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On October 19, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that on 10/16/23, caregiver Gabrielle Hopkins grabbed Child A by the neck and pushed him to the ground. Gabrielle Hopkins then put her hand on Child B's forehead and pushed him back. Child A jumped up to defend Child B and Gabrielle Hopkins proceeded to grab Child A's hair and threw him to the ground. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Liz Hudson has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
RSMo 210.254.2., which states: "The notice of parental responsibility shall include the following:"
AND
RSMo 210.254.2.(5)., which states: "The disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility;"
On October 20, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Hudson conducted an unannounced inspection at Covenant For Life Child Development Center. CI Hudson interviewed Director Athena Osoko and Assistant Manager Gabrielle Hammonds. Both staff members acknowledged the allegations and realize the use of physical intervention used by Ms. Gabrielle towards Child A was inappropriate. Ms. Athena stated that she did not see the incident specifically but did hear and see from the front office that there was some conflict occurring during line up at the door. Ms. Gabrielle stated that she was trying to avoid scratching Child A with her long nails but not by pushing him. Ms. Athena later received a call from Parent A who was upset and heard about the incident from Child A. Ms. Athena went back to view the video and was able to see specifically what happened, Ms. Gabrielle was immediately suspended. While at the facility, CI Hudson observed a video of Assistant Manager Gabrielle Hammond pushing Child A twice as a group of children are lining up to leave for school, causing Child A to fall backwards. Ms. Gabrielle is also observed grabbing Child A around the neck. Child A does not appear to be causing an imminent threat to his sibling, Child B, or any other child.
On November 28, 2023, CI Hudson conducted an interview via phone with Parent A who heard from Child A what had happened at daycare and stated that Child A and B did not want to go back to the daycare. Parent A stated that she contacted Ms. Athena and demanded to see the video that recorded the incident. She saw the video and was very upset. Parent A stated that she saw Ms. Gabrielle push Child A and grab him by the neck. She stated that she will not be taking her children back to Covenant For Life Child Development Center.
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