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