Day Care Scandal in Des Plaines: Two Workers Accused of Child Abuse at A Mother’s Touch

In Des Plaines, Illinois, two employees of a day care center are being charged with several offenses following accusations of physically abusing children in the northern suburbs.

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The investigation into A Mother’s Touch Daycare commenced in November, spearheaded by Des Plaines police alongside the Department of Children and Family Services, after allegations surfaced.

The inquiry began when, on November 20, a concerned parent reported that their child had been sprayed with water by a staff member at the day care.

Upon reviewing surveillance footage, the day care administration took immediate action, placing Jessica Murillo and Izabella Thompson on suspension, according to police statements.

The surveillance review revealed that these two employees allegedly mistreated at least seven boys, aged between four and five, over a two-week period.

Subsequently, on November 24, the day care directors, in collaboration with several parents, lodged an official report with the police.

Nearly three months later, Murillo and Thompson were formally charged.

Murillo, 37 of Morton Grove, is facing three felony charges for aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts.

She is accused of striking a child with a notebook, dragging a 4-year-old boy by his foot and causing him to hit his head on the ground, and also hitting a child with an open hand multiple times.

Thompson, 23 of Chicago, is facing four misdemeanor counts for battery.

Murillo is due in court on Wednesday. Thompson is due in court on March 30.

Des Plaines police said the day care was cooperative throughout the investigation.

A Mother’s Touch Learning Academy issued a statement, saying, “The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is always our top priority. We take this matter very seriously. As soon as we became aware of conduct that did not align with our standards, we immediately removed the staff members involved and notified the appropriate authorities, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing review and will continue doing so until the investigation is complete. The staff members involved are no longer employed by our school.”