Rye YMCA Child Care Worker Accused Of Rough Handling Of 19-Month-Old: DA

RYE, NY — A woman trusted to care for children, instead mistreated at least one child under her care, according to police.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 34-year-old Molly Swain, a child care worker at the Rye YMCA, was charged on Friday with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. The Rye woman is accused of handling a toddler in her care in an especially rough manner on several occasions.

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"We were recently made aware of the arrest of a now-former staff member following allegations of physical abuse at the Rye YMCA Early Learning Center," Rye YMCA said in a statement. "When we first learned of the allegations, we placed two teachers in the classroom on administrative leave, pending investigation. Since then, both employees have been terminated."

Swain was arraigned before Rye City Court, and released on her own recognizance, as the charge is not bail-eligible. A temporary order of protection was also provided to the victim.

"Westchester parents who drop their kids off at day care expect they will be nurtured by the professionals entrusted with their care," Cacace said. "Instead, this defendant is alleged to have betrayed her duty as a care worker, subjecting the child victim in this case to unnecessary roughness. Toddlers cannot speak for themselves. It was only through diligent investigation and prosecutorial scrutiny that we were able to file this charge, and I would like to thank all of our investigatory partners for their work on this case."

The case was adjourned to May 5.

According to court documents, on April 1, Swain lifted a 19-month-old toddler up by the arms and dropped the toddler to the floor "in such a manner that would likely be injurious due to the level of force applied."

On two other occasions, Swain grabbed the same toddler by the back of their shirt collar and lifted them off the floor, according to the charges.

The Rye YMCA says it has a series of rigorous measures in place to keep kids safe.

"All the checks that the Rye YMCA and third-party organizations conducted on these former staff members came back clean – they had no previous record or any other cause for concern in their background, nor have they had any disciplinary issues while working at the Rye YMCA," the organization said. "We take our responsibility to children and their families very seriously, and we take pride in providing safe places for children to grow in skills and self-confidence. We are committed to providing a safe environment to every person in our programs, most importantly children who are entrusted to our care. That any child should be harmed in our care is unacceptable and we continue to keep those affected in our thoughts."

The organization said that among other measures, the Rye YMCA conducts state and county criminal record checks, inmate and criminal record checks, arrest and booking records checks on all staff, regardless of continuous employment. The Rye YMCA also conducts social security verification, address history, and terrorist database checks annually on all staff, regardless of continuous employment, according to the organization. The group also said it conducts interviews and work history checks prior to hiring, along with four reference checks for all applicants.

·The Rye YMCA said it also requires all staff to complete training on preventing, recognizing and responding to abuse. The facility prohibits staff from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others. In addition, the Rye YMCA has a policy of reporting any allegations or suspicions of abuse without exception.

"We will continue to regularly examine and update our child protection policies and ensure they align with best-in-class practices now and into the future," the Rye YMCA added.

The case was investigated by the City of Rye Police Department and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The case is being prosecuted by Rye Branch Chief Cindy Adimari.

This story was updated to include statements from the Rye YMCA.