The complaint alleges that the child, U.H., sustained bruises, scratches and headaches, and that the incident has left him anxious and reluctant to return to daycare.
State regulators cited the facility for violations of discipline, physical handling and supervision, adding that the incident was not the first safety concern.
Chynia Johnson was terminated immediately and is no longer employed at the center.
A judge is expected to set a hearing date within the next month, while the Harris family’s attorney is preparing evidence of negligence.
The parents say their son cries when they think of the incident, and the family is seeking counseling support.