2 Southampton daycare workers accused of force feeding, pushing children

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (WABC) -- Two day care workers on Long Island are under arrest and facing charges, accused of abusing infants and toddlers in their care.

Southampton police say the two women force-fed, pushed and slammed the children at the Side By Side Child Care Center to 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.

Now, they are charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

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 say 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.

Side by Side was open on Tuesday, and parents who spoke to Eyewitness News defended the center.

Amanda Krzenski says 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."

Meanwhile, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services is joining police in their investigation into the center.

"Looking to see exactly how far this dates back, as well as any other children that might have sustained any injuries," Ralph said.

Police say that management 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.