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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Facility Information
Date of Report
1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002538829
Facility Name
MY FRIEND'S HOUSE, LLC
Facility Address
19 NEW SUGAR CREEK RD
City
FENTON
Zip Code
63026-4459
Phone
(636) 283-8830
County
JEFFERSON
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8. No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that on Wednesday, January 10, 2023, caregiver Haley Garrison pulled Child A's (age 3-years-old), hair while she was talking to him. This allegation is substantiated based on the following 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." 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." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8., which states: "No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity." On January 11, 2024, CI Graham viewed video footage with facility director, Jennifer Stotler. Haley Garrison is the caregiver on the screen and Child A is seen sitting at the table in a blue long sleeve shirt. There is no audio. Haley is passing out plates and walks behind Child A, grabs him on the top of the head by the hair and pulls his head back, says something, then pushes his head forward. He is sitting at the table talking to his peers before she approaches. Once Haley releases his hair, Child A immediately rubs his head. Jennifer Stotler was informed of the incident on January 10, 2024, by cook Angelia Turner that Haley Garrison had grabbed Child A by the hair. She reviewed the camera footage and terminated Haley Garrison immediately. Angelia stated that she was taking milk into the children during lunch and saw Haley releasing Child A's hair and push his head forward roughly. After she let go of his head, Child A grabbed his head and was crying. She reported the incident to Jennifer. On January 16, 2024, Haley Garrison stated that she didn't mean to grab Child A by the hair. She was trying to make him look up at her to talk face to face.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 3/27/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
3/8/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L