Daycare Worker Arrested in Infant Injury Case

A daycare worker in Austin, Texas, has been arrested and charged with a felony after allegedly causing a skull fracture to a 3-month-old infant. The incident occurred at Primrose School at Easton Park in southeast Austin on March 16th.

Details of the Incident

Leah Marie Stewart, 24, was booked into the Travis County Correctional Complex on March 31st, facing a second-degree felony charge of injury to a child by reckless omission. Her bond has been set at $10,000. According to the arrest affidavit, Stewart allegedly dropped the infant while tripping over a bouncer chair leg.

Delayed Reporting and Response

Following the fall, Stewart reportedly allowed the baby to nap and did not report the incident to anyone for approximately two and a half hours. She stated her reason for the delay was fear of losing her job and facing legal consequences. Instead, she attempted to soothe the crying infant.

Expert Commentary on Childcare Protocols

Experts emphasize the critical importance of strict protocols for childcare providers when injuries occur. These protocols include immediate injury assessment, seeking medical attention if necessary, notifying parents, and reporting serious incidents.

The Severity of Head Injuries

Kim Kofron, executive director of early childhood for Children at Risk, stressed the seriousness of head injuries in young children. She highlighted the need for immediate attention and adherence to established procedures. Training for childcare staff prepares them to handle such scenarios and avoid delaying action, especially after a potential head injury.

Timeline of Events

The affidavit details a significant delay in seeking medical care. Stewart noticed swelling around 1:24 p.m., but did not inform another caregiver until 2:24 p.m. The parents were contacted at 3:30 p.m., and the infant was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center at 3:54 p.m. X-rays confirmed the skull fracture.

Statements and Legal Considerations

Medical professionals at the hospital stated that the baby should have received immediate medical attention and should not have been allowed to sleep. Christy Black and Jordan Owens, franchise owners of Primrose School at Easton Park, released a statement expressing their heartbreak and confirming Stewart’s immediate termination. They are fully cooperating with law enforcement.

Max Massey of Zinda Law Group noted the higher legal standard applied in cases involving very young children, who cannot communicate their needs or protect themselves. This case adds to growing concerns regarding the safety of children in daycare settings.