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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Ibbotson conducted an investigation regarding the allegation that Child A was picked up by his wrist and had unexplained bruises on his arm and back. After conducting the investigation, CI Ibbotson finds this allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
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)5. which states: "Brief, supervised separation from the group may be used based on a guideline of one (1) minute of separation for each year of the child's age."
On October 30, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Grandparent A who stated that she observed an unknown caregiver pick Child A and another child up by their wrists on October 27, 2023, through the live feed camera footage. She stated that she immediately picked Child A up because she had observed teachers pick Child A up on a daily basis by his wrists and thought it was too aggressive. She stated that she observed approximately two red and brown bruise marks on Child A's left forearm when she brought him home, even though she believed she witnessed the teacher pick Child A up on his right forearm. She stated that had also observed bruise marks on his back but was unsure where they had come from.
CI Ibbotson observed Child A and saw faded red and green marks that appeared to be old bruises on Child A's left forearm. There were no notable marks or bruises observed on Child A's back.
CI Ibbotson interviewed Director Medlin who stated that Grandparent A arrived at the facility to pick Child A up on October 27, 2023, and seemed visibly upset, accusing staff of physically abusing Child A and the other children. She stated that Grandparent A informed her that she did not like how Child A was picked up but could not give more specific information as to how he was picked up. She stated she was unaware of any bruises or marks on Child A until Parent B called approximately one hour later accusing staff of causing the marks on Child A. She stated that she immediately reported the concerns to District Manager Barker and reviewed video footage from that day where it was determined that Caregiver Hessee had picked Child A and Child B up by their forearms as she carried them to the table and placed them in timeout for approximately 10 minutes.
CI Ibbotson reviewed two accident/injury reports regarding Child A. On September 26, 2023, one report stated that Child A was pinched by another child on his left arm but no mark was left. On October 27, 2023, one report stated that Child A was redirected in a manner that was not aligned with the company's policy while Caregiver Hessee and Caregiver Batchelder were present. CI Ibbotson also reviewed an accident/injury report regarding Child B. On October 27, 2023, the report stated that Child B was redirected in a manner that was not aligned with the company's policy while Caregiver Hessee and Caregiver Batchelder were present.
On November 1, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed District Manager Barker, Caregiver Batchelder and Caregiver Hessee. District Manager Barker stated that once she was informed by Director Medlin of Grandparent A and Parent B's concerns, she immediately reviewed video footage from that day. She stated that she observed Caregiver Hessee pick Child A and Child B up in a manner that was against company policy and placed them in timeout for approximately 20 minutes. Caregiver Batchelder stated that she unsure why Child A and Child B were sitting at the table but observed them sitting there for approximately five minutes without any activity provided to them. Caregiver Hessee stated that she only picked Child B up by his wrists but had never done so with Child A. She stated that she did not believe any bruises could have been caused by the way she picked Child A or Child B up because it was not in an aggressive manner. She stated that she placed both Child A and Child B at the table in timeout for approximately five to seven minutes.
CI Ibbotson reviewed video footage from October 27, 2023. At 10:57 a.m., Caregiver Hessee was observed walking over to Child A as Child A appeared to be hitting another child. Caregiver Hessee picked Child A up with her right hand on Child A's right forearm and her left hand underneath his left armpit and carried him to the table. Child A appeared to be crying as Caregiver Hessee put him down onto his feet before pulling out a chair and picking him up again underneath both of his armpits with her hands and placed him in the chair. Caregiver Hessee then placed Child A's arms in his lap and scooted him closer to the table as he continued to cry. Caregiver Batchelder was observed standing at the changing table in front of the table where Caregiver Hessee placed Child A. Both caregivers left Child A unattended at the table with no communication or activity given. At 10:58 a.m., Caregiver Hessee walked towards Child B and picked him up by both wrists before carrying him to the same table Child A was sitting at. Caregiver Hessee was later observed sitting in a chair in between Child A and Child B at the table. It did not appear that Caregiver Hessee communicated with either child. At 11:05 a.m., Caregiver Hessee stood up, grabbed her purse and walked out of the classroom once Caregiver Abreu arrived. Child A stood up from the table and walked away while Child B remained sitting in the chair at the table. At 11:08 a.m., Grandparent A was observed picking Child A up and exiting the classroom. Child B stood up from the table at 11:11 a.m.
CI Ibbotson observed Child A sitting in timeout from 10:57 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. and Child B sitting in timeout from 10:58 a.m. to 11:11 a.m. with no communication provided to either child regarding their behaviors. CI Ibbotson could not identify if bruise marks were caused by Caregiver Hessee on Child A but determined that the manner of which she picked Child A and Child B up were not constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline.
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