An Illinois daycare worker is facing criminal charges after police say she gave laxatives to toddlers so they would get sick and be sent home, claiming she felt overwhelmed at work.
According to CBS Chicago, 23-year-old Yizel J. Juarez worked at The Learning Experience daycare in St. Charles, Illinois, where she allegedly gave chewable laxatives to at least three children, all under the age of 2, telling them the medication was “candy.” Investigators believe the goal was to cause diarrhea so the children would be sent home under the daycare’s illness policy.
Parents reportedly became concerned after noticing ongoing stomach issues in their children. After complaints were raised, police launched an investigation that led to Juarez being identified as the suspect.
Juarez has since been fired from the daycare and charged with multiple misdemeanor counts, including attempted aggravated battery and child endangerment. She later turned herself in and was released pending a court date.
The case has sparked outrage among parents and renewed conversations about childcare safety, staffing shortages, and oversight, especially in environments caring for very young children.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
