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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that Maya Nick, caregiver, grabbed Child A, age 3-years-old, by his arm, and squeezed his cheeks. Maya applied pressure to the child's wrists and cheeks and said that this is how it feels when the child does it. Maya told the classroom assistant that she doesn't want to leave marks when she does it. This allegation is 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."
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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 April 8, 2025, Parent A (parent of Child A and caregiver at the facility), stated that she was told by caregiver Jalisa Robinson that Maya Nick, caregiver, told her how to handle Child A's behaviors by grabbing him by the wrists and squeezing until it hurt. Jada Franklin and Jaylin Harmon, caregivers also said that Maya had told them the same techniques that she used on Child A and added that she would do this off camera so no one could see.
Jada Franklin, caregiver, said that Maya Nick told her that Child A is difficult and hits her so she would grab him by the wrist and squeeze and grab him by the lips. Maya said that she has told other caregivers to do this as well. She said all of this is done off camera so there is no proof.
Hope Helton director, stated that Maya Nick was terminated after hearing of these allegations.
On April 8, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham viewed the camera angle in the classroom of Child A. Three classroom areas were not viewed within the camera angles. These areas included the cot storage area, the changing table area and the closet area.
On April 8, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham received a written statement from Jada Franklin, caregiver, dated April 7, 2025. The statement read:
"Around 11:25, Mya (Maya Nick, caregiver) disclosed to me that she will not keep being hit and interrupted in her class. And redirecting Child A doesn't help so off camera and around no witnesses she would squeeze his body. She demonstrated on me by squeezing my wrist and applying pressure. She stated she squeezes his lips as well as his wrist. And as of last week it seems to be working because his behavior has improved she also stated that no one has proof and its just h say and she say at this point."
On April 8, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham received a written statement from Jaylin Harmon, caregiver, dated April 7, 2025. The statement read:
"I love it at cadence and want to thank them for keeping our kids safe. about a week from 4/4, I was being trained by Mrs. Maya. She stepped out and I was told to keep an eye on the kids. Child A gave me a hard time, he's a kid, it's not supposed to be easy."
Upon her return I asked questions about discipline her advice:
"Sometimes, and don't say this to anyone (assuming immorality) you have to get eye level with him, place your hand on their knee or arm, and NOT HARD, but firmly squeeze hard enough to get their attention."
"Obviously kids bruise easily so you need to not grab so hard because if they see bruises....."
"She left room for me to finish that thought and I understood."
On 4/4 Ms. Maya came back into her classroom to get her things. She confronted Ms. Shannan about something too petty for me t remember. They got loud and I asked multiple times for them to take it outside. Ms. Shannon also asked her to lower her voice, comforted the confused kiddos before Ms. Maya made a rude comment to Ms. Shannon. "this is why I wanted you to stay in your room."
On April 8, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham received a written statement from Maya Nick, caregiver, dated April 7, 2025. The statement read:
"I guide them to a different area with my hand. I redirect verbally first. I may do a 2 hand pick up if necessary. I get down to eye leave and talk to them its just based on whats going on and whats needed."
On April 8, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham received a written statement from Jalisa Robinson, caregiver, dated April 4, 2025. The statement read:
"While at social event I stepped aside with Mya (Maya Nick). Mya explained how she deals with one of her students (Child A). Mya then explained that she grabs hold of Child A's wrist and squeezes it tightly. Mya stated that Child A would tell her 'ouch that hurts' Mya then stated that she responds to Child A and says 'I know it hurts. It hurt when you hit me."
On April 10, 2025, Jaylin Harmon, caregiver stated via phone that Maya Nick told her that if Child A is giving her a hard time to get on his eye level, give him a hard squeeze, but not hard enough to bruise and tell him to stop.
On April 10, 2025, Jalisa Robinson, caregiver, stated via phone that Maya Nick told her that if a child does not listen to grab them by the wrists and squeeze. Maya said she does this with Child A and it works. He will say that it hurts so Maya said she tells him that it hurts her too. Maya said she does all this off camera.
On April 10, 2025, Maya Nick denied telling any caregivers to grab Child A by the wrist and squeeze. She said that she has never done this to Child A except for an incident that occurred in March when she was holding Child A by the arm and he dropped to the floor. She said all the other caregivers are just gossiping about her.
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