Texas daycare worker allegedly kicked toddlers more than 100 times, stood on their hands
A Texas Daycare Worker Arrested for Abusing Toddlers
A Texas daycare worker has been arrested on allegations of physically abusing at least six toddlers over a three-month period. Catherine Guziejka, 44, is facing six counts of injury to a child with the intent to cause bodily harm and is currently in custody at the Smith County Jail.
A staff member at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care in Lindale, Texas, discovered footage of the incidents and informed one of the victim’s fathers, who then contacted authorities. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage from the daycare to gather more evidence.
Catherine Guziejka, 44, facing six counts of injury to a child with the intent to cause bodily injury after allegedly kicking and pushing toddlers at the daycare she worked at. (Smith County Jail records)
The sheriff’s office revealed that Guziejka was captured on video kicking six toddlers on 134 separate occasions between July and October. Shockingly, one video showed her kicking a 2-year-old boy in the lower back while he lay on the floor.
Several clips displayed Guziejka approaching children who were watching TV and kicking them from behind. The children, all two years old, were kicked about 21 times in total.
Moreover, the footage depicted Guziejka aggressively handling napping children, dragging them by their arms to a changing table, and forcefully adjusting their positions. In some instances, she allegedly stood on a child’s hands as a form of punishment.
Catherine Guziejka, 44, was booked into the Smith County Jail on Oct. 30. (iStock)
Authorities noted that Guziejka’s actions appeared random, intentional, unprovoked, and solely aimed at inflicting pain on the children. The daycare promptly terminated her employment upon learning of the abuse, and the owner reported the incident to the relevant authorities.
As a result of the investigation, Guziejka has been banned from working at any facility that caters to vulnerable individuals. The daycare has since changed ownership, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in its care.
It is crucial to ensure the safety and protection of children in daycare settings, and incidents of abuse should be reported and thoroughly investigated to prevent future harm.
