Four employees at the SUNY Cortland Child Care Center, including the center’s director, have been charged following an investigation into alleged abuse involving children at the facility.
According to court documents obtained by Syracuse.com, investigators allege workers at the daycare engaged in physical and emotional abuse of children over several months, with some incidents reportedly captured on surveillance video. The daycare serves about 100 children ranging from infants to preschool age.
Authorities said the incidents allegedly occurred between January and April. Court records accuse employees of either directly harming children or failing to report abusive behavior they witnessed, despite being mandated reporters.
Among the allegations, investigators say one employee encouraged children to kick and step on another child during an incident in April that lasted several minutes before another adult intervened. Other allegations outlined in court documents include children allegedly being shoved, restrained, denied bathroom access, and handled aggressively by staff members.
The four employees charged are:
- Karen Diescher, 50, of Cortland, the center’s director, was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
- Heather Hurteau, 57, of Cortland, a head teacher, was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
- Kelsi Carlisle, 29, of Cortland, a center supervisor, was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
- Aimee Wyatt, 50, of Truxton, charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of criminal solicitation.
State inspectors also cited the daycare center multiple times in April and May for alleged violations involving corporal punishment, failure to prevent serious injury, and disciplinary methods that frightened or humiliated children. According to the report, the facility’s operating license was pending revocation as of May 13.
The child care center operates independently on SUNY Cortland’s campus and serves children of students, staff, and community members. In a statement provided to Syracuse.com, the center said the safety and well-being of children remains its highest priority and that staff have cooperated with law enforcement and child welfare agencies during the investigation.
