Hutto, Texas, December 11, 2025

Two families in Hutto, Texas, have filed a lawsuit against The Learning Junction Early Education Center. They allege that their infant daughters were exposed to Delta-9 THC vape smoke in the daycare’s infant classroom, leading to severe health issues. Surveillance footage capturing the incidents revealed unsafe practices by a caregiver, including vaping near the infants. This alarming case highlights concerns about the safety standards at childcare facilities and the potential harm to vulnerable children.

Hutto, Texas: Families Sue Daycare Over Alleged THC Exposure to Infants

Hutto, Texas – Two families have filed a lawsuit against The Learning Junction Early Education Center, alleging that their infant daughters were exposed to Delta-9 THC vape smoke inside an infant classroom. The exposure incidents were captured on surveillance footage at the daycare center. The complaint states that the 8- and 9-month-old infants suffered bloodshot eyes, repeated upper respiratory issues, and severe ear infections as a result.

Details of the Alleged Incidents

The lawsuit claims that a caregiver at The Learning Junction Early Education Center smoked a THC vape pen in the classroom for months while caring for several infants, including the plaintiffs’ daughters. The caregiver allegedly vaped within inches of the babies’ faces, and the daycare center’s director and owner failed to intervene, report the dangerous behavior, or notify parents as required under Texas law.

Health Implications for the Children

According to the complaint, Ring camera footage reviewed by law enforcement showed the caregiver retrieving the vape pen from inside her purse or tucked into her bra. After smoking the vape pen repeatedly, she would cough, spray Lysol to mask the odor, and handle infants while under the influence. The footage also showed infants at The Learning Junction Early Education Center being left unattended, handled roughly, and experiencing unsanitary feeding and diaper-changing practices, all unsafe practices that are against the law, per the complaint.

Legal Actions and State Response

On November 19, 2024, one of the plaintiffs’ 9-month-old daughters began acting lethargic and unsteady after being picked up from the daycare center. At a local emergency room, the child tested positive for Carboxy-Delta-9-THC, a metabolite of marijuana. Her test detected THC levels 132 times the minimum threshold for a positive result, according to the complaint.

The complaint states that during interviews with law enforcement and state investigators, the caregiver admitted she brought a THC vape pen to the daycare two to three days a week, smoked it inside the infant classroom several times a day, dropped it on the classroom floor, and sprayed Lysol to cover the smell. Despite knowing about the allegations and reviewing footage from that day, the director at The Learning Junction Early Education Center did not fire the caregiver and allowed her to continue working with children, per the lawsuit.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services later cited The Learning Junction Early Education Center for 24 safety violations, including failing to maintain a drug-free environment, not protecting infants from abuse or neglect, improper supervision, unsafe sleep practices, and unsanitary food and diaper-changing practices. As a result, the daycare center’s childcare license was placed on a minimum one-year probation after the state agency noted an extensive pattern of health and safety failures.

Background on The Learning Junction Early Education Center

The Learning Junction Early Education Center is a childcare facility located in Hutto, Texas. The center provides early education services to children ranging from infants to school-age students. The center has been in operation for several years and has previously been cited for safety violations by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Implications for Childcare Centers Nationwide

This case highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in childcare centers. The exposure of infants to THC vape smoke raises serious concerns about the health and safety standards in daycare facilities. It underscores the need for thorough background checks, regular monitoring, and comprehensive training for childcare providers to ensure the well-being of children under their care.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by the two families against The Learning Junction Early Education Center brings to light serious allegations of negligence and endangerment within a childcare facility. The exposure of infants to THC vape smoke and the subsequent health issues experienced by the children emphasize the critical need for stringent safety measures and oversight in daycare centers to protect vulnerable children.

FAQ

What is the lawsuit about?

The lawsuit alleges that two infant daughters were exposed to Delta-9 THC vape smoke inside an infant classroom at The Learning Junction Early Education Center in Hutto, Texas, leading to health issues such as bloodshot eyes, upper respiratory problems, and severe ear infections.

What evidence supports the allegations?

Surveillance footage from the daycare center reportedly shows a caregiver smoking a THC vape pen in the classroom while caring for infants, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cited the center for 24 safety violations, including failing to maintain a drug-free environment and improper supervision.

What are the health implications for the children?

Exposure to THC vape smoke can lead to impaired neurological development, respiratory problems, long-term cognitive and behavioral impacts, and increased risk of infection due to immune and lung vulnerability in infants.

What actions have been taken by authorities?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cited The Learning Junction Early Education Center for 24 safety violations and placed the daycare center’s childcare license on a minimum one-year probation after noting an extensive pattern of health and safety failures.

What is the background of The Learning Junction Early Education Center?

The Learning Junction Early Education Center is a childcare facility located in Hutto, Texas, providing early education services to children ranging from infants to school-age students. The center has been in operation for several years and has previously been cited for safety violations by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

FAQ Schema

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the lawsuit about?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The lawsuit alleges that two infant daughters were exposed to Delta-9 THC vape smoke inside an infant classroom at The Learning Junction Early Education Center in Hutto, Texas, leading to health issues such as bloodshot eyes, upper respiratory problems, and severe ear infections."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What evidence supports the allegations?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Surveillance footage from the daycare center reportedly shows a caregiver smoking a THC vape pen in the classroom while caring for infants, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cited the center for 24 safety violations, including failing to maintain a drug-free environment and improper supervision."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What are the health implications for the children?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Exposure to THC vape smoke can lead to impaired neurological development, respiratory problems, long-term cognitive and behavioral impacts, and increased risk of infection due to immune and lung vulnerability in infants."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What actions have been taken by authorities?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cited The Learning Junction Early Education Center for 24 safety violations and placed the daycare center's childcare license on a minimum one-year probation after noting an extensive pattern of health and safety failures."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the background of The Learning Junction Early Education Center?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The Learning Junction Early Education Center is a childcare facility located in Hutto, Texas, providing early education services to children ranging from infants to school-age students. The center has been in operation for several years and has previously been cited for safety violations by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.