I'm looking for a bit of advice and reassurance please. My DD is 3 - she has always been confident and bubbly. She started preschool for the first time after February half term. Within the first two weeks she was hit by a child and I think this really rocked her. I am certain this child has additional needs, he has not hit her since, but he has been antagonistic to her and hurt other children - I get the impression something happens daily. DD also gets very upset when he hurts other children. The preschool do keep me informed and said to DD they will keep her safe.
This morning she saw this child whilst we were waiting in the line and she visibly trembled and got upset and she didn't realise I had noticed.
I have no idea how to manage this situation. I tell her if anyone hurts her to walk away, tell an adult and tell me. I've tried not to make too much of a big deal out of the incidents so I don't attach too much power to it. But obviously she is her own person with her own mind and it is impacting her. Obviously in life she will come across lots of personalities and I tell her that some children need extra help with certain things - but obviously reiterate that it is still never okay to hurt people. But then if he continues to do it where do I go from there?
How would you manage this situation please? What would you say to your DD? I am planning to bring it up with the preschool but I wonder what else they can do about the situation. My biggest fear is her not feeling safe, being hurt again, losing her confidence and this having a lasting impact on her interactions. Any help or reassurance would be great - thank you.
Might be worth mentioning - she does enjoy preschool while she's there and loves her key-worker, so it isn't all negative.