San Angelo, Texas — A Texas preschool is facing a lawsuit after parents accused a teacher of repeatedly humiliating, threatening, and physically mistreating their 4-year-old daughter while she attended a private early childhood education program.
The lawsuit, filed by Patrick and Mellissa Killingsworth, alleges that their daughter endured months of emotional and physical mistreatment at Trinity Lutheran School and Early Childhood Center in San Angelo.
According to the complaint, the alleged conduct left a lasting impact on the child and occurred despite warning signs that school administrators allegedly failed to address.
Parents Allege Child Was Repeatedly Humiliated
The lawsuit claims the teacher routinely yelled at the child, mocked her in front of classmates, and made statements intended to embarrass and intimidate her.
According to court filings, the teacher allegedly singled out the young girl in front of other students and repeatedly criticized her abilities and behavior.
Among the statements attributed to the teacher in the complaint were comments suggesting the child would not be successful in school and remarks intended to shame her before her classmates.
The lawsuit further alleges that the child was frequently reduced to tears while asking for her parents.
According to the complaint, rather than comforting the child, the teacher allegedly continued mocking and ridiculing her.
Lawsuit Claims Physical Mistreatment Was Captured on Video
The parents allege that surveillance footage documented numerous incidents involving their daughter.
According to the lawsuit, video recordings show the child being physically dragged across a classroom and isolated inside a dark closet.
The complaint also alleges the teacher engaged in physical conduct that included pushing, shoving, yanking, and other forms of inappropriate handling.
Attorneys representing the family claim the footage provides direct evidence supporting the allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
The teacher has not been publicly identified in court documents.
Threats of Jail and a ‘Dungeon’ Detailed in Complaint
One of the most alarming allegations involves claims that the teacher repeatedly threatened the child with punishment and separation from her family.
According to the complaint, the teacher allegedly pretended to call law enforcement and told the child she would be taken to jail.
The lawsuit further claims the teacher threatened to place the girl in what was described as a “dungeon” and suggested her parents no longer wanted her.
Attorneys for the family allege these statements caused significant emotional distress and fear.
The complaint also claims another child in the classroom was encouraged to participate in mocking the young girl.
School Administrators Accused of Failing to Act
Beyond the allegations against the teacher, the lawsuit accuses school leaders of failing to protect students despite receiving warnings about concerns involving the educator.
According to the complaint, administrators allegedly received messages from the teacher over several months indicating she was struggling with mental health issues and workplace stress.
The lawsuit contends that school officials continued assigning the teacher to supervise children despite those warnings.
Attorneys for the family further allege that administrators failed to preserve important evidence and did not intervene quickly enough after becoming aware of the alleged misconduct.
The school has not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the lawsuit.
Legal Battle Expected to Continue
The lawsuit seeks damages against Trinity Lutheran School and individuals connected to its administration.
As the case moves through the legal process, many of the allegations remain unproven and will likely be examined through court proceedings, witness testimony, and review of surveillance footage.
The claims have also renewed discussions about childcare oversight, educator accountability, and the responsibilities schools have when concerns arise regarding employee conduct and student safety.
What are your thoughts on accountability and oversight in childcare and preschool settings? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.