A Texas daycare is under investigation after a video showing the alleged abuse of a little girl went viral via social media. Authorities announced the investigation into the incident on Thursday.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports that the footage was recorded at the “My Little Playhouse” daycare center, located in the 3600 block of 50th Street in Lubbock. In the video, a woman who appeared to be an employee of the center is heard saying, “stop,” and, “stand up,” to a little girl, as she pulled by her shoulders and hair.
Others were heard laughing in the background in the approximately one-minute long video.
“No ma’am, eat your food!,” the worker said, instructing the little girl, as she apparently pulled the child by her hair again, according to the video. The small child in question stood at the table, perhaps distracted by the unfolding events, where other children could be seen sitting around tables at mealtime.
Lubbock Police Department spokeswoman Tiffany Taylor told the outlet that the department is “aware” of the footage, adding that a probe is underway.
“The owners and Directors of My Little Playhouse Learning Center LLC were made aware of video footage posted on social media at approximately 11:45 a.m.,” the owner of the daycare center reportedly said in a statement to the newspaper.
“Staff involved were fired immediately. Local authorities (LPD) has been notified and are investigating accordingly. Texas Department of Childcare Licensing has also been notified.”
Further, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS), Paul Zimmerman, indicated “the agency is also investigating the incident for abuse or neglect.”
Over the span of three years, “20 deficiencies were cited during compliance inspections conducted by DFPS at the center,” according to the newspaper. However, none of the aforementioned deficiencies “involved concerns of physical abuse.”
This is a developing story. Check back with CrimeOnline for further updates.
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