The Harrises sued Arka Risinger Educators LLC after surveillance footage allegedly showed substitute teacher Chynia Johnson encouraging her four‑year‑old to attack their son, U.H., during an April 27 incident in Fort Worth. State investigators cited the center for prohibited disciplinary methods and failing to protect children. The family seeks over $1 million in damages, reporting that U.H. suffered injuries and ongoing anxiety. Johnson is no longer employed and no criminal charges have been filed.
Fort Worth Parents Sue Daycare for Over $1 Million After Video Allegedly Shows Substitute Urging Toddler Fights
Image by kidsworkchicago, CC BY 2.0.
Parents expect daycare staff to stop conflicts, not encourage them. In Fort Worth, Texas, Heather and Richard Harris filed a lawsuit on September 4 alleging that surveillance footage from April 27 shows a substitute teacher urging her four‑year‑old son to fight the Harrises' son, identified in court documents as U.H.
What Happened
According to the court filing and local reporting, U.H. was moved into a combined classroom late that afternoon as regular staff began to leave. The complaint says another four‑year‑old initially struck U.H. while teacher Jacqueline De Luna was momentarily distracted. De Luna reportedly separated the children before substitute teacher Chynia Johnson — who is also the other child's mother — entered the room.
The lawsuit alleges Johnson grabbed, shook and pushed U.H., then encouraged her son to kick and hit him. Video footage reviewed by the family’s attorney, Russell Button, was described as resembling a 'child fight club.' The complaint says De Luna returned during the encounter and did not intervene while Johnson allegedly dragged U.H. to her son and swept his leg, causing him to fall to the hardwood floor.
Injuries, Evidence and Investigation
U.H.'s mother said she found her son crying hysterically and, after requesting to see surveillance footage, concluded the video contradicted the facility's initial account. The family reports U.H. sustained bruises, scratches, headaches and lasting anxiety following the incident.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Child‑Care Licensing Division investigated and cited the center for prohibited disciplinary methods — including grabbing, pulling, yelling and physical restraint — and for failing to ensure caregivers protected children in their care. Local reporting says the facility accumulated 16 safety citations since opening in January 2024, including prior allegations of children being left unattended; an August 20 inspection later reportedly found no deficiencies.
Legal Claims and Current Status
The Harris family filed suit against Arka Risinger Educators LLC, which operates Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger, seeking more than $1 million in compensatory and exemplary damages. The complaint alleges negligence, gross negligence and premises liability. Chynia Johnson is no longer employed by the daycare, and no criminal charges have been filed to date.
Context: Daycare surveillance footage is increasingly pivotal in disputes over child safety. Regulators’ citations, footage and witness testimony may all play major roles as the family pursues civil remedies.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about oversight and child safety in early‑education settings and raises questions about staffing, supervision and how incidents are reported to parents and regulators.
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