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On September 30, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that a worker at the daycare, Katlyne Blake, restrained Child A by having her sit between Katlyne's legs and pushing on her shoulders if she tried to stand up. This incident happened on the playground. CI 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; and
On October 8, 2024, CI Radney interviewed Rachel McQuality and Adrianna Gonzales. Rachel reported she received a phone call from a bank customer who was in the neighboring parking lot and they sent a picture of Katlyne Blake and a child in the playground, stating their concerns with Katlyne being physically rough with Child A. Adrianna and Vanessa Cruz were on the playground that day with Katlyne. She decided they would terminate Katlyne that day. Their discipline policy is to redirect and offer choices and then use time out for one minute per the child's age, if necessary. Adrianna reported she saw 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. 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.
On November 12, 2024, CI Radney interviewed Vanessa Cruz and Megan Thornburg. Vanessa reported she saw Katlyne pick Child A up under her arms aggressively and forcefully make her sit down twice. Child A began to cry. Katlyne had Child A between her legs and wouldn't let her get up. Child A cried for about five or six minutes until she was able to get up and go play. She sat in time out for approximately five or six minutes. Megan Thornburg reported she was sitting in the bank line and observed an adult yelling. She saw the lady sit the child down between her feet while she was still standing. The child was crying. She could not have stood up because she was being held on the ground by the lady's legs and feet. The child tried to stand up and the adult put her hands on the child's shoulders and forcefully pushed her down to sitting and said "No, sit." The child continued to cry.
Based on the evidence provided, Katlyne Blake was not following the facility's discipline policy when this incident occurred.
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