“These cases are all about a systematic failure at the daycare, they fail from the top down,” said attorney Russell Button.
FRISCO, Texas — Two North Texas families have filed civil lawsuits against Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm following a state investigation into alleged mistreatment of children at the daycare center, according to an attorney representing the alleged victim’s families.
The latest complaint, filed by parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott, alleges surveillance footage captured two caregivers using illegal discipline tactics on their 3-year-old son and other children in June 2024. According to the civil lawsuit, the incidents occurred on 15 separate occasions.
Attorney Russell Button of The Button Law Firm, who represents both families, said the allegations point to broader problems within the daycare. Button tells WFAA the state agency in charge of the investigation is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
“These cases are all about a systematic failure at the daycare, they fail from the top down. For somebody to do these things to these kids on that day in that manner knowing you’re being recorded, what else have you done?” said Button.
One surveillance video allegedly shows a daycare worker forcefully seating a child before appearing to slap the child on the back. The lawsuit claims similar behavior occurred again later involving the same child.
“Pulling, yanking, belittling children, it’s alarming,” Button said.
The identities of the children and daycare workers have not been released and have been blurred for purposes of the visual story. The employees involved have not been criminally charged, according to the report. WFAA has reached out to Frisco Police for confirmation no criminal charges have been brought forth. Button said the civil lawsuits are separate from any potential criminal investigation.
“No, our case is independent of the criminal cases. While we wish something would have been done here…they didn’t.”
State compliance reports from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission reportedly identified more than 30 citations tied to the daycare. While many citations were considered minor, a few citations involved allegations of corporal punishment, abuse and neglect.
The daycare told WFAA the two employees no longer work there and declined further comment because of ongoing litigation.
Button also alleged the daycare attempted to delete surveillance footage, though WFAA could not independently verify that claim.
“That courageous person allowed this to come to light and that’s how this investigation started,” said Button.
Two civil lawsuits have now been filed as both families seek accountability. There is no timetable for when, or if, these cases will be heard in court.