SAN ANTONIO, Texas - As reported by MySanAntonio, The Button Law Firm is representing three families in a lawsuit against the YMCA of Central Texas after security footage exposed a pattern of inappropriate and harmful treatment of young children at a YMCA daycare program. The lawsuit alleges that the YMCA failed to properly supervise staff, ultimately allowing multiple incidents of mistreatment to occur over several weeks.
A Search for a Missing Shoe at a Texas Daycare Leads to Shocking Discovery
According to MySanAntonio, in late February 2024, YMCA Senior Program Director Julie Lichtner contacted Pflugerville ISD’s Human Resources Director to review security footage in search of a child’s missing shoe. During the call, the HR Director witnessed a YMCA caregiver, Geraline Browning, engaging in troubling disciplinary actions toward the children.
The footage captured Browning seated and focused on her phone while children played in a small, enclosed area. Moments later, she walked over to a child, aggressively grabbed her arm, and forced her to sit down. As the child cried in distress, Browning reacted by grabbing her by the throat, shaking her, and choking her, as detailed in the article. The child’s mother later reported that her daughter frequently returned home with unexplained bruises and scratches, which the YMCA could not explain.
Multiple Incidents of Inappropriate Discipline Revealed at the YMCA
After the first alarming discovery, security footage was reviewed, uncovering even more instances of unsafe childcare practices. The footage showed Browning roughly grabbing children by their necks, pulling them forcefully, and leaving them unsupervised. These incidents, which occurred between January and February 2024, raised serious concerns about the daycare’s lack of proper oversight and training.
Despite being made aware of the incidents, the YMCA did not immediately report them to the state or notify the parents of at least two affected children, as required by law. Instead of swiftly terminating Browning, the YMCA initially placed her on suspension. It was only after law enforcement became involved that she was ultimately fired.
Seeking Justice for the Three Affected Families
The three families represented by The Button Law Firm are seeking justice for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm their children endured. Daycare and child injury lawyer Russell Button stated, “The YMCA’s failure to maintain a safe and nurturing environment systemically put children at risk, and we refuse to let it continue. With this lawsuit, we are committed to making sure no child suffers at this daycare again.”
The Button Law Firm remains dedicated to fighting for families affected by bad daycares, schools, and companies that abuse and neglect the safety of children. This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability in daycare centers and the need for stronger measures to protect children from harm.
What to Do If Your Child Has Been Injured at Daycare
If you suspect that your child has been subjected to inappropriate treatment at a daycare facility, The Button Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced team of daycare and child injury lawyers is committed to holding negligent childcare providers accountable.
For a free case evaluation, contact The Button Law Firm at (214) 699-4409, email [email protected], or fill out our online contact form.
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