Parents in Fort Worth, Texas, have filed a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million from a daycare after surveillance footage allegedly showed a substitute teacher encouraging her son to fight another four-year-old child. The incident reportedly occurred on April 27, 2026, at Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger. According to the lawsuit, the teacher allegedly grabbed, shook and dragged the child during the confrontation. The family claims their son suffered physical injuries and emotional distress. The case has also raised concerns about childcare supervision after state regulators reportedly cited the facility for safety and discipline violations. The allegations remain part of an ongoing civil case and have not been finally established by a court.
Texas daycare faces ‘fight club’ allegations
The parents, Heather and Richard Harris, filed the lawsuit on September 4, 2026, against Arka Risinger Educators LLC, the operator of Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger. Their son, identified as U.H. in court documents, was four years old when the alleged incident took place. The lawsuit claims that he was in a combined afternoon classroom after his regular teacher left. According to the complaint, another four-year-old initially struck U.H. before substitute teacher Chynia Johnson entered the classroom. Johnson’s son was reportedly involved in the confrontation. The family’s attorney referred to the alleged conduct as a “child fight club”, a description that appears in the context of the lawsuit.
Photo taken after the April 27 incident shows bruising on the child’s arm. Image: FOX4
Surveillance footage allegedly shows teacher’s actions
The lawsuit claims that Johnson encouraged her son to continue fighting U.H. and physically handled the other child. According to the complaint, Johnson allegedly grabbed and shook U.H., shouted in his face and pushed him. She is also accused of pulling him towards her son while encouraging the children to continue fighting. The lawsuit further alleges that Johnson grabbed U.H.’s arm and leg, causing him to lose his balance and fall onto the classroom’s hardwood floor. The complaint claims that regular teacher Jacqueline De Luna was present but failed to intervene adequately.
Mother questioned daycare’s explanation
The lawsuit states that Heather Harris became concerned when she arrived to collect her son and found him crying uncontrollably. According to the family’s account, staff initially described the incident as a fight between two children. Harris reportedly asked to view the surveillance footage after becoming dissatisfied with the explanation. The family claims that the footage showed Johnson’s involvement went beyond separating the children.
Child reportedly suffered physical and emotional distress
The lawsuit alleges that U.H. suffered bruises and scratches on his arms, as well as headaches following the incident. His parents also claim that he experienced emotional distress and anxiety. According to the complaint, the child struggled with returning to daycare and had difficulty adjusting to another childcare environment. The family is seeking compensation for the physical and psychological injuries described in the lawsuit. The extent of the injuries and any long-term effects would be addressed through the legal proceedings.
Texas regulators cited daycare for violations
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Child-Care Licensing Division reportedly investigated the incident and cited the daycare for multiple violations.The allegations and regulatory findings included concerns involving:
- Improper methods of discipline.
- Physical handling of a child.
- Yelling and humiliating treatment.
- Staff supervision and professional judgement.
The lawsuit also refers to earlier safety and supervision concerns involving the facility. Regulatory citations and the parents’ allegations are separate from a final court determination of liability.
What happened to the teacher?
Reports stated that the caregiver involved was no longer employed by the daycare.At the time of the reported coverage, no criminal charges had been reported in connection with the incident. The civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation and alleges negligence and gross negligence.
Parents seek more than $1 million in damages
The Harris family is seeking more than $1 million in damages, along with exemplary damages, according to the lawsuit. The complaint alleges negligence, gross negligence and premises liability against the daycare operator. The requested amount is not an award already granted by a court. The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against the teacher and daycare operator have not been conclusively established through a trial or final judgment.
