Can you imagine sending your child to daycare and, instead of being properly cared for, they’re getting kicked around like a soccer ball!?!? Well, that’s exactly what six toddlers sadly experienced at the hands of a daycare worker, and now she’s facing the consequences for her horrific actions.
According to The New York Post, investigators were first alerted to Catherine Guziejka’s alleged abuse by one of the victim’s parents. Another staff member at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care in Lindale witnessed video footage of some of the incidents and immediately informed one father.
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In one disturbing segment of the footage, Guziejka is seen kicking a 2-year-old boy in his lower back while he was lying on the floor. Furthermore, other toddlers were reportedly yanked from their beds during nap time and dragged by their arms to a changing table. Miss Guziejka, who began working at the daycare in September 2023, is also accused of punishing some toddlers by standing on their hands. Overall, she faces accusations of abusing these children on 134 separate occasions.
Not only was she fired after the daycare’s owner learned of the abuse, but she was also arrested. Guziejka has remained in custody since her arrest on October 30 on six counts of injury to a child with the intent to cause bodily harm.
As many are aware, abusing children as a daycare worker carries severe consequences, both legally and professionally. Legally, perpetrators can face criminal charges, including felony assault or child abuse, which may result in substantial prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Professionally, they risk losing their job and any licensure or certification, making it nearly impossible to work in childcare or related fields again.
The daycare has since been sold to a new owner, who plans to completely rebrand the business.