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On October 31, 2024 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "Child A was having behavior issues on Monday, October 28, 2024. A teacher had to pick him up to take him to the office and when they were on their way out of the room, Child A kicked Donna Sisco in the stomach. Donna turned and lightly slapped Child A in the mouth." 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 Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. Over the course of this investigation, CI Mertz interviewed Caregiver Serenity Greathouse, Caregiver Jackie Conley, Caregiver Donna Sisco and Parent A (Parent of Child A). Serenity indicated on October 28, 2024, Child A was becoming physically aggressive, so she lifted him up under his arms and went to carry him out of the classroom. As she was walking out the door, Child A kicked Donna in the gut. She was going to just continue walking but Donna turned around and smacked his mouth. Jackie was also present at the time of the incident. Jackie indicated after Child A kicked Donna, Donna reached out and smacked at Child A's mouth and said, "You don't kick me." Donna denied smacking Child A in the mouth. She indicated she does not know why other people would say she smacked him.
CI Mertz observed a 16 second video clip dated October 28, 2024 at 11:18 a.m. Child A is being carried under the arms by Serenity, who is walking towards the classroom door. Donna is standing next to the classroom door. As Serenity is passing Donna, Child A kicks Donna in the stomach with his right leg. Serenity does not stop walking. Donna grabs Child A's right hand with her right hand, which stops Serenity. She lets go of his hand and smacks her hand towards his face, which is not visible on camera, before waving her hand at him and Serenity continues walking.
Parent A was interviewed and indicated she was not notified about this incident from the facility until November 21, 2024. LLC Member Sheena Frangella texted her telling her that someone reported Child A had been slapped by a caregiver but the caregiver only put her arm out to protect herself. Parent A indicated she did not wish to have Child A interviewed.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(A) which states "Child care personnel shall be of good character and intent and shall be qualified to provide care conducive to the welfare of children."
On November 4, 2024, CI Mertz interviewed LLC Member Sheena Frangella. Sheena indicated she was unaware of the incident. CI Mertz watched the video footage with Sheena.
On November 22, 2024, CI Mertz observed a text message from Sheena to Parent A, dated November 21, stating she was just notified about this incident and stating that Donna put her arm up to protect herself rather than smacking Child A. CI Mertz asked Sheena if she knew that information to be untrue when she told Parent A those things and Sheena stated she did.
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