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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that during naptime, they will have the blankets and push them over the babies and under the cot, where the babies can't get up because their weight is holding the blanket down. The kids scream and cry. Children are forced to sleep on their stomachs. Staff will throw the children around. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)2. which states: "Expectations for a child's behavior shall be appropriate for the developmental level of that child."
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5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)6. which states: "Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers."
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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."
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5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)9. which states: "Punishment or threat of punishment shall not be associated with food, rest, or toilet training."
On July 9, 2025, Marissa Johnson, caregiver, stated that she was made aware that a toddler was covered with a blanket over their face on their cot during nap time. She was not told this directly, but heard it from Jennifer Westbrook, director, after it was reported it to her.
On July 9, 2025, Chloe Miller, junior aide, took a photo of Child A, (age 18-months-old), on her cot with her head covered with a blanket and she said the blanket was tucked under the legs of the cot. Jaime Dames, caregiver, was working in the room with Chloe and was the one that placed Child A on the cot. Chloe also videoed Jamie placing Child B, (age 22-months-old), onto her cot hard and pushing her face down into the cot. She heard Child B make a gasping sound and then Jaime covered Child B's face with a blanket. She said that Jaime is the one that said to cover the children's faces because that makes them sleep better.
On July 10, 2025, Emily House, former caregiver, said that she has not worked at the center since February 2024, but when she was there she did see children with their faces covered by blankets. She also saw children with weighted pillows on their backs during nap time to keep them still. These pillows belonged to the center and were kept on shelves in the classrooms.
On July 10, 2025, the Parent of Child B said that she reviewed the video of the interaction with Jaime Dames and Child B and pulled Child B from the center.
On July 10, 2025, Jennifer Westbrook, director, said that she saw the video of Jaime Dames interacting with Child B and agrees that Jaime was aggressive with Child B in the video. Marissa told Jaime that she could not return to work the next day. She said that there were weighted pads at the facility but they have not been used on the children in a long time and are no longer at the facility. She was not aware of the caregivers covering the children's faces during nap time.
On July 14, 2025, the Parent of Child A said that she had addressed a safe sleep concern with Jennifer in June, 2024, about Child A being swaddled during nap. She had provided a sleep sack for Child A and requested that be used on her because Child A was able to roll. Child A was still being swaddled. She reported to Jennifer in February 2025 that caregiver Liza Johnson was being rough with the babies; grabbing and tossing them into the pack n play. Then Jamie moved in as a caregiver and she had issues with Jaime grabbing the babies arms and yanking on them. She saw Jaime grab Child A by the ankle to make her lay down.
On July 14, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham observed an email sent from Parent of Child A to Jennifer Westbrook, director dated February 6, 2025 at 10:51 a.m. The email read as follows:
Good morning Jen,
It was nice to see you this morning.
I wanted to discuss a few things with you. I have seen teachers in the infant room handling the children in a very rough manner. I understand that it can be overwhelming dealing with small children (even just one can make you want to pull your hair out), but it should never come to throwing a child down in a pack n play; that is what I saw when I walked into the room this morning. Also, this morning, a different child was yanked by one arm a few times (this is not the first time I have seen this). This makes me very concerned about what happens when I am not standing right there and that this is happening to my child which I certainly will not tolerate. I wanted to discuss this with you right away this morning, but I did not feel comfortable with other parents possibly overhearing the conversation.
Thank you,
Parent of Child A
Jennifer responded February 6, 2025 at 10:27 p.m. as follows:
Parent of Child A,
Thank you for letting me know. I 'll address it right away. Who was the teacher? Thank you!
Parent of Child A responded on February 7, 2025 at 2:01 a.m. as follows:
It was Liza. Thank you for your help.
On July 14, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham reviewed an email from Parent of Child A to Jennifer Westbrook, director. The email was sent on June 4, 2024, at 6:36 p.m. and read as follows:
Hi Jen,
Parent of Child A was told that Child A was swaddled in a blanket with both arms in today for her nap. She has been rolling over for several weeks now and her teachers have even let us know recently that she has been doing it at daycare as well; that said, swaddling is not a safe option for her anymore as she could suffocate. I thought that swaddling was not permitted and nothing other than a sleep sack is allowed in the cribs? We have provided a sleep
sack that can be used. I am not sure why it happened, but I just want to be sure that it will not happen again for
her safety as I know that is all of our main concerns!
Thank you so much!
Parent of Child A
Jennifer responded on June 4, 2024 at 7:08 p.m. and it read as follows:
Parent of Child A,
I'm sorry to hear that this happened and it will not again. We are only allowed to use a swaddler as you stated and know. I'm not sure why we broke our own rule and I definitely will get with my staff to have a re in-service on this standard. Again, this will never happen again.
Sincerely
Jennifer Westbrook
Parent of Child A responded on June 4, 2024, at 7:32 p.m. and it read as follows:
Thank you! I appreciate that very much
Jennifer responded on June 4, 2024, at 7:37 p.m. and it read as follows:
You are very welcome. Thank you for letting me know!
Warm regards
Jennifer Westbrook
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