A Fort Worth family has taken legal action against Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger, alleging severe misconduct by a substitute teacher that led to a physical altercation between two 4‑year‑old children. The lawsuit, filed in Tarrant County District Court by Heather and Richard Harris, seeks more than $1 million in damages for negligence, gross negligence, and premises liability.
Alleged incident
According to the complaint and state findings, the incident occurred on April 27, 2026, when the child was moved into a combined afternoon classroom at around 4:30 p.m. Teacher Jacqueline De Luna had stepped away to use the restroom, leaving the room under the supervision of substitute teacher Chynia Johnson, who is also the mother of another Arka Montessori teacher.
Security footage captured a series of escalating actions:
- A boy struck the 4‑year‑old in the back, prompting a brief scuffle.
- De Luna returned, separated the children, and placed Johnson’s son on the floor.
- Johnson’s son pointed at the 4‑year‑old and pushed him. When the child raised his hands, Johnson lunged, grabbed his arm, shook him aggressively, and shouted at him.
- Johnson then encouraged her son to charge at the 4‑year‑old a second time, resulting in her son falling.
- While De Luna watched, Johnson dragged the 4‑year‑old toward her, urged her son to kick and hit, and ultimately threw the child onto the hardwood floor.
The complaint states that De Luna looked on without intervening as the takedown occurred. When the child’s mother arrived to pick him up, she found him crying hysterically with bruises and scratches on his arms.
Injuries and impact
The family alleges the child suffered bruising, scratches, post‑traumatic headaches, and lasting emotional anxiety that has made attending daycare difficult. A photo taken shortly after the incident shows bruising already forming on the child’s arm.
Regulatory findings
An independent investigation by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Child‑Care Licensing Division cited Arka Montessori for multiple violations, including the use of prohibited discipline methods such as grabbing, pulling, yelling, and physical restraint. The investigation also noted the facility’s failure to ensure caregivers protect children under their watch.
The lawsuit highlights a broader safety record. Since opening in January 2024, the academy has accumulated 16 citations, including prior incidents where children were left unattended outside or alone in a classroom.
Legal claims
The plaintiffs are seeking over $1 million in monetary relief, along with exemplary damages, for negligence, gross negligence, and premises liability. The family is represented by attorney Russell Button of The Button Law Firm.
Community response
Local parents and child‑advocacy groups have expressed concern over the alleged “child fight club” environment, emphasizing the importance of safe, nurturing early‑education settings. The case underscores the need for rigorous oversight of child‑care providers and swift accountability when standards are breached.
Arka Montessori Academy has not publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time of this writing.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
