Former worker at Southampton child care facility back in court

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (WABC) -- Former day care worker Sarah Dawber was back in court Wednesday to face charges that she abused children in her care.

Sarah Dawber, 23, worked in the infant room tending to children ranging from 4- to 18-months old at the Step by Step day care facility in Southampton. Southampton police said Dawber along with co-worker Kathleen Culver 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. Police said they became aware of the alleged abuse after receiving phone calls from some parents.

But Dawber's attorney, Colin Astarita, said that it is a case of a disgruntled employee leveling a complaint against the two. He said that the co-worker felt left out among her colleagues. He said that Dawber has "an impeccable reputation."

Dawber is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child, has pleaded not guilty and was released.

Culver is due in court in November.

New York State officials have been working to revoke the license of the Suffolk County day care center. Children and family services officials said Side By Side failed to correct violations cited in August, including several relating to the punishment of 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.