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On October 31, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that staff member Stephanie Kaneshima has the children's blankets too tight when they are sleeping during naptime. The blankets are too tight that children can't get up when they are awake. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(C)4.B., which states that: "An infant's head and face shall remain uncovered during sleep;"
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5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E), which states that: "Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care."
On November 7, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to Step Ahead Child Care Academy, Inc. and interviewed staff members Stacie Walck, Neah Cobbs, Amber Dunn, and Katherine Yonick. Ms. Cobbs, Ms. Dunn, and Ms. Yonick were unfamiliar with the reported concerns. Ms. Walck was familiar with the reported concerns and addressed the concerns with Stephanie Kaneshima with a write up. CI Fyfe received a copy of the write up, which states that Ms. Kaneshima was covering the children's heads with a sheet as well as tucking the sheet underneath the legs of the cot. Ms. Kaneshima no longer works at the facility.
On November 29, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed Stephanie Kaneshima. Ms. Kaneshima stated that she placed blankets over children's heads after she heard that staff members in the infant room were doing the same thing to block the children's faces from the sun. She also tucked the bottom of the blanket, near the children's feet, underneath the leg of the cots. Staff member Stacie Walck initially told her that this was okay but later told her not to do this.
On November 29, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed Ellie Panicola. Ms. Panicola denied the reported concerns. She did see Ms. Kaneshima tuck the children in slightly while they slept but did not see it as concerning.
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