by St. Charles, Illinois — An Illinois daycare employee is facing criminal charges after police say she gave chewable laxatives to several toddlers at the childcare center where she worked, prompting alarmed calls from parents and a swift police investigation.
The alleged incident occurred Tuesday morning at a daycare facility located on West Main Street in St. Charles, according to the St. Charles Police Department.
Parents Alert Police to Concerning Symptoms
Police said they began receiving calls around 9:43 a.m. from multiple parents who reported unusual symptoms in their young children after drop-off at the daycare.
According to authorities, parents alleged that a daycare teacher had given their children a chewable laxative without parental consent or medical authorization.
Officers responded to the facility and launched an investigation into the reports.
Police Confirm Allegations Involving Multiple Toddlers
Following interviews and evidence collection, police said they confirmed the incidents had occurred.
Authorities identified three juvenile victims, all of whom were two years old or younger, according to a police statement.
Investigators did not specify how the laxatives were administered or the quantity given, but emphasized that the children were extremely young and vulnerable.
Suspect Identified and Charged
Police identified the suspect as Yizel J. Juarez, a resident of Sycamore, Illinois, who was employed at the daycare center at the time of the incident.
Juarez is facing the following charges:
- Three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under 13
- Three counts of endangering the life or health of a child
Authorities noted that while the endangerment charges are misdemeanors, the attempted aggravated battery counts are far more serious.
Teacher Turns Herself In
Police said Juarez voluntarily turned herself in at the St. Charles Police Department.
She was arrested, processed, issued a court date, and released from custody pending further legal proceedings.
As of the latest update, it remains unclear whether Juarez has retained legal counsel or entered a plea.
Children’s Conditions Not Fully Disclosed
Authorities did not release detailed medical information about the affected children, citing privacy concerns.
However, police stressed that giving laxatives to toddlers without medical direction can pose serious health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and gastrointestinal distress.
No long-term injuries have been publicly confirmed at this time.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine:
- Whether additional children may have been affected
- How the laxatives were obtained
- Whether similar incidents occurred previously
“The safety of children is our highest priority,” police stated, adding that all allegations involving young children are taken seriously.
Call for Additional Information
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the St. Charles Police Department Investigations Division.
Parents who believe their children may have been impacted are also encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.
The daycare facility’s name has not been publicly released, and officials have not confirmed whether it remains open as the case proceeds.
Community Concern Over Childcare Safety
The case has sparked concern among parents in the St. Charles area, highlighting broader questions about oversight, supervision, and safety standards in childcare settings.
Officials emphasized that licensed daycare workers are not permitted to administer medication to children without proper authorization and documentation.
What safeguards should daycare centers have in place to prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
