Hialeah, FL – A daycare director in Hialeah has been arrested after police say she struck a 3-year-old boy while changing his diaper at the facility.
Hialeah Daycare Director Arrested After Alleged Assault on 3-Year-Old
Rosa Iriarte Alcala, 52, was taken into custody Thursday on a charge of child abuse with no great bodily harm. Alcala served as the director of E-Z Daycare, located on West 30th Street, records show.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Incident
According to an arrest report, the child’s mother contacted authorities after the boy’s grandmother noticed a handprint on his left thigh on October 10. The mother alerted the daycare’s owner, who said she reviewed surveillance footage and saw Alcala striking the child during a diaper change.
Investigators later reviewed the footage and confirmed that Alcala struck the child with an open hand. Photos taken that day showed visible redness and finger outlines on the boy’s thigh, consistent with being hit by an adult hand.
Bond and Court Appearance
Alcala was booked into jail and appeared before a judge on Friday. She was assigned a public defender and granted pre-trial release under a $5,000 alternate bond, court records indicate.
Daycare Responds to Arrest
E-Z Daycare issued a public statement Friday addressing the arrest, saying it acted immediately upon learning of the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent incident involving one of our employees,” the statement read. “We took immediate action and are cooperating fully with the child’s family, law enforcement, and the Department of Children and Families. The child is safe and remains in our care. This incident does not reflect our program’s values, and we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all children in our facility.”
Florida Child Abuse Lawyer Explains Families’ Legal Rights After Daycare Mistreatment
When reports of child abuse surface at a daycare, many parents are left unsure of what legal steps to take. To clarify the options available, Florida child abuse lawyer Michael Haggard discusses how families can hold both individuals and childcare facilities accountable when a child is harmed under their supervision.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a parent learns their child may have been harmed in a daycare, what steps can they take legally?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Families can file both criminal complaints and civil claims. The criminal case addresses the offender’s actions, while a civil lawsuit can hold the daycare or its management accountable if negligence contributed to the abuse.
Banville: Can a daycare be liable even if the owner wasn’t directly involved?
Haggard: Yes. If the daycare failed to properly vet or supervise staff, ignored complaints, or didn’t comply with safety regulations, it can be held responsible under Florida law.
Banville: What can families do right away?
Haggard: Document everything—medical reports, communication with the daycare, and photos of injuries. It’s also important to speak with a lawyer experienced in child injury cases as soon as possible.
Protect Your Child’s Future—Get Legal Help Today
Families facing abuse in a daycare setting deserve answers and accountability. If your child has suffered harm while under someone else’s care, our legal team is here to stand with you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you take the next step toward justice and protection for your family.
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