Fairview Heights daycare employee sentenced for abusing toddlers at work

A Tinee Treasures Childcare worker was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service for abusing two toddlers under her care in June 2017, according to court records.

Police say 52-year-old Joann Schofield became frustrated on June 16 and picked up the children’s sleeping cots. Two toddlers fell to the floor and were taken to the hospital; one had minor injuries and the other was unhurt.

Schofield, from Belleville, was reportedly captured on surveillance footage when this occurred.

She worked at the Fairview Heights daycare center from April to August in 2017, according to daycare employee Lisa Holman.

The Belleville woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of battery. One other count of aggravated battery was dropped as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Fairview Heights daycare employee sentenced for abusing toddlers at work."