Nursery Carer Accused of Drugging Children with Laxatives

Former employee allegedly gave toddlers drug-laced sweets to get them sent home and make her work easier

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 23-year-old former child-care worker named Yizel J. Juarez has been accused of drugging multiple toddlers under her care at an Illinois daycare center. Juarez allegedly gave the children chewable laxatives, telling them they were lollipops, in order to get the children sent home sick and make her work easier. The shocking allegations came to light after parents noticed their children experiencing persistent stomach issues with no explanation. An investigation by local police led to Juarez's arrest on charges of attempted aggravated battery and endangering the life of a child.

Why it matters

These allegations have left parents devastated and raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children in daycare facilities. The incident highlights the need for rigorous background checks, staff training, and oversight to prevent such egregious abuse of vulnerable children. It also underscores the importance of open communication between daycare providers and parents to quickly identify and address any issues.

The details

Juarez, an early childhood education student at Northern Illinois University, was employed at The Learning Experience daycare center in St. Charles, Illinois. She allegedly drugged "multiple" children under the age of 2 with chewable laxatives, telling them the medication was candy. The center has a policy requiring sick children to be sent home for 24 hours, which Juarez allegedly exploited to make her work easier when she felt "overwhelmed." Parents grew concerned when their toddlers experienced persistent stomach problems, and an investigation by the St. Charles police led to Juarez's arrest on three counts of attempted aggravated battery and three counts of endangering the life or health of a child.

  • Juarez began working at the daycare center in the summer of 2025, around the same time the alleged incidents started.
  • Juarez turned herself in to local authorities and was charged in February 2026.

The players

Yizel J. Juarez

A 23-year-old former child-care worker at The Learning Experience daycare center in St. Charles, Illinois, who has been accused of drugging multiple toddlers under her care with laxatives.

The Learning Experience

The daycare center in St. Charles, Illinois, where Juarez was employed and allegedly drugged children in her care.

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What they’re saying

“We thought it could have been a virus, and that was negative.”

— Anonymous mother (CBS News)

“My child is still suffering from constipation, which the doctor said was a side effect of coming off of laxatives. Who knows what the long-term effects could be on this?”

— Anonymous mother (CBS News)

“It's disgusting. Get another job.”

— Anonymous mother (CBS News)

“I have no words. It's just thinking that your kid is going to be safe in the day care, and you come and find surprises like this. It's sad. It's devastating.”

— Anonymous father (CBS News)

What’s next

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Juarez was released from police custody and given a court date.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight, training, and accountability measures in the childcare industry to protect vulnerable children from abuse and ensure their safety and well-being. It also underscores the importance of open communication between daycare providers and parents to quickly identify and address any issues.