A daycare worker in Lindale, Texas, has been arrested on allegations of abusing toddlers over three months. Catherine Guziejka, 44, was charged with six counts of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily harm and remains in custody at the Smith County Jail.
The allegations came to light after a staff member at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care reviewed surveillance footage and contacted one of the victim’s parents, who then notified authorities.
Investigators from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reviewed the footage, which reportedly showed Guziejka kicking six toddlers on 134 occasions between July and October. The children, all two years old, were allegedly assaulted while lying on the floor, sitting quietly, or watching television. In one video, Guziejka can be seen kicking a 2-year-old boy in the lower back while he lay on the ground.
The videos reportedly captured Guziejka repeatedly kicking children in the back from behind while they were seated. She was also seen dragging toddlers by their arms to a changing table, laying them down roughly, pushing their heads to face away from the television, and forcing them into positions while they napped.
In some instances, Guziejka allegedly stood on a child’s hand as punishment, with one video showing her standing on a toddler’s left hand for seven seconds as the child tried to pull it away in pain.
Deputies said the toddlers appeared calm and not disruptive before the assaults and noted that Guziejka did not console or comfort the children after her actions. They described her behaviour as unprovoked, violent, and intended to inflict pain. Guziejka’s employment at the daycare began in September 2023, and she was fired immediately after the daycare’s owner became aware of the abuse.
The daycare’s owner promptly contacted law enforcement and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to report the incidents. DFPS has since barred Guziejka from working in any facility caring for children, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations. Following the discovery of the abuse, the daycare was sold to a new owner.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with deputies still reviewing additional surveillance footage. The case has prompted serious concerns about childcare safety and oversight, highlighting the importance of monitoring staff behaviour in daycare facilities.
