A Denver child care provider, Crème de la Crème, has been cited by the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for misclassifying employees as independent contractors. The WHD found systematic labor violations at 21 child care centers in eight states and ordered the company to pay more than $41,000 in back wages to 354 current and former workers.

The company was also cited for failing to pay overtime wages. According to Cynthia Watson, administrator for the WHD’s Southwest region.

“Child care employees work long hours looking after children’s safety, yet are often denied the wages and workplace protections guaranteed by law. We are committed to strengthening compliance in this industry, which is important not just for workers, but for all the families depending on them for quality child care services,” said Watson.

She added that the Labor Department would continue to investigate suspected violations and act to “ensure sustained compliance with the law.”

Crème de la Crème has agreed to future compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and other labor regulations it had been found to be in violation of.