Alva Review-Courier -

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A YMCA day care center in Wichita is being investigated over allegations that a teacher physically abused toddlers at the center, state and YMCA officials confirmed.

Matt Keith, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, confirmed the agency is investigating allegations against a teacher at the South YMCA Early Learning Center but said he couldn't provide details.

The Wichita Eagle reported (http://bit.ly/2sNvdvW ) that Daria Scriven Nelsen, a mother of a 2-year-old boy at the center, said she was told by the Kansas Department of Children and Families that her son is one of three alleged victims. DCF spokeswoman Theresa Freed said she couldn't confirm the agency's involvement in an investigation.

Shelly Conrady, a spokeswoman for Greater Wichita YMCA, said the organization is cooperating with the state investigation and is conducting one of its own.

The staff member was removed from the program immediately after the YMCA heard of the complaint and can't work with children until the investigation is over, Conrady said. Both state agencies are looking into the complaint and it could be a month before the YMCA knows the findings, she said.

Wichita police spokesman Officer Charley Davidson said police knew of the investigation and would become involved if necessary.

The YMCA has contacted parents about the complaint and encouraged them to cooperate with the investigation, she said.

The South YMCA day care program is licensed for about 100 children but is not at capacity. With almost 60 licensed child care sites in the Wichita metro area, the YMCA is the city's largest day care provider.

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Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com