Shocking video appears to show childcare worker laughing at child under plastic container

An investigation is underway after a shocking video was circulated online, appearing to show a toddler pinned under a container at a childcare centre in the US.

A childcare worker can be seen standing next to the plastic container at Traditions Children’s Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, holding it down with her foot.

A crying toddler attempts to stand up from underneath the container but the employee pushes it back to the ground, laughing along with the staff member who was filming.

The alleged incident occurred a month ago, but Kristen Netteland, who owns the centre, told KCCI she only saw the footage this week.

The video was originally posted to Snapchat by another employee and was sent to KCCI by concerned parents.

“I understand one minute, kids can go from laughing and playing to crying, but if you know the little girl’s under there crying, don’t laugh and hold it back down,” one parent said.

After she found out about the incident, Netteland sent an email to employees saying the two staff members involved no longer worked for the centre.

The childcare is assisting the Department of Human Services in the investigation.