Two New York daycare employees arrested after alleged 'abusive treatment' of children

Two employees from Sweet Angels Daycare in Newfane, New York have been arrested and are facing charges for alleged abusive treatment and excessive force while dealing with children.

One employee faces two counts of endangering the welfare of a child while another faces one count of the same charge. They were both arrested Monday, according to the New York State Police.

They are both scheduled to appear in court later this month.

Police say they received a complaint of possible abusive treatment at the daycare facility in February. After an investigation, police determined that both suspects used excessive force while dealing with the children.

In a statement provided to WIVB-4, a TV station in Buffalo, the organization said the alleged incident occurred "almost a year ago" and both employees left the organization during that time.

“Regardless, we take our responsibilities in serving the children enrolled in our daycare program very seriously and we are fully cooperating with the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office regarding this matter,” Sweet Angels said in a statement provided to WIVB-4.

The TV station is also reporting that state inspectors have substantiated several complaints with violations at multiple Sweet Angels locations. The company's website shows they have five daycare facilities in New York.

WIVB-4 says the Newfane facility was cited on Feb. 10 for using "methods of discipline, interaction or toilet training which frighten, humiliate or demean a child." While the compliance status is listed as corrected, the investigation is still pending, according to WIVB-4.

“While these charges are extremely troubling it will not impact our commitment to serving the children enrolled in our centers and their families and caregivers we serve,” Sweet Angels said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sweet Angels daycare employees in Newfane, New York, arrested