Jennifer Ann Garrett, identified as the owner of Gracious Beginnings Day Care in Hubbard, Texas, was arrested after authorities accused her of causing one 2-year-old girl to bite another child, according to an arrest affidavit and KWTX. Garrett faces a third-degree felony injury to a child charge and remains free on bond.
Authorities allege the incident occurred Aug. 26 at the facility, located at 701 NE Fifth Street. The affidavit alleges Garrett physically positioned the children so one girl could bite the other, according to the affidavit reviewed by KWTX, which also reported that video from the day was cited in the case.
Authorities allege Garrett forced the 2-year-old girl to bite another 2-year-old girl at the Hubbard facility. The affidavit does not describe the injury, if any, that resulted from the bite, the kwtx.com report notes, leaving the extent of any harm to the child unclear.
Child Welfare Officials Now Reviewing the Case
The alleged incident is also being investigated by Department of Family and Protective Services officials, according to the same account. That review is separate from the criminal case, and the outcome of the state agency’s inquiry has not been reported.
How Texas Routes Child-Care Abuse Reports
According to Texas Health and Human Services, allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation involving children in care are routed to the Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Care Investigations division, while some licensing violations are handled by Child Care Regulation. That guidance describes the agencies’ intake roles; it does not establish the outcome of the investigation in Garrett’s case.
If convicted on the third-degree felony charge, Garrett faces up to 10 years in prison, per the report. She had not been reported to have entered a plea, and no information was available regarding her legal representation or a response from the day care.
A Pattern Seen Elsewhere in Texas Day Cares
Cases involving alleged abuse by day care staff have surfaced elsewhere in the state. In Lindale, former day care worker Catherine Guziejka was sentenced to 10 years in prison, as reported by cbs19.tv.
Garrett’s licensing or employment status remains unclear, and it remains unknown whether Gracious Beginnings Day Care has continued operating since the alleged Aug. 26 incident. The investigation by child welfare officials remains ongoing.
