| Conclusion Summary |
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Compliance Inspector (CI) Cole Eddins completed an unannounced inspection regarding the allegation that Caregiver Hobbs dragged Child A across the carpet, causing a rug burn. After conducting the investigation, CI Eddins finds the 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)7. Which states: "Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited."
On December 4, 2023, CI Eddins interviewed Parent A, Caregiver Jessica Whalen, and Child A. Parent A stated that she was told by Caregiver Hobbs that she was playing with Child A when he got hurt and that Child A got a little rug burn. She observed Child A running from Caregiver Hobbs on the video footage recorded by the facilities CCTV cameras. She then stated that she observed Child A falling down on his own and Caregiver Hobbs tickling Child A's neck while he was on the ground. She then observed Caregiver Hobbs dragging Child A across the carpet on his back. She stated that this may have been a disciplinary action used on Child A from Caregiver Hobbs. She signed an accident report which stated that Child A received a rug burn on his back after being pulled by Caregiver Hobbs. Caregiver Whalen stated that she had also observed the video footage of Caregiver Hobbs dragging Child A on the carpet. Both Caregiver Whalen and Parent A observed the rug burn on Child A's back. Child A stated that he received a rug burn on his back from Caregiver Hobbs because he was running away from her. Child A stated that he was drug by his ankle.
On December 4, 2023, CI Eddins completed an unannounced inspection and interviewed Director Danyl Moore, Assistant Director Erin Manion, Caregiver Alyssa Hobbs, Child B, and Child C. Director Moore and Assistant Director Manion provided consistent information. Both Director Moore and Assistant Director Manion stated that Caregiver Hobbs had dragged Child A by his left ankle across the carpet of the big kids' room the morning of December 1, 2023. Both Director Moore and Assistant Director Manion stated that they had observed a rug burn on Child A's back and that Child A was given a band-aid before Parent A was notified of what happened. They stated that Child A cried for a few minutes after he was pulled. Both Director Moore and Assistant Director Manion stated that they had observed this incident happen through the video recordings caught on their facility CCTV cameras. Caregiver Hobbs stated that she observed Child A leaving the breakfast table to walk around the big kids' room that connects to the breakfast table. She had then observed Child A running to the big kids' room after she told him to sit down and eat his breakfast. She stated that she chased after him and Child A fell on the floor.
She stated that she grabbed Child A by his ankle and pulled him across the carpet. She observed red marks on Child A's back but no blood. She stated that she tried to set an example with Child A, so other children don't misbehave. She stated that she wanted other children to know that it was not ok to act out in class. Child A and B provided consistent information. Both Child A and Child B stated that they feel safe at daycare and that they feel safe with Caregiver Hobbs.
On December 4, 2023, CI Eddins conducted a walkthrough of the facility and observed multiple caregiver-to-student interactions. CI Eddins observed the caregivers using kind words and redirection with children when needed. CI Eddins did not observe any physical discipline or interactions between the caregivers and their children. CI Eddins observed Caregiver Hobbs employee disciplinary action form and the warning decision for her to receive more training. CI Eddins observed the written incident report of Child A being signed by Parent A. CI Eddins observed the rug burn on Child A's back. CI Eddins observed Caregiver Hobbs dragging Child A by his left ankle across the carpet on the facility's CCTV cameras.
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