Yizel J Juarez: Daycare worker charged after allegedly giving laxatives to several toddlers

An Illinois daycare worker has been charged after she allegedly gave laxatives to multiple toddlers under her care, prompting an investigation and alarmed calls from parents.

Authorities say the incident unfolded on the morning of February 3, when several parents contacted police claiming their young children had been given a chewable laxative by a teacher at a daycare facility on West Main Street in St Charles.

Officers launched an investigation and say they identified three alleged victims who were all aged two years or younger.

Police allege the incidents were confirmed during their inquiry.

Yizel J Juarez, of Sycamore, was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under 13, as well as three misdemeanour counts of endangering the life or health of a child, People reported.

According to police, Ms Juarez later turned herself in at the St Charles Police Department, where she was formally arrested, issued a court date and released from custody pending further proceedings.

It remains unclear whether Ms Juarez has secured legal representation to respond to the allegations.

The case follows heightened scrutiny of childcare safety after another recent incident involving alleged exposure to harmful substances at a daycare centre in Texas.

Authorities in Prosper, Texas, arrested a daycare employee after four infants were hospitalised with what officials described as unusual symptoms.

“Evidence suggests these four students were exposed to THC, the active ingredient found in marijuana,” Prosper authorities told local ABC affiliate WFAA.

The children, all about a year old, were transported to the hospital for treatment before being released.

Investigators allege the exposure was linked to THC-laced gummies found in clothing belonging to a teacher, Anisah Burks, who was later arrested and charged with multiple counts of injury to a child and possession of a controlled substance.

School officials said emergency services were contacted after staff noticed the children were unwell.

Primrose School of Prosper said it conducts background checks on all staff before employment.

“As part of our stringent safety measures, we conduct background checks on all teachers and staff members prior to their hire. The individual involved was subjected to those same background checks as all our teachers.”

The school described the incident as isolated.

“Words cannot sufficiently express our deep concern over this matter. We have every reason to believe, including from the authorities, that this was an isolated incident involving one teacher who was immediately terminated,” the school said.

“We are praying for a quick recovery for these children and are relieved that they are all home from the hospital.”

City officials acknowledged the school’s cooperation.

“We appreciate the continued cooperation of Primrose School of Prosper as well as the public during the ongoing investigation.”

Both investigations remain active as authorities examine how the incidents occurred and whether additional safeguards are needed in childcare environments.