| Conclusion Summary |
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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Ibbotson conducted an investigation at Primrose School of Liberty, Inc. After conducting the investigation, CI Ibbotson finds these allegations substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
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."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.192(5)(B) which states: "Information regarding the date and circumstance of any accident or injury shall be noted in the child's record."
On September 14, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Parent A who stated that she had previous concerns of unexplained bruises on Child A but did not express her concerns to the staff until September 1, 2023. She stated that she never received any accident/injury reports regarding the details of the bruises and when discussed with Caregiver McGuire and Caregiver Hayes about the injuries, neither were aware of any accident to report. She stated that when she expressed her concerns to Director Swanson on September 5, 2023, it was explained to her that Child A played rough with the other children by wrestling and it was believed that the bruises could have been caused by that.
CI Ibbotson interviewed Grandparent A who stated that he observed a bruise on Child A's cheek and calf approximately two weeks ago after attending daycare but he was unsure of how the marks got there.
CI Ibbotson interviewed Director Swanson, Caregiver McGuire and Caregiver Hayes. All staff stated that they were aware of Child A receiving an injury to his eye while playing on the playground the week of August 28, 2023, but did not complete an accident/injury report or notify Child A's parents. Director Swanson stated that she did not communicate with Parent A regarding the cut on Child A's eye until September 5, 2023, after Parent A had expressed concerns to her regarding unexplained marks. Caregiver McGuire stated that she would attempt to complete accident/injury reports after each incident but sometimes was unable to because of how busy she was in the classroom. Director Swanson stated that she had previous issues with Caregiver McGuire and Caregiver Hayes not completing accident/injury reports after each incident. Staff also stated that parents were not always notified immediately after each accident and/or injury.
Ibbotson reviewed Child A's file and observed two "Minor Incident Reports" related to Child A's behavior but no documentation was found regarding any injuries that explained any bruises or marks. CI Ibbotson also observed pictures of Child A in the Pro Care application. On August 31, 2023, CI Ibbotson observed a bruise on Child A's left cheek. On September 1, 2023, CI Ibbotson observed a bruise under Child A's right eye and a red mark that appeared to be a cut or scratch across his left eye. There were no observations of any bruises or marks on Child A on August 29, 2023, through August 30, 2023.
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."
On September 14, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Director Swanson and Caregiver McGuire. Director Swanson stated that Child A would often times be held in Caregiver McGuire's lap with restricted movement if he was running around the classroom and potentially being in harms way. Director Swanson stated that harms way could mean if Child A was running around the classroom and toys were left on the floor. Caregiver McGuire stated that she would sit children in her lap and give them a "loose hug" by wrapping both of her arms around the child's chest area, limiting their movements until they were calm enough to get up.
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