Four employees of a child care center affiliated with the State University of New York are facing criminal charges after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as repeated incidents of physical and emotional abuse involving toddlers.
The allegations stem from incidents at the SUNY Cortland Child Care Center in Cortland where prosecutors say surveillance cameras captured multiple episodes involving toddlers being mistreated by staff members over a period of several months.
Court records, criminal complaints and a newly filed civil lawsuit identify the accused as employees of the center, including the facility’s director and classroom staff members.
All four workers have been charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
According to investigators, some of the most disturbing allegations involve a staff member identified as Aimee Wyatt.
Authorities say that on April 7th, Wyatt instructed several children to “kick and step on” another child and encouraged them to “do whatever you have to do.” Investigators said the incident continued for approx. three minutes before another employee intervened.
Court filings allege the incident was not isolated.
According to the civil lawsuit, Wyatt encouraged a group of children on another occasion to physically attack a 3-year-old child. The lawsuit also claims she forcibly removed a 2-year-old from a toilet after the child urinated on the floor.
Investigators also cited a February incident involving a 3-year-old boy.
According to court documents, Wyatt confined the child inside a bathroom, blocked the doorway with her body and prevented him from leaving. When the toddler attempted to exit the room, investigators allege she shoved him to the floor.
Authorities say surveillance footage played a key role in uncovering the misconduct.
Another employee identified in court records as Kelsi Carlisle is accused of physically restraining a child during a separate incident captured on video.
According to investigators, footage from April shows Carlisle pinning a child to the floor while the child cried and repeatedly said, “No, don’t, it hurts.”
Police obtained both video and audio recordings.
A $10 million lawsuit filed against New York State alleges officials failed to adequately protect children attending the center. Attorneys describe the what occurred as significant deficiencies in supervision and safety procedures.
The lawsuit claims warning signs were missed and that vulnerable children remained exposed to potentially harmful conditions inside the facility.
While officials have confirmed that the employees involved were removed from contact with children after the allegations surfaced, the university and child care center have largely declined to discuss details of the investigation.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed or whether other individuals are being investigated.
