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On June 2, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging Caregiver Lori Grossman took Child A (3 years old) to Assistant Director Katelyn Calkins. Child A was biting her friends in the classroom. Katelyn observed a red mark on Child A's left forearm that clearly showed three finger marks and two nail marks. 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)7. which states, "Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited."
On June 5, 2025, CI Greer interviewed Director Katelyn Calkins, Teacher Linda Reents, and Parent A (Parent of Child A). Katelyn stated on June 2, 2025, she was returning to her office and saw Teacher Laurie Grossman holding Child A by the arm and waiting outside of her office. Laurie stated that Child A had bit another child. Katelyn took Child A by the arm and Child A said, "Ow". Katelyn looked down and saw Child A's arm had a handprint and fingernail marks. Laurie was walking away, and Katelyn asked her to come back and speak with her while another teacher took Child A. Katelyn said to Laurie, "I think you were holding Child A's arm too hard. She has a handprint and fingernail marks." Laurie responded, "Well, what do you want me to do about it?" Katelyn asked why she had squeezed Child A's arm in a manner that left a handprint, and fingernail marks. Laurie stated Child A had bit another child and she was making sure she didn't get away. Laurie was bringing Child A to Katelyn's office, so Katelyn could speak with her. Linda stated on June 2, 2025, she was present in the classroom with Laurie and Child A. Laurie grabbed Child A by the arm because she bit another child. Child A kept attempting to pull away and was saying no, over and over. Parent A stated she was present on June 2, 2025. Laurie came up to her and said, "I left marks on Child A, so I will be leaving today." Laurie said the reason she grabbed Child A so tight is that she was worried she would run out of the room.
On June 5, 2025, CI Greer reviewed video footage from June 2, 2025, with Director Katelyn Calkins and observed Teacher Laurie Grossman wearing a white shirt with horizontal stripes and dark pants. Child A is wearing a light-colored short-sleeved shirt, dark shorts, and light-colored shoes. The third video time stamp begins at approximately 8:44:18. Laurie and Child A are seen standing outside of Katelyn's office waiting for her. At approximately 8:44:54, Child A appears to try and pull her hand away from Ms. Laurie. Ms. Laurie does not let go of Child A's arm. Child A continues to try and pull her arm away until approximately 8:46:02. At approximately 8:46:03, Katelyn appears on camera wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt.
On June 5, 2025, CI Greer reviewed a photo of Child A's arm after the incident and observed Child A's left arm had three marks that appear to be fingers. Child A's left arm had two indentations that appear to be marks left from fingernails.
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