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On June 17, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging kids are forced to pull their blankets over their heads during nap time, and they are not allowed to take the blankets off. One child is punished by having soap put in his mouth. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegations to be substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-400.175 (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 25-400.175 (1)(C)8. which states, "No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity."
On June 18, 2025, CI Greer interviewed Care Provider Michelle Solvej, Assistant Josh Anderson, Child A (4 years old), Child B (5 years old), and Child C (5 years old). Michelle stated she has instructed children to place a blanket over their heads at nap time. They have the blanket over their head for 30-45 seconds. About a month ago, Parent A (the parent of Child A) asked her to put soap in Child A's mouth. Parent A asked for this to be used if Child A said the "F" word. The soap was only used one time. Josh stated he has put blankets over kids' heads at nap time. He's not sure how many times but at least a couple times. He saw Michelle put soap in Child A's mouth. It only happened one time about a month ago. Child A stated one time he kept saying bad words and Ms. Shelly (Michelle) put soap in his mouth. It made him feel sad. Ms. Shelly and Joshy put a blanket over his head at nap time. It happens at all of the nap times. If he takes the blanket down, they tell him to put it back up. If they are being noisy during nap time, Ms. Shelly covers their heads with the blankets and says to be quiet. Child B stated Ms. Shel tells her to put a blanket over her head at nap time. She doesn't know why they put blankets over their heads. If they pull the blanket down, they have to put it back over their heads. Child C stated Ms. Shel (Michelle) puts the blanket over his head at nap time. They have to keep the blanket over their head for nap time. If they start talking, they have to be quiet and put the blanket over their head.
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