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Daytona daycare teacher accused of child abuse at The Chiles Academy, fired, according to police.
Daytona Beach police said 21-year-old LaToya George was arrested Sunday. Officers had responded to the school the previous week after receiving a report about a possible incident involving a child.
Authorities have not shared details about what happened or the age of the child.
George was later released from jail after posting a $25,000 bond.
The Chiles Academy confirmed that George is no longer employed at the school. Officials said families directly affected by the situation were notified.
In a statement, the school said:
"The Chiles Academy administration discovered an incident involving a now former staff member and the school took immediate action. TCA immediately terminated the individual’s employment and notified the appropriate authorities, who later arrested the employee.
"The school also informed directly impacted families and continues to support them. We are fully cooperating with DCF and local law enforcement. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further at this time. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority."
The Florida Department of Children and Families is working alongside local law enforcement as the investigation continues. Officials have not released further information while the case remains active.
The factual information above was sourced from fox35orlando.com as of May 27, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
Many questions arise after an uptick in abuse at daycares and schools, leaving many families wondering what steps they can take if a child has been harmed in a school setting. To provide clarity, we spoke with Florida sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard about the legal rights of victims, potential claims against individuals and institutions, and how families can respond.
Editor Darla Medina: When a teacher is accused of abusing a child, what legal options do families have?
Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Michael Haggard: Families can pursue both criminal and civil paths. While the state handles criminal charges, families may file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for harm suffered by the child. These cases often focus on accountability, not just for the individual, but also for any institution that may have failed to protect the child.
Medina: Can a school or daycare be held responsible in situations like this?
Haggard: Yes, depending on the facts. If there is evidence that the school knew or should have known about a risk and failed to act, it may be held liable. That can include negligent hiring, lack of supervision, or failing to respond appropriately to prior complaints.
Medina: What should parents do if they suspect their child may have been harmed?
Haggard: The first step is to ensure the child is safe and seek appropriate medical or psychological care. It is also important to report the concern to law enforcement and child protective services. Speaking with an attorney early can help families understand their rights and preserve important evidence.
Medina: How important is timing in these cases?
Haggard: Timing matters. Florida law sets deadlines for filing civil claims, although there are exceptions for minors in abuse cases. Acting sooner rather than later helps protect the child’s legal options and strengthens the case.
Families facing situations like this do not have to navigate the legal system alone. If your child has been harmed by someone in a position of trust, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and next steps. Our team is available to listen, answer your questions, and provide a free, confidential consultation to help you move forward.
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