| Conclusion Summary |
|
On April 10, 2024 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging "The facility is restraining children, ages 2 years old and younger, in high chairs as a time out method. They are left there long enough to fall asleep." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
RSMo 210.254.2 (5) which states "The notice of parental responsibility shall include the following: The disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility; and"
On April 15, 2024, CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. CI Mertz observed the facility's Notice of Parental Responsibility (NPR) to state they use positive reinforcement, redirection, time-out, and parent teacher conferences regarding behavior. Director Dean Ferguson, Caregiver Andraya Emerson, Caregiver Melanie Lemp and Caregiver Megan Meyer were interviewed. Each indicated Child A (2 years old) is placed in the high chair for discipline when he is physically aggressive. Each indicated this is different from the discipline provided to other children as they are placed in another timeout chair. All caregivers interviewed stated the high chair straps are not used but the tray is placed on the high chair so Child A cannot get down.
On May 28, 2024, CI Mertz left a message for Parent A (Child A's Mother). CI Mertz interviewed Parent B, who stated the facility used to place children in the highchairs for discipline. CI Mertz interviewed Parent C, who was unable to provide any relevant information.
|