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On October 28, 2024 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "On October 28, 2024, Child A (4 years old) had marks on his back and stated that Ms. Donna dragged him across the carpet." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
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 November 4, 2024 CI Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. Over the course of this investigation CI Mertz interviewed LLC Member Sheena Frangella, Caregiver Serenity Greathouse, Caregiver Jackie Conley, Caregiver Donna Sisco, Child A (4 years old) and Parent A (Child A's Mother). Serenity indicated on October 25, 2024, Child A had started hitting and kicking her so she grabbed his hands to try to get him to stop and he pulled them away. She called for help and Sheena and Donna responded. Donna took Child A out of the room. The following week Child A arrived at school and complained of back pain. He then showed the marks on his back and indicated Donna did this to him. Jackie heard this exchange as well. Jackie and Serenity both indicated Donna responded by saying that he shouldn't have been kicking her then. Child A stated Donna grabbed his feet and drug him on the carpet. Donna stated she did drag Child A but it was only approximately three feet and in an attempt to take his shoes off so it would hurt less when he kicked her. CI Mertz observed a photo of Child A's back dated October 29, 2024. There were two marks in the middle of Child A's back that appear to be consistent with rug burn. Parent A indicated she was not told that Child A was allegedly drug down the hallway. She was told Child A was scooting himself down the carpet.
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