(WTTW News)

An employee at a Portage Park elementary school has been removed after she allegedly inappropriately touched a 4-year-old student.

In a letter sent this week, Reinberg Elementary principal Edwin Loch informed parents and families that a staffer has been pulled from the school following an allegation that they “engaged inappropriately with a student.”

“Please know that we are taking this situation seriously, and we remain committed to providing your children with a safe, positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential,” Loch said in the letter.

According to Chicago police, the victim — a 4-year-old girl — told investigators a woman she knew had inappropriately touched her. The incident occurred sometime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The victim was then taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital for treatment. No one was in custody as of Friday afternoon, a police spokesperson said, and Area Five detectives are investigating.

Beyond a police investigation, Loch said Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Inspector General is also reviewing the matter, and the district’s Office of Student Protections and Title IX is connecting the student with available support.

“Based on the information learned during the OIG’s investigation,” Loch said, “a final determination will be made regarding whether it is appropriate for this individual to return to Reinberg.”

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431