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On April 30, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that the Goddard School staff Jessica Weinhold slapped Child A (22-months-old) in the face resulting in a handprint being left on the child. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
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."
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."
On May 1, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and conducted interviews with director Abigail Daniels, managing member Denise McConachie, staff Salene Brewer, Parent A (parent of Child A and staff member), and Child A.
Staff Salene Brewer stated that on the morning of April 17, 2025, she was floating in the toddler classroom. Child A took off a shoe and threw it at Jessica. Child A was within arm's reach of Jessica and the throw was not very hard. Jessica immediately swung out with her open left hand and made contact with Child A's right cheek. The contact was hard enough to hear several feet away. Child A cried like she was surprised rather than hurt. Child A's face was red after the incident. After a few minutes, Salene excused herself to the restroom, then reported the incident to Abigail.
Director Abigail Daniels stated that on April 17, 2025, Salene reported witnessing Jessica slap Child A in the face. Jessica was immediately pulled from the room and interviewed. Jessica immediately admitted to striking Child A in the face. Jessica said that Child A struck Jessica first and Jessica automatically struck Child A in response. Jessica was terminated that day. Child A was examined but did not require any treatment.
Parent A (parent of Child A and staff member) stated that she was informed of the incident at about 11:30 a.m. on April 17, 2025. Parent A examined Child A but did not see any marks. Child A had not talked about the incident since it occurred.
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