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On March 29, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: On March 28, 2024 Child A (age 3-years-old), didn't take a nap. As punishment, his provider withheld the cupcake snack they were given and he was given crackers instead. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-400.175(1)(C)9: which states, "Punishment or threat of punishment shall not be associated with food, rest, or toilet training."
On April 10, 2024, CI Honea conducted a phone interview with Parent A who stated that Child A was told that day that he could not have a cupcake if he did not go to sleep. Child A did not go to sleep but did lay down quietly. She arrived to find that all children had cupcakes except Child A who had animal crackers. Debbie told Parent A that Child A did not go to sleep, so he did not get a cupcake.
On April 10, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Debbie Magers who stated that she told Child A that if he did not go to sleep then he would not get a cupcake. Child A did not sleep but was calm and quiet during naptime. Since Child A did not go to sleep, she was not willing to give Child A the cupcake. CI Honea attempted to talk with Child A, but Child A did not give any information relevant to the investigation.
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