State Revokes Day Care's License Following Arrest of Two Employees

A Southampton day care had their license revoked on Saturday by the State Office of Children and Family Services after two employees were arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of the children at the center, according to multiple reports.

The Side by Side Child Care Center, which has been licensed since 2007, was cited for multiple violations following an inspection on August 28 including: ”withholding or using food, rest or sleep as a punishment” and using “methods of discipline, interaction or toilet training which frighten, demean or humiliate a child,” according to OCFS’s website.

The day care has 30 days to request a hearing after its license is revoked by the revocation becomes “final” and the provider must “cease operation,” according to the website.

While the center still has the opportunity to contest the decision, it can continue to stay open with increased monitoring by state authority, according to 27east.

However, The OCFS will stop referring families to the program if a program’s license or registration is closed, revoked or suspended, according to the website.

During an on-site visit Southampton Town detectives arrested two employees: Kathleen Culver, 33, of Southampton, and Sarah M. Dawber, 23, of Mastic Beach, both teachers who worked in the infant room tending to children ranging from 4-18 months old, according to police.

On several occasions they force fed, pushed and slammed the children down on the floor, police said.

One 18-month-old child vomited from being force fed, but no other injuries have been reported, according to police.

Several mothers have defended the women, including Southampton resident, Jessica Swiatocha, whose two children have been under Culver’s care at the center from 2008 to 2013, according to 27east.

She told 27east that she has a “hard time believing” the allegations of abuse and said that her children “love [Culver],” who has worked there for 13 years.

Another mother, Amanda Krzenski, whose kids have also been under Culver’s care for several years, says she “fully trusts her,” according to ABC News.

“I think she’ll be cleared,” she told ABC News. “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.”

The two women are due in court for their arraignment on Sept. 16.