Officials trying to revoke day care license after 2 workers at Southampton facility accused of pushing children

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (WABC) -- New York State officials are working to revoke the license of a Suffolk County day care center where two employees were accused of child abuse.

Children and family services officials said Side By Side day care in Southampton failed to correct violations cited in August, including several relating to the punishment of children.

Two workers there were arrested and accused of force-feeding children and slamming them onto the floor.

The women, identified as 33-year-old Kathleen Culver and 23-year-old Sarah Dawber, worked in the infant room tending to children ranging from 4- to 18-months old. Southampton police said the two women force-fed, pushed and slammed the children to the floor. Investigators say that in one case, an 18-month-old child vomited from a forced feeding.

"The allegations are that they force fed children, pushed the children as well as threw children to the ground," Southampton police Lieutenant Susan Ralph said. "So much so that the child actually got sick, threw up."

Police said they became aware of the alleged abuse after receiving phone calls from some parents last week.

State Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch said she is concerned. "If it turns out that there is any truth to this, it would be deeply disturbing," she said.

Amanda Krzenski said Culver has been watching her kids for quite a while and that she fully trusts her.

"I think she'll be cleared," she said. "I think it was someone who was probably angry, co-worker. And where are they? You make an accusation and you leave. If I'm going to make an accusation, I'm a kindergarten teacher, I wouldn't hide. If I believe someone is hurting, I would stand up for those children."

Police said that management of the facility has been fully cooperating with the investigation, though officials declined to comment.

If you had a child who attends or used to attend the facility and have concerns, you are asked to call Southampton Town detectives at 631-702-2230.