A million dollar claim

Heather and Richard Harris are suing Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger in Tarrant County District Court, seeking over $1 million after their 4-year-old was hurt in class.

The day classes combined

On April 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., the boy was moved into a combined afternoon classroom as morning teachers left for the day.

The first scuffle

With teacher Jacqueline De Luna facing the doorway, another boy walked up and hit the 4-year-old in the back. A short fight broke out feet away from her.

The substitute arrives

De Luna separated the boys and picked up the other child, who is the son of Arka teacher Chynia Johnson. Johnson then stepped in to cover the room so De Luna could use the restroom.

A mother joins in

The suit says Johnson's son shoved the 4-year-old in the chest. When the boy raised his hands, Johnson grabbed his arm, shook him hard, and pushed him away.

Sent in a second time

Johnson allegedly spoke to her son, stepped aside, and let him charge again. Then she grabbed the 4-year-old by both arms, shook him, and screamed in his face.

“the safe environment they were promised turned into a child fight club”

Swept off his feet

Johnson allegedly dragged the boy over while urging her son to kick and hit him, then swiped his leg out, sending him into the air and down onto the hardwood floor as De Luna watched.

Sixteen citations and counting

Staff first told the crying boy's mother it was just a fight they broke up. State licensing later cited Arka for prohibited discipline, part of 16 citations since it opened in January 2024.

“Other parents need to know about this. The daycare needs to be held accountable.”