Former Round Lake Woman Arrested for Allegedly Giving Laxatives to Young Kids at Daycare

Yizel J. Juarez accused of giving chewable laxatives to 2-year-olds and younger at The Learning Experience daycare in St. Charles

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 23-year-old former Round Lake woman named Yizel J. Juarez has been arrested and charged with three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a child and three counts of endangering the life or health of a child. Juarez allegedly gave chewable laxatives to several children aged 2 and younger while working as a teacher at The Learning Experience daycare center in St. Charles, Illinois.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of young children in daycare facilities, as well as the need for rigorous background checks, training, and oversight of daycare staff. It also highlights the importance of parents being vigilant about their children's care and reporting any suspected abuse or misconduct.

The details

According to police, multiple parents reported that their children, who attended The Learning Experience daycare in St. Charles, were given chewable laxatives by one of the teachers, Yizel J. Juarez. An investigation confirmed the incidents, and three juvenile victims aged 2 and younger were identified. Juarez, who previously lived in Round Lake and graduated from Northern Illinois University with an early childhood education degree, turned herself in to the St. Charles Police Department. She has since been fired from the daycare facility.

  • On February 3, 2026, the St. Charles Police Department was notified around 9:43 a.m. about the alleged incidents.
  • Juarez was arrested and charged on February 3, 2026.

The players

Yizel J. Juarez

A 23-year-old former Round Lake woman who was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a child and three counts of endangering the life or health of a child for allegedly giving chewable laxatives to young children at a daycare center in St. Charles, Illinois.

The Learning Experience

A preschool and daycare facility serving children ages six weeks to five years old in St. Charles, Illinois, where the alleged incidents occurred.

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What’s next

The St. Charles Police Department said they are encouraging anyone who might have information regarding the incident to call their Investigations Division at 630-377-4435.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for rigorous background checks, training, and ongoing monitoring of daycare staff to ensure the safety and well-being of young children in their care. It also underscores the importance of parents being vigilant and reporting any suspected abuse or misconduct to the authorities.