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Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that the facility is using restraint holds at the facility. 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 August 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Designee Natsha Lehman who stated parents are required to sign off on children being restrained. Restraining is listed as a form of discipline in the Parent Handbook. The type of hold that staff use is called a basket hold and is referred to as parking.
On August 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Destiny Mattingly who stated she has parked Child A (5 years old) one time. It was approximately two weeks ago while he was running around trying to hit children and staff. She placed child A in her lap on the floor and crossed her leg over his legs. She wrapped her arms around Child A to limit his movement. She was instructed by administration on how to park children. The training was done in the classroom and took about 10 -15 minutes. She has seen Child B (5 years old) and Child D (5 years old) parked by caregivers.
On August 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Peyton Frizzel, who stated she last saw Child B parked a few weeks ago by Caregiver Mattingly.
On August 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Assistant Director Tammy Dodd, who stated restraining has been used since she started at the facility in 2008. Staff will sit with the child in their lap and wrap their arms around the child to limit movement. While holding the child, they ask the child to show a calm body. Only children with a success plan are allowed to be restrained. Child A does not currently have a success plan.
On August 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child D (5 years old), who stated he knows what parking is. He has seen Child B parked by his teachers.
On August 1, 2023, CI Greer reviewed the Guidance/Discipline Policy in the Northland Early Education Parent Handbook and observed in certain situations, after Conscious Discipline techniques and positive redirection has been exhausted and have proven unsuccessful, a team, including the child's parent(s)/ guardian, teachers, and a behavior therapist may develop a written behavior plan specific to the child. In these instances, restraints on the child may be used only as they are specified in the parent/guardian authorized written behavior plan. Physical restraints will only be used by trained teachers and staff as defined in the child's individual behavior plan and may only be used if the child exhibits behaviors of harm to self, others, and property. In all situations, if restrictions are placed on the rights of the child, the rights will be reinstated immediately when the appropriate behavior is exhibited by the child.
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