A childcare worker has been accused of drugging several toddlers in her care, leaving parents devastated and searching for answers after weeks of unexplained illness.

Authorities allege that 23-year-old Yizel J. Juarez gave children chewable laxatives, telling them they were candy so they would become sick and be sent home early because she felt overwhelmed.

The daycare center, located in Illinois, follows a policy requiring sick children to be sent home and remain out of care for at least 24 hours.

One mother told CBS News that her toddler had experienced ongoing stomach problems for an extended period, with doctors unable to determine the cause. The child, who was enrolled at the daycare in the summer of 2025, began showing symptoms around the same time Juarez started working there.

Parents sought medical advice for weeks, ruling out infections and illnesses and even changing their child’s formula, but the symptoms persisted. After multiple parents reported similar concerns, police were notified and launched an investigation.

Authorities later confirmed that three children, all under the age of two, were affected. One mother said her child continues to suffer from constipation, which doctors believe is linked to withdrawal from laxatives, raising concerns about potential long-term effects.

Juarez later turned herself in to police and has been charged with three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a child under 13, as well as three counts of endangering the life or health of a child.

The children’s parents described the emotional toll as overwhelming. “You trust that your child is safe at daycare,” one father said. “Finding out something like this is heartbreaking.”

Juarez, who was studying early childhood education at Northern Illinois University, has been fired from The Learning Experience daycare center. She was released from custody and given a court date.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward.