Central Texas Daycare Faces Lawsuit Over Infant THC Exposure Incident

In a shocking case in Williamson County, Texas, two families have initiated legal action against The Learning Junction Early Education Center. The lawsuit claims that their infant daughters were repeatedly exposed to dangerously high levels of Delta-9 THC due to a caregiver allegedly vaping in the classroom. Surveillance footage from the daycare has raised alarming concerns over the health implications for the children involved.

The affected infants, aged 8 and 9 months, began showing symptoms such as bloodshot eyes and respiratory issues, which the families believe are directly linked to the exposure from the caregiver's THC vape pen. The footage reportedly shows the caregiver not only using the vape pen in close proximity to the babies, but also neglecting proper supervision and sanitation practices, violating multiple childcare laws designed to safeguard children's wellbeing.

Families Christopher Schwarz and Haley Van Every assert that the caregiver’s actions constituted negligence, claiming that her on-going vaping was untreated by the daycare’s administrators. The lawsuit states that there was clear awareness of the unsafe practices, but no corrective measures were taken by the director or owner of the facility. This raises significant questions about the daycare's commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for the children.

According to the lawsuit, a horrifying incident occurred on November 19, 2024, when Van Every’s daughter was picked up from daycare only to exhibit lethargy and instability. Testing at a local emergency room confirmed the child had THC levels reportedly 132 times above what is acceptable for a positive test result. This grim discovery has led to heightened scrutiny of both the caregiver's behavior and the daycare's overall practices.

Further investigation revealed that it was not an isolated incident. The caregiver allegedly told law enforcement that she would vape inside the infant classroom multiple times a day, bringing the vape pen to the center two to three days a week. Disturbingly, she also allegedly mishandled the pen and attempted to cover the smell with aerosol spray, all while attending to the infants.

In light of these violations, The Learning Junction Early Education Center has faced substantial repercussions, including citation from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for a total of 24 safety violations. Among these violations were failures to maintain a drug-free environment and insufficient supervision, each of which potentially endangered the infants entrusted to their care.

Now, legal representatives for the families involved are speaking out. Russell Button, a daycare injury attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed shock at the level of neglect illustrated by this incident. He stated, “These babies were forced to inhale THC vape smoke before they were even old enough to crawl.” The plaintiffs have articulated grave concerns over potential long-term developmental issues that their daughters may face as a result of the exposure.

As the legal battle unfolds, the pressing issue remains: how to ensure the safety of children in daycare settings. It raises vital questions about the oversight of such facilities and whether current regulations are sufficient to protect vulnerable children from negligence and abuse. The impacts of this case extend beyond the families directly affected, touching on a collective responsibility to uphold standards in childcare centers across the nation.

This lawsuit reflects a growing concern among parents about safety in childcare, especially in contexts where drug use is involved. The outcomes may influence future regulations, hopefully fortifying protections for infants in these nurturing environments. Parents, educators, and stakeholders alike wait closely for the judicial system's response to this shocking breach of duty, amidst hopes for stronger safeguards for the future.

The case has garnered attention as a testament to the fight against negligence in childcare settings, emphasizing that vigilance is key in protecting the youngest members of our communities.