In a troubling event at a Bright Horizons daycare in Plano, Texas, a 20-month-old girl, identified only as G.C., was exposed to nicotine after accessing a vape pen belonging to a daycare employee. This incident, which occurred on January 22, resulted in severe symptoms for the child, including a swollen face, persistent cough, and vomiting. The child’s mother, Jocelyn Carter, has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the daycare.
The Daycare Incident Unfolded
The alarming discovery was made when a Bright Horizon employee noticed the toddler with a pink vape pen and observed smoke and mist emanating from her nose and mouth. Despite this critical situation, the employee who owned the vape pen merely retrieved it and stored it away without alerting anyone. This lack of immediate action led to significant delays in addressing the child’s exposure to nicotine.
Legal and Health Repercussions
The incident has sparked legal action and an investigation by Texas’s Health and Human Services Child-Care Licensing Division and the Department of Family and Protective Services. The daycare was cited for neglectful supervision and failing to meet the reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and neglect. The legal complaint highlights the severe health risks associated with children ingesting nicotine, noting that even small amounts can be fatal.
Daycare’s Response and Parental Outrage
Bright Horizons communicated the truth to Carter eight days after the incident but did not disclose the substance in the vape pen or explain how G.C. accessed it. The employee responsible for the vape pen resigned following a suspension, but the employee who found the toddler with the pen was not dismissed for failing to report the incident. This response, or lack thereof, has intensified the distress for the child’s family.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Vigilance in Child Care
It’s a wild world when a toddler can go from naptime to a nicotine mishap! As shocking as it sounds, it’s a serious wake-up call for daycare centers everywhere. What are your thoughts on ensuring the safety of our little ones in such settings? Should daycare employees face stricter regulations? Join the discussion below, and don’t forget to keep up with more news at vapeast.com.
