PASADENA, Texas – Parents are demanding answers after Pasadena police confirmed an investigation into alleged sexual assault at a local child care center.
Police said the investigation involves Pasadena Head Start but declined to release specific details because of the age of the children involved. The classroom under investigation serves 3- and 4-year-olds.
Some parents said they were first notified indirectly. Alexa Smith, whose child attends the center, said she received a letter from Child Protective Services on Dec. 9 indicating that children had been asked questions and that there were no immediate signs of abuse.
Smith said the letter did not explain why CPS was involved.
“I didn’t know why we were getting these or where they were coming from,” Smith said. “They mentioned nothing about any allegations or anything that had been going on.”
Smith said she later learned from other parents that alleged indecent acts may have occurred in Classroom 13. Family members of two siblings, ages 3 and 4, told KPRC 2 that the children allegedly disclosed suspected inappropriate conduct to their mother.
Parents said they were not notified by the school when the investigation began.
Smith said she did not receive clear information from the school until Monday.
In a statement to parents, the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, which oversees the program, confirmed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has opened an investigation into allegations that two teachers engaged in misconduct involving a student.
The two teachers have been removed from the classroom and placed on indefinite administrative leave, according to the statement.
“I want them to be held accountable, and I feel like this should have been handled a completely different way,” Smith said.
CPS confirmed it is involved in the investigation. Pasadena police said the teachers have not been charged with a crime.
KPRC 2 reached out to Pasadena Head Start for comment but did not receive a response.
Read the full statement to parents below:
Dear Pasadena Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to inform you that the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS) has opened an investigation into allegations that two teachers employed by Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. (GCCSA) were engaged in misconduct with a student. This investigation was opened as a result of a complaint submitted to law enforcement.
Please know that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. In response to this information, we have taken immediate action by removing the teachers from the classroom and placed them on indefinite administrative leave. We are committed to fully cooperating with TDFPS and other authorities to ensure a thorough and swift investigation.
We kindly ask for your continued cooperation and patience as this matter is fully investigated. We are limited in the details we can share at this time, but we want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to address this situation with the seriousness it deserves.
We respectfully request that all communications occur through the designated channels to maintain the integrity of the investigation. If you have any concerns or information, please feel free to contact TDFPS at 1-800-252-5400
Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. We are here to support you and your children, and we will keep you informed as the situation develops.
Additionally, we have reported this investigation to Office of Head Start to ensure all appropriate measures are taken.