Sandra Downer pleaded guilty to abusing two children in her care at the Lad and Lassie Nursery and Preschool in Natick Thursday.
A surveillance camera inside the preschool captured Downer, 58, of Natick, pick up a toddler by one arm, lift her off the floor, and forcefully put her in a seat. Another video shows Downer grab another child on a cot, slam her back down, and wrap her tightly in a blanket.
“It was just completely heartbreaking and we didn’t believe it at first until we saw the video and it was just traumatizing and upsetting,” said the mother of one of the children in the videos.
Downer pleaded guilty to child abuse charges almost a year later.
“I am so grateful for the people who reported this, the heroes at the daycare who reported when they suspected children in their care