Hubbard, Texas — A Texas daycare owner is facing a felony charge after police accused her of restraining two toddlers and forcing one child to bite the other on the arm during an alleged incident at a daycare playground.
Jennifer Ann Garrett, 46, is charged with injury to a child, according to court records. The alleged incident reportedly happened Aug. 26 at Gracious Beginnings Day Care in Hubbard, a community about 30 miles northeast of Waco.
Authorities say video footage captured the disturbing interaction involving the two young children.
Police Say Video Captured the Alleged Incident
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit reported by local CBS affiliate KWTX, investigators reviewed video that allegedly showed Garrett interacting with two 2-year-old girls while they were outside on the playground.
Police said Garrett “deliberately” placed her hand on the back of one girl’s head and pushed it downward while raising the other toddler’s arm.
The affidavit alleges Garrett then forced the second child to bite the other toddler on the arm, in an area between the wrist and elbow.
Investigators reportedly described Garrett as physically restraining the child during the alleged bite.
“Garrett used her left hand to physically restrain Jane Doe #1’s right arm preventing Jane Doe #1 from being able to move her arm away from the pain from being bitten by Jane Doe #2,” cops reportedly wrote.
The account in the affidavit indicates that the child who was bitten was unable to pull her arm away while the alleged incident was taking place.
Toddler Appeared Upset After the Bite
According to the affidavit, the toddler who allegedly bit the other child raised both hands toward the sides of her own head as if she was upset.
The report also alleges that Garrett continued controlling the other girl’s arm after the bite.
Police said Garrett “forcefully kept control” of the child’s arm before “briskly” walking her toward the opposite side of the playground.
The affidavit does not indicate whether the bite broke the child’s skin.
It also does not explain what happened immediately before the alleged incident or what circumstances led to the interaction between the children.
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Investigation Involves Child Protective Services
The circumstances surrounding how authorities first became aware of the alleged incident have not been publicly detailed. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is also reportedly investigating the matter.
The investigation could provide additional information about what happened at the daycare and whether any other concerns involving the children or facility need to be addressed.
At this stage, the allegations described in the arrest affidavit are accusations, and Garrett is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Daycare Owner Was Arrested and Released on Bond
Garrett was arrested last week and taken to the Hill County Jail, according to the report. She has since posted bond and was released from custody.
Her next court date was not listed in the available information. Garrett is facing a third-degree felony charge of injury to a child. If convicted, she could face between two and 10 years in prison, according to the report.
The case remains pending, and additional details could emerge as the criminal and child-protection investigations continue.
Gracious Beginnings Promotes Child Care
The alleged incident occurred at Gracious Beginnings Day Care in Hubbard, where Garrett is identified as the owner. The daycare’s Facebook page describes its approach as providing “loving care while you’re not there.”
The allegations against Garrett are now the subject of a criminal case and a separate child-protection investigation. Authorities have not publicly provided additional details about the children involved, and the available report does not indicate the extent of any injury resulting from the alleged bite.
What do you think about the allegations in this Texas daycare case? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you think incidents involving children at daycare facilities should be handled.
