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Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an investigation of the allegation that Ms. Belinda swatted Child A (3-years-old) on the butt. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. which states: "Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. which states: "Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited."
On February 17, 2023, CI Mertz observed video footage of an incident with Belinda Fuller and Child A. The following is a description of that video footage:
- Child A was running around the table.
- Belinda walks quickly around the table, in the opposite direction.
- Child A turns to run the other direction around the table again.
- Belinda grabs Child A's arm as he turned away to run from her.
- Belinda spanked Child A's bottom with her left hand.
On March 6, 2023, caregiver Brianna Burris stated that she was Belinda's co-teacher and she did see concerning incidents. One time, they were transitioning from coming inside and she was playing with kids while Belinda was getting them in and out of the bathroom. She got up to get the remote and as she was turning on the TV, Belinda was yelling at Child A. Then, right in front of her, Belinda turned Child A over and spanked him.
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