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On June 10, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that on June 10, 2024, Caregiver Savannah pushed Child A's (13 months old) face down on the cot causing a bloody lip. 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)6. which states, "Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers."
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."
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 June 11, 2024, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced inspection and interviewed Director Aimee McCurdy, Caregiver Chloe Modlin, and Caregiver Jacy Lomas. Director Aimee stated on June 10, 2024, Caregiver Chloe came out of a classroom very upset. Caregiver Chloe stated that she saw Caregiver Savana Fletcher slam Child A's (12 months old) head into a cot. Caregiver Chloe was instructed to go back to the classroom and get Child A and bring her to the office. Child A was visibly upset and there was a small spot of blood on the inside of her lip. There have been concerns with Caregiver Savana using a harsh tone with children in the past and being rough in the handling of children. Director Aimee spoke with Caregiver Savana who stated Child A was being difficult during nap time and would not lay down.
Caregiver Chloe stated Caregiver Savana would lose patience quickly with the children. She felt the way she grabbed children was too rough. She told Director Aimee about Savana's tone and being rough with the children. Savana's behavior improved for a few days, but then the incident occurred on June 10. On June 10, 2024, Caregiver Chloe was in Caregiver Savana's classroom. Caregiver Savana was attempting to put Child A down for a nap. Child A was not lying still, and Caregiver Savana pushed Child A's face into the cot. Caregiver Chloe went and told Director Aimee what she saw in the classroom. Caregiver Chloe went back to the classroom and brought Child A to Director Aimee. That is when it was noticed Child A's lip was bleeding from where her face was pushed into the cot. Caregiver Jacey Lomas stated she has had concerns with Caregiver Savana in the past. Caregiver Savana seemed to be a little rough with the children in the way she picked them up. Savana would often have an attitude in the classroom, and she seemed annoyed to be at work. She would often say that she didn't want to be at work.
On June 11, 2024, CI Greer reviewed an incident report for June 10, 2024, and observed Child A's name was listed. The date and time of the incident is June 10, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. The incident occurred in the toddler room. Injury placement is the upper lip. The description states teacher (Savana) pushed Child A's head to cot. Child A bumped lip causing it to bleed. The report is signed by Caregiver Chloe, Director Aimee McCurdy, and Parent A (Parent of Child A).
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