Texas – In a deeply unsettling incident in Texas, a mother has taken legal action after her toddler son was subjected to harsh treatment by a caregiver. The alleged abuse, captured on the facility’s camera, has sparked a lawsuit and raised serious concerns about child safety protocols within daycare environments.
On July 27, 2023, the father of a 2-year-old boy decided to check on his son using the daycare’s live video system. What he witnessed left him horrified. The video allegedly showed a caregiver at The Children’s Courtyard daycare center covering the boy completely with a blanket and hitting him in an attempt to make him sleep. According to the lawsuit filed by the boy’s mother, A. Dominguez, the caregiver was seen smothering the child with a blanket from head to toe. As the toddler struggled to sleep, the caregiver reportedly uncovered his head and began slapping him repeatedly in the face and head with significant force.
The abuse didn’t stop there. Court documents describe how, after the slaps, the caregiver covered the boy once again with the blanket and started smacking his back forcefully, causing the child’s body to rock with each hit. The distressing footage showed the toddler trying to protect his face and head from the blows using his hands. The incident was immediately reported to the daycare management by the boy’s father. However, the response was alarmingly inadequate—the facility failed to report the incident to the authorities, prompting the family to take further action. The case has since drawn the attention of the Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Department of Family and Protective Services. An independent investigation led to the day care being cited for multiple child safety violations, including physical abuse and the use of prohibited punishment tactics.
The lawsuit highlights not only the specific incident but also points to a troubling history at The Children’s Courtyard. Records indicate that the facility had multiple citations, investigations, and deficiencies regarding child safety dating back to 2019. Dominguez’s attorney, emphasized the severity of the negligence, stating that the daycare’s record is filled with “alarm bells and red flags” regarding child safety. The Children’s Courtyard has responded by stating that the health and safety of the children they serve are of utmost priority. They confirmed that the employees involved in the incident are no longer with the center and reiterated their cooperation with regulatory authorities. However, they declined further comment due to ongoing litigation.
For the family of the 2-year-old boy., the legal battle is not just about seeking justice for the unimaginable trauma their child endured but also about ensuring that no other child suffers similar abuse. The incident has devastated the family, with the toddler’s mother voicing her shock and disbelief at the cruel treatment her son received under the care of trusted professionals. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilant oversight and strict adherence to safety protocols in child care settings. The outcome of this lawsuit may bring necessary changes to how day care centers are regulated and monitored, potentially preventing future incidents of abuse.
