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A daycare director in Hialeah has been arrested following accusations that she struck a 3-year-old child under her care. Rosa Iriarte Alcala, 52, who served as the director of E-Z Daycare located at 1325 W 30th St, Hialeah, FL 33012, is now facing a charge of child abuse with no great bodily harm, according to NBC Miami.
The situation came to light on October 10 when the child’s grandmother picked him up from the daycare. His mother later noticed a handprint-shaped mark on his left thigh and reported her concerns to the daycare owner. Surveillance footage was reviewed and reportedly showed Alcala striking the boy with an open hand while changing his diaper, the arrest report said.
Photos taken that day revealed "visible redness on the left thigh," with the outline of two fingers still discernible, authorities stated.
Alcala was arrested on Thursday and taken into custody. She appeared before a judge on Friday, where she was granted pre-trial release with a $5,000 bond and assigned a public defender.
E-Z Daycare addressed the incident in a statement on Friday, expressing deep regret and confirming their cooperation with the child’s family, local authorities, and the Department of Children and Families.
"The child is safe and remains in our care," the statement read. "We want to assure our families and the community that we take the safety and well-being of every child very seriously. While this incident was the work of a single individual, it does not reflect the values or standards of our program."
The daycare emphasized that immediate steps have been taken to address the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure and nurturing environment for children.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
When incidents of abuse occur at daycare facilities, families are left grappling with questions about accountability and the steps they can take to protect their children. Michael Haggard, a seasoned Florida attorney specializing in child abuse cases, explains the legal avenues available to families and how the justice system can address such violations of trust.
Editor Darla Medina: Many families are understandably shaken when incidents like this happen at a daycare. What legal steps can parents take to ensure accountability?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Parents have several options. First, they can pursue criminal charges, as we’ve seen in this case. The arrest is a step in holding the individual accountable under the law. But beyond that, families can also explore civil claims against the daycare center itself if negligence contributed to the abuse.
Medina: How might a daycare be found liable in such cases?
Haggard: Daycares have a duty to ensure the safety of every child in their care. If there’s evidence of inadequate hiring practices, poor supervision, or a failure to report prior misconduct, the facility itself can be held responsible. Surveillance footage, employee records, and witness statements are often critical in these claims.
Medina: For parents worried about trusting daycare facilities after an incident like this, what advice would you give?
Haggard: It’s understandable to feel uneasy, but parents can take steps to protect their children. Look for centers with strong safety policies, require transparency in staffing, and don’t hesitate to ask about video monitoring or access to surveillance footage. Additionally, parents should report any concerns immediately to local authorities or agencies like the Department of Children and Families.
If your family has been affected by abuse at a daycare, you don’t have to face this alone. Legal help is available to guide you through the process and fight for accountability. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and take the first step toward protecting your child and seeking justice.
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