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On July 31, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "Brittney (daycare teacher) was observed on camera picking up Child A by the ankle and wrist and then dropping them onto their cot during nap time. After dropping them on their cot, she then covered the child's entire face with a blanket." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violation:
RSMo 210.254.2. which states "The notice of parental responsibility shall include the following:" (5) "The disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility;"
On August 11, 2025, CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. Over the course of this investigation, CI Mertz interviewed Director Shay Allen, Caregiver Jennifer Reynolds, Caregiver Brittney Lassiter and Parent A. Child A is not verbal enough to interview. Jennifer indicated she was in the classroom with Brittney when the incident occurred. She heard a thud and then heard Child A cry in a way that made Jennifer believe Child A was hurt. She showed Shay a note she had put in her phone about Brittney when Shay came downstairs. Shay indicated that Jennifer showed her the note on her phone and she contacted the former director to view the video. Parent A indicated she was contacted at about 2:00 p.m. and was told there had been an incident. She was provided a copy of the video. Brittney confirmed that what she was doing was an attempt to correct Child A's behavior.
CI Mertz observed the video, which showed Brittney pulling an infant in a bouncer towards the cot Child A is on. Child A appears to be crawling off the cot. Brittney uses her left hand to grab Child A's left arm and her right hand to grab Child A's left leg. She lifts the child off the cot and throws her forcefully back on to the cot. Brittney then grabs the blanket and covers Child A's entire body. Child A cries out when she hits the cot. Brittney can be heard saying "and don't move again." CI Mertz observed the facility's Notice of Parental Responsibility to indicate the discipline policy is as follows: Noah's Ark Daycare believes the discipline of a child is achieved through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Noah's Ark Daycare will utilize the following: (1) positive reinforcement, (2) redirection, (3) time-out, (4) parent teacher conferences regarding behavior.
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