|
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that on April 10, 2025, Child A (age 6-years-old) fell off of the helicopter outside and hit his head causing a bruise. Child A said that Kaitlyn Atkins, caregiver, purposefully pushed him off the equipment causing him to fall. Cameras were reviewed and Kaitlyn has since been terminated. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.092(3)(D) which states: "Stationary equipment such as swings, slides and climbers shall be securely anchored, have no exposed footings and be placed to avoid accidents or collisions."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) which states: "Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care."
AND
5 CSR-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 April 22, 2025 Child B, age 6-years-old said that he was outside with Child A when the teacher was holding up the helicopter equipment. The kids were jumping on it and she let go. Child A was crying and the teacher said "oh, your okay".
Child A said he was outside and Kaitlyn was tilting up the helicopter and it hit him on the head. He didn't know why she was tipping it over. He had to get an icepack because it hit him on the forehead. Child A said he felt sad outside.
On April 22, 2025, Leslie Massey, designee, said that Child B was on the helicopter with Child A when Child A got hurt. There was video footage of the incident. A message was sent to Parent A regarding the injury.
Kaley Jaimet, director, said that they reviewed the camera footage of the incident and Kaitlyn was terminated.
CI Graham made two attempts to call Parent A but no contact was made.
On April 22, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham observed the helicopter on the playground. It is a metal structure that can be easily tipped by a child or adult. The equipment was not anchored to the ground.
On April 22, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham reviewed an Accident Report for Child A written by Kaitlyn Atkins, caregiver. The report was dated April 10, 2205, with a time of 5:00pm. The report stated:
"Child A was playing on a metal toy outside when it was being moved away from the edge him and another friend jumped causing it to slip and hit Child A in the head."
Another report was written for the same incident by Kaley Jaimet, director, dated April 14, 2025, with a time of 4:30pm. Kaley stated that this report was written after reviewing camera footage to list details of the incident. The report stated:
"After reviewing cameras I found that the teacher in charge of Child A let go of the airplane and the airplane came down and smacked Child A above his right eye."
On April 22, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham viewed video footage from April 10, 2025. Kaitlyn Atkins is the caregiver present with three children in view. Child A and Child B are present. Child A is wearing a blue hoodie and child B is wearing a grey shirt. Kaitlyn is already holding the helicopter up to the side as the video starts. There are time stamps on the video.
-Child A is pushing the helicopter down with one foot as Kaitlyn is holding it up.
-Child B walks over to the side with Child A.
-Kaitlyn appears to be leaning on the helicopter while holding it up.
-It is not moved from it's location.
-Child B walks over and climbs onto the side that Child A is putting his foot on.
-As Child B climbs up, Kaitlyn releases the helicopter.
-Child A appears to get hit by a bar and falls to the ground holding his head.
-Child A can be heard crying.
-Kaitlyn walks over to Child A and looks at his forehead when he gets up.
-Child B walks over to Child A and puts his hands on his shoulder, appearing to be talking to him.
-Kaitlyn is on her phone which is used for messaging to the office.
-Kaitlyn does not console Child A as he is walking around and crying.
Through interviews and video footage, other violations were observed. The following rule violation was also noted:
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 22, 2025, Child A said that Kaitlyn twisted his arm and pushed him with her hand on his chest. Child C, age 12-years-old, said that Child A was trying to get Kaitlyn's chips and she pushed his head away. He said Child A cried and sat there.
On April 22, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham viewed video footage from April 11, 2025, showing the school age classroom. Kaitlyn Atkins (wearing a purple t-shirt and black pants) was in charge of nine children. The video starts at 3:24:10. Child A is wearing a blue t-shit and black pants. He is sitting at the end of a table. Child C is wearing a grey hoodie and black pants and is standing close to Kaitlyn.
-Kaitlyn appears to have a bag of food in her hands and is eating.
-Some children at eating at a table.
3:25:28 Kaitlyn and Child C are talking while Kaitlyn is eating.
-Other children are around Kaitlyn and they appear to be talking while she continues eating.
3:25:56 Child A gets up from the table, throws a bowl in the trash and walks past Kaitlyn.
3:26:09 Child C walks over to Kaitlyn and reaches for her food.
-Kaitlyn puts her arm up and turns her back to Child C.
-Child C walks away.
3:26:15 Child A walks to Kaitlyn and reaches for her food.
-Kaitlyn grabs Child A by the right wrist, turning his arm, twisting him around and he falls to the floor.
-Child A can be heard crying.
-Child A gets up, still crying.
-Unknown child walks over and hugs Child A.
3:26:45 Child A stands by the table and Kaitlyn walks past, not acknowledging him.
-Child A sits in a chair and still appears to be crying.
|