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On April 13, 2023, the Office of Childhood received a report alleging that staff, Austin Davis, grabbed Child B (two-years-old) up by the collar of his shirt and slammed him to the ground. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
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."
Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility on April 13, 2023. Director Karen Davis and Caregivers Sarah Moore, Jayme Moore, and Rylie Neely were interviewed. Child B was interviewed as well. Child B stated that Austin "squeezed me" and demonstrated a squeezing motion with his hands. He also stated that Austin dropped him. Sarah witnessed the incident and stated that Child B was bawling after the incident. Jayme and Rylie both reported that Austin is often too rough with the children. Director Karen stated this is not the first incident with Austin. There have been two prior incidents where it was found that he was too rough with the children. After reviewing video footage, Karen acknowledged that Austin's behavior does appear aggressive. The video clip shows Caregiver Austin charge toward Child B, grab him by his upper arms, and run him to the back of the room before sitting him down on the carpet. Caregiver Austin was interviewed. He has been moved to the infant room. He states he had told Child B to sit down. When he scooped him up, he was intending to be playful but sees how it could look more aggressive than intended. Physically grabbing a child by the arms is not constructive discipline, and it was frightening to Child B based on his statements and those of Caregivers Sarah Moore.
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