3 day care teachers accused of giving toddlers melatonin-laced gummy bears

Three teachers at a suburban Chicago day care center are accused of giving gummy bears containing melatonin to a class of 2-year-olds without authorization from their parents, WGN reported.

The three employees of the Kiddie Junction Daycare Center in Des Plaines -- Ashley Helfenbein, 25, of Chicago; Jessica Heyse, 19, of Des Plaines; and Kristen Lauletta, 32, of Niles -- are charged with battery and child endangerment, police said.

Police said the three women admitted handing out the melatonin-laced gummies to calm the children down before their nap time, WGN reported.