| Conclusion Summary |
|
On November 22, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that on November 7, 2024, June hit Child A. The location of the hit or possible injury is unknown. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
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)6. which states, "Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers."
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 December 2, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Tricia Tatum, who stated on November 7, 2024 at approximately 9:20 a.m., she was walking in the hallway. She heard what sounded like skin on skin contact, multiple times. It sounded similar to a child being spanked. She looked into a classroom and observed Caregiver June Gilkey slapping the hands of Child A (11 months old). June was observed slapping Child A's hands multiple times. They were not light taps. Child A was screaming. Tricia yelled June's name, and she finished the slap she was completing and looked at Tricia.
|