HERE Austin Covers BLF Lawsuit Against The Learning Junction

Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows THC Vape Use Inside Infant Classroom

As reported by HERE Austin, the lawsuit alleges that a caregiver at The Learning Junction Early Education Center smoked a THC vape pen inside the infant classroom for months, often within inches of the babies’ faces.

The article explains that surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement showed the caregiver retrieving the vape pen from her purse or bra, coughing afterward, and spraying Lysol to mask the odor — all while continuing to care for infants.

HERE Austin reported that the footage also showed infants being left unattended, handled roughly, and subjected to unsanitary feeding and diaper-changing practices, all of which violate Texas child care minimum safety standards.

Infants Experienced Concerning Health Symptoms After Daycare Attendance

According to HERE Austin, the lawsuit states that the 8- and 9-month-old infants began experiencing alarming health issues, including bloodshot eyes, repeated upper respiratory problems, and severe ear infections.

One of the infants was taken to the emergency room on November 19, 2024, after appearing lethargic and unsteady following pickup from daycare. As HERE Austin reported, testing confirmed exposure to Carboxy-Delta-9-THC, with levels measuring 132 times the minimum threshold for a positive result.

Allegations of Daycare Leadership Failing to Act or Notify Parents

HERE Austin reported that despite surveillance footage and allegations of THC use in the classroom, the director and owner of The Learning Junction Early Education Center allegedly failed to intervene, report the behavior, or notify parents as required by Texas law.

According to the article, the caregiver later admitted to investigators that she brought a THC vape pen to the daycare two to three days per week, smoked it several times a day inside the classroom, and even dropped the device on the classroom floor.

The lawsuit alleges that the caregiver was allowed to continue working with children, even after leadership became aware of the conduct.

State Investigation Finds Pattern of Safety Failures at Hutto Daycare

As detailed by HERE Austin, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services completed an investigation and cited The Learning Junction Early Education Center for 24 violations of Texas daycare minimum standards.

The violations reported by HERE Austin included:

Failing to maintain a drug-free environment
Not protecting infants from abuse or neglect
Improper supervision
Unsafe sleep practices
Unsanitary feeding and diaper-changing procedures

As a result, the daycare’s childcare license was placed on a minimum one-year probation, after the state identified an extensive pattern of health and safety failures.

Why THC Exposure Poses Serious Risks to Infants

HERE Austin’s reporting highlights the heightened risks associated with THC exposure during infancy. Babies’ brains and nervous systems are still rapidly developing, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins and substances.

Exposure to marijuana vape smoke in a confined classroom setting raises serious questions about long-term health consequences and underscores the importance of strict compliance with daycare safety regulations.

The Bigger Picture: Daycare Safety and Accountability in Texas

As HERE Austin emphasized, this case reflects broader concerns about childcare oversight, transparency, and enforcement of safety laws. Parents depend on daycare centers to provide safe, supervised, and substance-free environments — especially for infants who cannot speak for themselves.

Cases like this shine a light on why vigilance, accountability, and swift action are critical when daycare safety standards are violated.

Call Us If Your Child Was Drugged at Daycare

If you believe your child may have been drugged at their daycare or child care facility, you deserve answers. The Button Law Firm represents families in serious daycare safety and child injury cases and works to hold negligent facilities accountable.

To learn more about your rights or to speak with a member of our team, contact The Button Law Firm today. Call The Button Law Firm at (214) 699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our online contact form.

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HERE Austin Reports on Lawsuit Alleging Infants Exposed to THC Vape Smoke at Hutto Daycare