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On August 20, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging that the reporter observed Caregiver Patty telling a child "No snack because you are not coloring." After being made to color for 30 seconds, the child was allowed to have marshmallows but was the last to receive the snack. The reporter observed Caregiver Patty tell an upset child who didn't pick up a toy that he would only get water for a snack. After conducting the investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Cole Eddins finds the allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
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 August 23, 2024, CI Eddins conducted an unannounced inspection and interviewed Caregiver Jessica Begley and Caregiver Patti Mael. Jessica Begley stated that Patti Mael would occasionally use food as a threat or punishment when dealing with children's behaviors. She has only observed Patti Mael do this a small handful of times. Patti Mael stated that she has used food and/or snacks as a threat before but she has never followed through with the threat.
On August 28, 2024, CI Eddins interviewed Stephanie Stipanovich, who stated that observed Patti Mael punish children with the threat of removing their food and/or snacks.
On October 1, 2024, CI Eddins interviewed Parent A. Parent A stated that she heard from Stephanie that Patti Mael would threaten to take away food from children if they were not following directions.
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