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On September 30, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging a staff member named Katlyne was seen grabbing Child A by the armpit and aggressively sitting her on a chair. After Katlyne placed her on the chair, Child A tried to get up, so Katlyne aggressively pushed her down on the seat multiple times. Katlyne did this because Child A had taken a toy from another child. Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information:
RSMo 210.254.2. - The notice of parental responsibility shall include the following: (5) The disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility.
On October 8, 2024, CI Radney conducted interviews with Rachel McQuality and Adrianna Gonzales. Rachel reported she has had reported to her that Katlyne picked up a kid by the arm like this incident with Child A and that Katlyne was physically rough with Child A. Adrianna reported that she observed the incident. She observed Katlyne grab Child A by the arm. Child A didn't want to sit in time out. Katlyne pushed Child A down to a sitting position on the chair. Child A was upset and screaming.
On October 8, 2024, CI Radney received and reviewed the Notice of Parental Responsibility (NPR). The NPR states the disciplinary philosophy and policies of the facility are: Effective discipline stems from careful planning and consistency. Caregivers will strive to develop a positive relationship with each child, set clear limits and continually redirect unacceptable behavior. Proper Christian discipline at Little Lambs Childcare will be maintained and exercised in a loving manner keeping with the Bible's teachings of sin and grace. Therefore our form of discipline will not be physical or demeaning in any way. Our staff will seek to the wonderful example of our loving Savior before the children and will aim to communicate promptly and sincerely with parents regarding any behavior problem. 1. Redirect negative behavior by changing activities. 2. Use reflective listening to let the child know we understand how he/she is feeling. 3. Modeling and reinforcing appropriate Christian behavior. 4. Give specific, alternative choices. 5. Explain consequences of behavior to children. 6. Setting reasonable expectations for child's age. If one of these techniques doesn't work the child will be given a time out for an age appropriate amount of time. The normal standard for a timeout is one minute for year of age.
Based on the evidence provided, Katlyne Blake was not following the facility's discipline policy when this incident occurred.
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