Signs That My Child Is Being Sexually Abused at a Daycare Center in Celina

What Actions Are Considered Sexual Abuse at Daycare Centers in Celina?

Many parents assume daycare sexual abuse refers only to violent assault, but under Texas childcare laws, it includes any sexual contact or behavior with a child that violates their safety or bodily autonomy.

At a daycare center in Celina, sexual abuse can include the following behavior or action by a caregiver or another child:

• Encouraging sexual behavior or comments from a child
• Exposing a child to sexual acts or materials (including photos, videos, or conversations)
• Forcing or coercing a child to touch someone else’s private areas
• Inappropriate physical contact, such as tickling, hugging, or lap-sitting, that crosses boundaries
• Penetration or attempted penetration of any kind
• Taking or sharing explicit photos or videos of a child
• Touching a child’s genitals, anus, or chest area for sexual purposes

It’s important to remember that, under Texas law, children cannot consent to sexual activity. Even if the child doesn’t appear to resist or doesn’t fully understand what’s happening, these actions are considered abuse and are criminal offenses.

What Are Emotional or Behavioral Signs of Daycare Sexual Abuse?

Behavioral changes are often the first red flags that a child is being sexually abused at a daycare center in Celina. Some key signs are that your child suddenly:

• Acting out sexually or using explicit language beyond their age
• Becoming withdrawn, fearful, or unusually quiet
• Displaying signs of shame, guilt, or fear around specific caregivers at the daycare center
• Experiencing an uptick in nightmares, bedwetting, or clinginess
• Refusing to go to daycare or crying excessively at drop-off
• Sudden tantrums, mood swings, aggression, or regressing in their developmental milestones

While any one sign doesn’t confirm daycare sexual abuse, consistent or escalating changes should never be ignored. And, kids can go through many phases, especially when they are younger. We urge you to consider the following:

• When did their behavior start? For example, did it coincide with attending or switching daycare centers in the community?
• Where does your child’s change in behavior occur? Does your child react negatively to a specific caregiver or classroom? Do their tantrums only happen when you go to the daycare center?
• How long do your child’s outbursts last?  For example, persistent or worsening behaviors or tantrums may indicate trauma.

You know your child best. If you’re uneasy or second-guessing the cause of your child’s sudden changes in behavior after spending time at a daycare center in Celina, we encourage you to act on it.

What Are the Physical Signs of Sexual Abuse at Daycare Centers in Celina?

Physical indicators of daycare sexual abuse can be more obvious, but whether the signs are clear or not, they’re equally serious.

Signs to watch out for after your child spends time at a daycare center in Celina include:

• Blood on clothing or underwear
• Complaints of pain while using the bathroom
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Redness, bruising, or swelling around genital or anal areas
• Repeated urinary tract infections or yeast infections
• Sudden knowledge of sexual behaviors or acts

If you notice any of these, seek medical attention immediately and preserve any evidence, such as clothing, for a potential investigation.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child is Being Violated at a Daycare Center in Celina?

If you suspect that a caregiver or another child in your daughter or son’s classroom at a daycare center in Celina is abusing your child, our experienced legal team recommends:

1. Speaking with Your Child About Their Experience

To keep the abuse a secret, an abuser often uses threats or shame to keep a child from telling an adult the truth. That is why it is important to make your child feel safe and comfortable when having these initial conversations that can provide crucial information for investigators and help your child feel supported.

Ask your child open-ended questions such as:

• Did anything happen at daycare that you would like to talk about?
• Has anyone touched you in a way that didn’t feel ok?

End the conversation by thanking your child for talking to you. Let them know they are brave and did nothing wrong. Get more tips about speaking to your child about a daycare incident in this article.

2. Get a Medical Evaluation of Your Child

Seek medical care for your child at a local emergency room, such as Cook Children’s Pediatrics in Prosper, or your trusted pediatrician. Doctors can document any physical findings that can aid a future legal case against the Celina daycare center or lead to criminal charges against the abusive caregiver.

3. Contact the Celina Police Department

Reach out to local authorities by calling 972-382-2121. Any form of sexual abuse against a child is a criminal act and against the law, so the police need to be involved as soon as possible.

4. Report the Abuse to the State

We strongly urge parents in Celina to report any suspected abuse to the state by calling 800-252-5400. By calling, the incident will be investigated within 24 hours. It is important to note that all reports are anonymous and made in good faith, meaning it is better to report red flags of sexual abuse than to let them go unaddressed. 

5. Document Everything

Gather evidence by documenting everything. Take notes or record your conversation with your child, request copies of their medical records after an evaluation, and save any emails or text messages that you receive from the daycare center in Celina discussing the suspected sexual abuse. You can also speak to any caregivers at your child’s daycare center in Celina and record those conversations as well.

If you notice any physical indicators of sexual abuse on your child, such as bruises or scratches on their body, take pictures.

6. Contact Our Daycare Injury Lawyers

Our team of compassionate and experienced daycare injury lawyers are here to listen and hold negligent daycare centers in Celina accountable if a child was sexually abused while under a center’s watch.

Crimes against a child such as sexual abuse can be psychologically traumatizing and impact a child’s mental health well into their adulthood. With a child advocate on our team, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family will receive help navigating the legal process and your child’s wellbeing and healing journey will remain at top priority.

Contact us for a free case evaluation by calling 214-699-4409 or emailing us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com.

Do You Suspect Your Child Is Being Sexually Abused at a Daycare Center in Celina? Contact The Button Law Firm.

If you suspect your child was violated at a daycare center in Celina, Texas, contact our experienced daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm. We are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help your family move forward. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.