A Texas mother, Joselyn Carter, has filed a lawsuit against Bright Horizons at Legacy daycare, alleging that they jeopardized her 20-month-old daughter’s safety by allowing her to access and inhale from a caregiver’s vape pen. The lawsuit claims negligence and failure to provide a safe environment, highlighting systemic issues within the daycare.
On her daughter’s first day at the daycare, Carter’s daughter, identified as “GC” in the lawsuit, allegedly gained access to a vape pen belonging to a caregiver, Latera Williams. Another employee, Zora Herani, reported witnessing GC with the pink vape pen, smoke emanating from the child’s nose and mouth.
According to the complaint, Herani did not immediately report the incident due to fear of repercussions and lack of clarity on reporting procedures. Carter alleges that despite witnessing the incident, the daycare staff failed to notify emergency services, police, or even her, the parent.
Carter claims that upon picking up GC, she immediately noticed swollen, red, and puffy eyes. When questioned, the caregiver allegedly dismissed the concern, attributing it to GC being a “good sleeper.” Later that night, GC developed a severe cough leading to vomiting and required medical attention.
Eight days later, Carter was finally informed about the vape pen incident, although the specific substance ingested was not disclosed. The lawsuit states that Williams resigned after being suspended, while Herani faced no disciplinary action.
The Plano Police Department’s investigation reportedly confirmed that GC had inhaled vapor from a Lost Mary OS5000 disposable vape pen containing 40mg of nicotine, a highly dangerous substance, especially for a child.
Independent investigations by the Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services corroborated Carter’s claims of inadequate supervision and failure to report.
Adding to the concern, Carter’s lawsuit claims this is not an isolated incident. Allegedly, Bright Horizons at Legacy has a history of violating Texas daycare safety laws, including inadequate caregiver training, unsafe sleep practices, and instances of caregiver misconduct towards children.
Carter’s lawsuit seeks accountability and damages from Bright Horizons for the traumatic experience and potential long-term effects on her daughter. The lawsuit underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, proper employee training, and a culture of transparency in childcare facilities.
Russell Button, Carter’s attorney, emphasizes the need for daycare centers to prioritize child safety, adhere to regulations, and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of retaliation. He highlights the lawsuit’s aim to uncover systemic failures and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The case raises crucial questions about the adequacy of safety protocols in childcare facilities and the responsibility of daycare providers in ensuring the well-being of children entrusted to their care. It emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance, effective supervision, and prompt reporting of any incidents that could potentially endanger children. The lawsuit’s outcome could have significant implications for daycare regulations and parental awareness regarding child safety in such settings.
