A Suffolk daycare worker has been charged with three counts of simple assault for allegedly slapping, smacking and sitting on an 18-month-old child in her care at First Baptist Day School in Downtown Suffolk.

Ila Arlene Howell, 22, of the 6500 block of Holland Road, turned herself in to police on Saturday, according to Suffolk spokesperson Debbie George, who said police had tried to serve warrants on the woman Friday but had been unsuccessful.

George said Monday that the charges stem from separate incidents that are alleged to have happened with one child during the last two weeks in October.

Police began their investigation after the toddler’s parents notified them of a problem, according to George. Police then notified the Suffolk Department of Social Services, which is conducting its own investigation.

The daycare center terminated Howell’s employment after the allegations came to light, George said.

Howell has been released from the Western Tidewater Regional Jail on bond.