| Conclusion Summary |
|
On May 9, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that on May 8, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Caregiver Felicia Everingham smacked Child A (2 years old) with her open hand. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
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."
On May 14, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Assistant Director Mackenzie Berg and Caregiver Atlanta Johnson. Assistant Director Mackenzie stated she was in charge of the facility on Wednesday May 8, 2024. She was in the pre-k room working on paperwork. Child A's classroom was outside with Caregiver Felicia Everingham and Caregiver Atlanta. Caregiver Felicia came inside with Child A. Child A was crying and upset. Caregiver Felicia said Child A pulled her hair. Caregiver Atlanta came in a short time later and said Caregiver Felicia hit Child A. Caregiver Atlanta said that Child A got in Caregiver Felicia's face and swatted at Caregiver Felicia. Caregiver Felicia shoved Child A.
Caregiver Atlanta stated on May 8, 2024, she was outside with Child A's class and Caregiver Felicia. Child A was sitting at the table along with a few other children. Child A was in a timeout and got up to run away from the table. Child A yelled at Caregiver Felicia. Caregiver Felicia yelled back at her. Child A swatted at Caregiver Felicia and Caregiver Felicia struck Child A in the face. Child A started crying immediately. Caregiver Felicia looked surprised to see Caregiver Atlanta. The look on Caregiver Felicia's face was as if she didn't realize she was out there on the playground with her. Caregiver Felicia can be a little rough with the children.
On May 14, 2024, CI Greer attempted to interview Child A, but Child A was unable to answer any questions.
|