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Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that Caregiver Cynthia Hardin struck a child. 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 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child E (10 years old), who stated Caregiver Hardin was driving to the library. Somebody pulled on Caregiver Hardin's hair. Caregiver Hardin threw her hand back. Her hand hit Child A (5 years old), B (6 years old), and F (7 years old).
On August 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child F, who stated she was in Caregiver Hardin's car. She felt something hit her. She's not sure what it was.
On August 23, 2023, CI Greer reviewed a written statement from the Child G (14 years old), regarding the incident in the vehicle on August 16, 2023, and observed the children were at the park for around an hour and went to the library. The children ate snack at the library. The library was cool and there is a water fountain there, so he got some water. While in the car, someone pulled Cynthia's (Hardin) hair and she reacted by flailing her arm back. It appeared to make incidental contact with a child.
AND
5 CSR 25-500.212(3)(A) which states, "All children shall be seated in a permanent seat and restrained by seat belts or child restraint devices as required by Missouri law."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.212(1)(A) which states, "The provider shall be responsible for the care, safety and supervision of children on field trips or at any time they transport children away from the facility."
On August 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child D (14 years old), who stated Child G was sitting in the front with him. They were not buckled, and he was sitting on Child G's lap.
On August 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child E, who stated they were in Caregiver Hardin's car. Nobody was buckled. She was sitting on Child A, B, and F's laps. Child D was sitting on Child G's lap in the front seat.
On August 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Child F, who stated she was in Caregiver Hardin's car. She was not wearing her seat belt. Nobody was wearing their seat belt. Child E was sitting on her lap. She felt something hit her. She's not sure what it was.
AND
5 CSR 25-500.212(1)(C) which states, "Parents shall be informed when field trips are planned."
On August 18, 2023, CI Greer interviewed CEO Aisha Washington, who stated Caregiver Hardin does not have the permission of the facility to transport children in her personal vehicle. She was not aware that Caregiver Hardin took six children in her vehicle and that they were not using seat belts. Parents were not informed that Caregiver Hardin would be leaving the facility with children that day.
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