The Button Law Firm Sues Tadpole Children’s Academy for Leaving Child Unattended in Van

Parent's Worst Nightmare: Child Left Unattended in Wichita Falls Daycare Van

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Erick and Alexis Gardea, like many working parents, trusted Tadpole Children’s Academy in Wichita Falls, Texas, to provide a safe environment for their 5-year-old son while they were at work. However, their worst fears became reality when their son suffered severe physical, emotional, and mental injuries due to the daycare's negligent supervision. The Button Law Firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Gardea family, seeking accountability and answers from Tadpole Children’s Academy and its owner, Chelsee Thomas.

Read the full complaint here.

Negligence and Immediate Danger: The Day of the Incident

On September 22, 2023, Tadpole Children’s Academy failed to properly supervise the young boy, who was left unattended in the daycare’s van after being transported from a public school. The van was parked in a shared garage, and the child was left inside, unnoticed by the daycare staff. Struggling to find a way out, the child was scared, crying, and hyperventilating until a good Samaritan found him and brought him back to the daycare. Shockingly, the parents were not informed of the incident until they arrived to pick him up later that day, violating Texas state requirements.

Systemic Failures at Tadpole Children’s Academy in Wichita Falls

This incident is not isolated. Tadpole Children’s Academy has a history of citations and violations from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of Family and Protective Services. Over the years, the daycare has repeatedly failed to meet the minimum standards for childcare, including proper supervision, incident reporting, and transportation safety. The state’s investigation into this case confirmed these failures, substantiating the allegations against the daycare.

Repeated Violations and Ignored Warnings at the North Texas Daycare

Shockingly, Tadpole Children’s Academy had a nearly identical incident in February 2022, when a 6-year-old child was left unsupervised in the daycare van. Despite this previous incident, the daycare failed to implement necessary safety measures and training for its staff. This pattern of negligence and repeated violations demonstrates a troubling disregard for the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

The Button Law Firm’s Commitment to Justice

The Button Law Firm is dedicated to holding Tadpole Children’s Academy accountable for their negligence. "Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is not only negligent but also extremely dangerous," said Russell Button, the daycare injury attorney representing the Gardea family. Our firm aims to secure recovery and justice for the child’s injuries and trauma while advocating for systemic changes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Advocating for Safer Childcare Practices in Texas

The Gardea’s lawsuit against Tadpole Children’s Academy is crucial to ensuring safer childcare practices. Our Dallas-based team at The Button Law Firm is working to bring about meaningful change within the childcare industry by highlighting the daycare's failures and demanding accountability. The lawsuit emphasizes the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and proper training for all daycare staff to protect children from harm.

Holding Negligent Dallas Daycares Accountable

Parents trust daycare facilities to provide their children with a safe and nurturing environment. When that trust is broken due to negligence, holding the responsible parties accountable is essential. The Button Law Firm’s legal action against Tadpole Children’s Academy highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in childcare settings.

Contact The Button Law Firm for Help After a Daycare Injury

If your child has been injured due to daycare negligence, The Button Law Firm is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Our experienced team of daycare injury attorneys is committed to fighting for justice for families affected by daycare negligence.