Message from Christina (Tina) Christie
Wasserman Dean & Professor
UCLA School of Education & Information Studies
Dear ECE Families,
We take the responsibility of being entrusted with the care of your children extremely seriously and are committed to protecting their safety.
This is why I am writing to notify you that we have just been informed that a member of our teaching staff, Christopher Rodriguez, was arrested by the UCLA University Police Department (UCPD) on five misdemeanor charges including: two charges of misdemeanor sexual battery; one charge of misdemeanor false imprisonment; one charge of misdemeanor battery; and one charge of misdemeanor willful cruelty to a child.
When UCLA staff observed concerning behavior by Mr. Rodriguez, we promptly reported this incident to the appropriate agencies immediately. We also immediately placed Mr. Rodriguez on administrative leave, and he has not been back at ECE since that time. These reports, which led to Mr. Rodriguez’ arrest, are in accordance with our duty as mandated reporters and included the following agencies: Child Abuse Hotline, Department of Social Services/Community Care Licensing Division and UCPD. During his time at ECE, Mr. Rodriguez worked at two of our locations. He was based at the University Village ECE Center from 2001 to 2020, and at the Krieger Center from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2020 until he was placed on leave.
As a result of this information, we have taken some additional precautionary steps that include (but are not limited to):
- Changing the gate code
- Providing a refresher workshop for teachers and staff on Mandated Reporter duties
- Reminding teachers to be diligent in their observations
- Requesting increased UCPD patrol of our campus
Maintaining a trusting relationship with the children and families we serve is at the core of our mission at ECE. Given the seriousness of this situation, we have made the following services and information available to our students and families:
- A team of dedicated child psychologists led by Dr. Melissa Brymer, who can be reached at mbrymer@mednet.ucla.edu or by phone at 310.562.0442
- RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline: 800.656.4673 — staffed with trained individuals who can provide appropriate support
- For information and questions regarding the arrest, you can contact UCPD directly at 310.825.1491
The ECE administration is here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me or one of the resources noted above. 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. We also appreciate your respect for the privacy of the individuals involved.
Sincerely,
Christina (Tina) Christie
Wasserman Dean & Professor
UCLA School of Education & Information Studies
