Children were abused and neglected at an Alabama daycare center, including having food withheld from them for not sleeping during naptime, according to a lawsuit filed by 16 parents in Mobile County Circuit Court.

Big Blue Marble Academy, the daycare in Daphne that was sued Thursday by the 16 parents, denied the allegations in a statement to AL.com, maintaining the “unfounded” claims were investigated by the state and dismissed.

The lawsuit claims the daycare violated state Department of Human Resources standards under Alabama law, including “failing to make child safety the first and foremost consideration in all aspects of their operations” and “failing to provide a safe and secure environment for the children under their watch, care, control, and supervision.”

Staff at Big Blue Marble Academy used physical restraints and corporal punishment to discipline the children, according to the lawsuit.

Food was kept away from the children as a form of discipline, “including but not limited to withholding food as punishment and punishment for not sleeping during nap/rest time,” the lawsuit alleged.

Soiled diapers were allegedly not changed quickly enough, “resulting in severe diaper rash and infections requiring medical attention,” the suit went on to claim.

Meanwhile, the daycare also “knowingly hired employees with criminal backgrounds,” the lawsuit alleged, claiming a teacher there was arrested on child abuse charges before she began work at the business.

The lawsuit accuses Big Blue Marble Academy of fraud; two counts of negligence/wantonness; negligent/wanton hiring, training and supervision; assault and battery and loss of services.

Big Blue Marble Academy also failed to report the alleged abuse and neglect to authorities, the lawsuit claimed.

The daycare said it has cooperated with authorities and denied the allegations laid out in the lawsuit.

“Big Blue Marble Academy’s number one priority is to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff. We take matters like this very seriously and have cooperated with the proper authorities and parties to review the allegations thoroughly,” the daycare said in a statement to AL.com.

“State Licensing has concluded its investigation into each of the claims, which were ultimately dismissed as unfounded. Additionally, Big Blue Marble Academy in Daphne has had a series of satisfactory licensing visits and is not currently under investigation for any licensing violations,” the statement went on to say. “Safeguarding the well-being of the children and families entrusted to our care is not just a responsibility but a fundamental value we uphold. We are committed to the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve and stand firm in maintaining the highest standards of accountability and protection.”