The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is currently investigating two daycares in Houston. This investigation follows an incident where Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo brought children from these facilities to a Commissioners Court meeting.
The investigation aims to determine if any instances of abuse or neglect occurred during the event. Melissa Lanford, a spokesperson for DFPS, stated that the findings from this investigation will be shared with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The HHSC is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating daycares in Texas.
Austin-based attorney Lindsey Dionne reported the incident to DFPS after watching a broadcast of the meeting on August 7. Dionne cited concerns over the appropriateness of bringing children to such an environment. She mentioned that there are numerous rules and regulations governing daycares, including rules about field trips and educational environments. Dionne expressed that she did not find the Commissioners Court meeting to align with any educational or beneficial experiences for children.
Seeking more information, Dionne contacted county offices to identify the participating daycares. She discovered that the children were from Right Fit Kids Academy and Our New Beginning Learning Academy. KPRC 2 has reached out to both daycares but is still awaiting a response.
Dionne noted that both daycares receive federal funding and were at the meeting to discuss county funding matters. Despite the political aspect, Dionne emphasized the importance of ensuring the children’s safety and appropriate educational experiences. She expressed concern over the potential exposure of children to stressful situations during the meeting.