| Conclusion Summary |
|
On March 29, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging Caregiver Joshua "Evris Oake" Metje, put their hand over Child A's (4 years old) mouth and also yanked Child A's arm while they were crying. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
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)9. which states, "Punishment or threat of punishment shall not be associated with food, rest, or toilet training."
On April 3, 2024, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer interviewed Parent A (Parent of Child A), who is also a caregiver. She stated on March 27, 2024, Caregiver Grace Scott was crying. Parent A asked Caregiver Scott what was wrong, and she stated she needed to speak with Director Sarah Jones. Caregiver Scott told Parent A it was regarding Child A (4 years old). Caregiver Scott stated that while the children were preparing to go outside on March 26, 2024, Caregiver Joshua "Evris Oake" Metje, pulled Child A by the arm across the classroom. On March 27, 2024, Caregiver Evris also covered Child A's mouth with their hand and told them to stop screaming.
On April 3, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Scott, who stated on March 26, 2024, Child A was screaming and crying. Child A was able to calm down and the class was going to the playground. Caregiver Evris said in an aggressive voice to Child A, "Get up!" Caregiver Evris proceeded to yank Child A's left arm and pull Child A approximately three feet. On March 27, 2024, Caregiver Evris was upset that Child A had an accident during nap time. Child A was upset that she didn't have pants to change into. Caregiver Evris was assisting Child A while Caregiver Scott was assisting another child who had an accident. Caregiver Scott heard a muffled scream sound and turned to see Caregiver Evris say, "Stop screaming." Caregiver Evris had their hand over Child A's mouth for at least a few seconds. Child A continued to scream after Caregiver Evris removed their hand from Child A's mouth.
|