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Compliance Inspector Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that a few months back, Child A (age 3) was burned on her hand at the daycare center by an unknown caregiver. This allegation is substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. which states: "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent adult supervision."
On September 6, 2023, Karen Whitener and Peyton Chaffin said that they were working with older children doing a bead melting activity. Karen said that she was with the children the entire time that they were using the iron and was at the table when Child A, age 3-years-old, brushed up against the iron and burnt her arm. Peyton did not remember anyone being at the table with the children when Child A burned her arm. Peyton said that the iron was standing up on the table and there was no caregiver at the table helping the children with the activity.
Child A said that she touched the iron and it was hot. No one helped her after touching the iron and she did not tell anyone it happened.
This activity took place in June, 2023, and the children that were present then were not able to be interviewed due to being in school.
5 CSR 25-500.192(5)(A) which states: "In case of accident or injury to a child, the provider shall notify the parent(s) immediately. If the child requires emergency medical care, the provider shall follow the parent's(s') written instructions."
Karen stated that the incident occurred around 9:00am and Child A did not tell her about the burn until after lunch time. Karen said she then sent Parent A a message letting her know about the burn. Peyton said that she was the one that told Karen that Child A burned her arm but did not remember any details about it happening. She did not write up a report about the incident but knows that she should have.
Parent A said there was no report given to her when the incident occurred. She saw the mark on Child A's arm at pick up and that is when Karen told her about it. Parent A then sent a message to Karen about the mark the next day.
CI Graham observed an accident report for Child A, age 3-years-old, that was written by Karen Whitener, caregiver. The report was dated July 7, 2023, and the time was 11:20am.
"Child A was walking passed a hot iron and (burned arm) touched it. the children were making bead (melting bead) charactors."
"Child was given a cool rag, and aloe staff sat with child. when child showed burn mark was tip of iron only"
Karen noted that she talked to the parent at 4:20. There was no parent signature.
This report was not available at the time of the investigation. It is noted that the report was dated July 7, 2023, however, a text message was sent on June 29, 2023, regarding the burn by Parent A.
The text message was between Parent A and Karen Whitener dated June 29, 2023, at 6:18pm.
Parent A texted: "Okay" And did you see the big mark on Child A's arm today? It's definitely a burn from yesterday"
Karen replied: "Yes I did. I thought it was just the tip of it so I guess her arm touched it. I do so I apologize that is literally my fault so I told them all no one could be at the iron or around it again. Only me!!"
Parent A texted: "Okay!"
Karen replied: "I am sorry I feel so bad. I really thought she only touched the tip of it."
Parent A texted: "It's okay"
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