Three Illinois daycare teachers have been arrested after being accused of handing out gummy bears containing melatonin, a hormone, to a class of 2-year-olds without authorization from their parents.
The incident took place at the Kiddie Junction Daycare Center in Des Plaines.
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Ashley Helfenbein of Chicago, 25, Jessica Heyse, 19, of Des Plaines and Kristen Lauletta, 32, are charged with battery and child endangerment after distributing a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle, according to apple dictionary.
Police say they admitted giving the children the Melatonin-laced candies to the children to “calm them down before nap time.” source
They said they did not think it was inappropriate because it was an over the counter sleep aid.