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On February 13, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that on 02/13/24, Child A (age 4-years-old), was crying and stated that a teacher Ms. Angela hit him in the mouth. The teacher stated that she informed Child A that if he did not keep his tongue in his mouth, then she would put it back in his mouth. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jade Stewart-Martin have found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
RSMo 210.254.2.(5)., which states: "Disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility."
On February 27, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin interviewed director Elnora "Angel" Logan, and teachers: Ashley Meriweather and Paris Johnson. All staff interviewed remembered the incident that took place on February 13, 2024, between Ms. Meriweather and Child A. The incident occurred after nap time at approximately 2:45 P.M.- 3:15 P.M., Child A was acting out and Ms. Johnson attempted to calm him down. Ms. Meriweather and Ms. Johnson and Ms. Logan stated that Child A has behavioral issues and often will throw tantrums and will cry uncontrollably with his tongue outside of his mouth. When incidents like this occur, Ms. Johnson (Child A's primary teacher) will send him to Ms. Meriweather. Ms. Meriweather stated she will at times use empty threats with Child A, such as "I'm going to take your tongue." On February 13, 2024, Ms. Meriweather used this type of threat to Child A, and he apparently calmed down in five minutes and returned to normal daily activities in Ms. Johnson's room. When Parent A came to pick up the child, she inquired about what had happened with Child A and Ms. Meriweather. Ms. Logan, Ms. Meriweather, and Parent A examined Child A's mouth where no one observed any mouth injuries to Child A. At this time Ms. Logan and Ms. Meriweather told Parent A about the empty threat to "take Child A's tongue." Ms. Logan, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Meriweather stated that their normal discipline techniques such as isolation/calm down time and time outs do not work with Child A. Ms. Logan, Ms. Meriweather, and Ms. Johnson stated that the staff, including Ms. Meriweather, have never physically touched any child. None of the staff interviewed stated that they have any concerns with any of the staff physically harming the children. CI Stewart-Martin conducted interviews with Child B (5-years-old) and Child C (5-years-old) both of whom stated that Ms. Meriweather was one of their teachers, and that they like her and have fun at school. Child B and Child C did not divulge any more relevant information.
On February 27, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin observed the facilities Notice of Parental Responsibility. CI Stewart-Martin also observed the enrollment forms of Child A, Child B, and Child C.
On March 1, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin conducted a phone interview with Parent A. Parent A stated that Child A has attended the facility since September of 2021. She had never previously had any incidents with the daycare and Ms. Logan, the director, cared for Child A deeply. On February 13, 2024, she went to pick up Child A from care and he was apparently crying and stated that Ms. Meriweather had hit him in the mouth. Parent A then went into the center to ask Ms. Logan and Ms. Meriweather what had occurred. Ms. Logan, Ms. Meriweather, and Parent A all examined Child A's mouth, no one could identify any signs of trauma or marks in Child A's mouth. Ms. Meriweather at this time told Parent A "Yes, I told him to put his tongue in his mouth, before I put it in there for you." Ms. Meriweather told Parent A it was an empty threat, and no one had ever physically harmed Child A. Later, that night Parent A texted the director, Ms. Logan, to ask additional questions. This is when Ms. Logan stated that Ms. Meriweather utilizes empty threats with the kids, and they listen to her, but they don't ever put their hands on the kids. Parent A stated she would send CI Stewart-Martin the texts between the director and her. Parent A stated that February 12, 2024, was Child A's last day at the facility.
On March 1, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin observed text messages sent on February 12, 2024, between Parent A and Director Elnora "Angel" Logan regarding the incident that took place between Child A and Ashley Meriweather on this date admitting that Ms. Meriweather uses empty threats and used them with Child A.
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