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On August 8, 2023 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging Child A was picked up with a rash and parents were not notified. Child A was walking in pain and parents noticed dried feces and bloody mucus while changing child A's diaper. 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 25-500.102(1)(E) which states "Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care."
On August 9, 2023 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. A walkthrough of the facilty was also conducted. Director Cheyanne Smith, Caregiver Mari Morris, Caregiver Kamren Cascairo, and Caregiver Aleesia Pounds were interviewed. Caregiver Kamren indicated he assisted Child A in the bathroom at the end of the day on August 4, 2023. He observed that Child A had pooped. He knew she did not like to use the changing table so he stood her up in the bathroom for a diaper change. As he was attempting to wipe her she began to say "it hurt" and "wipe easy." This made him uncomfortable so he quickly finished the diaper change and took Child A back to the classroom. Caregiver Mari and Caregiver Aleeisa provided information consistent with Caregiver Kamren's account of the events. They also both indicated they heard Child A crying and realized it was likely due to needing a new diaper but failed to change Child A. Director Cheyanne had left for the day when the incident occurred, however, she immediately called Kamren when Parent A contacted her with concerns. Caregiver Kamren told Director Cheyanne the same story he told CI Mertz regarding being uncomfortable with the situation in the bathroom as he is a male staff and she is a female child.
CI Mertz interviewed Parent A and Child A on August 9, 2023. Parent A indicated she picked up Child A at approximately 5:20 p.m. Upon arriving home she noticed feces on Child A's buttocks and the front of her pelvis. She also noticed a significant diaper rash that had not been present when she dropped Child A off that morning. She immediately called Cheyanne who indicated she would talk with the caregivers and return her call. Director Cheyanne provided the information to Parent A regarding Kamren attempting to change Child A while she cried and stated "it hurt." CI Mertz observed photos dated August 4, 2023 of Child A's diaper area with feces on her buttocks, front of her pelvis and labia. Parent A had expressed concerns to the facility director on multiple occasions regarding Child A needing assistance with wiping thoroughly. While Caregiver Kamren did attempt to assist Child A in the bathroom; he failed to ensure that she was cleaned appropriately after having soiled her pants.
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