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On September 18, 2023 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging Child A (3 years old) was sprayed in the mouth with Listerine, which she called "naughty spray", for being naughty. Child A had a rash around her mouth that day. The director told the reporter that spraying kids in the mouth with Listerine is their policy when children are in trouble. 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 25-500.182(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 22, 2023 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. CI Mertz interviewed Board President Kim Pond, Director KeAndra Kendall, Caregiver Peggy Summers, Caregiver Dorene Wages, Caregiver Kacey Bradshaw, Caregiver Brennah Collins, Caregiver Morgan Archer, Child A (3 years old), Child B (3 years old), Child C (4 years old), Child D (5 years old), Child E (3 years old), Child F (2 years old), and Parent A (Child A's Mother). Board President Kim Pond indicated she has sprayed children in the mouth with Binaca spray if they are biting. She stated they have permission slips that parents sign to allow this to occur. She agreed it was not age appropriate or constructive. Director KeAndra indicated spraying children with mouth spray is not age appropriate or constructive. All other caregivers interviewed also indicated that spraying a child in the mouth with breath freshener is not age appropriate or constructive. Child A, Child B, and Child F all indicated they have been sprayed in the mouth. Child F stated he cried and it tasted yucky.
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