| Conclusion Summary |
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On August 4, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that on July 22, 2025, an unknown staff at Bethlehem Lutheran Childcare slapped Child A (4-years-old) in the face. Child A was sitting down and playing with two or three children. Child A tumbled from the slap and ran away crying. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
RSMo 210.254.2.., which states: "The notice of parental responsibility shall include the following:"
AND
RSMo 210.254.2.(5)., "The disciplinary philosophy and policies of the child-care facility."
On August 5, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed a video of Jayla flicking Child A in the face with Jayla's right forefinger. Child A runs away from Jayla. CI O'Malley conducted an interview with director Allana Foster, who stated that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, she was contacted by Parent A (parent of Child A), who reported that Child A had reported being slapped in the face by staff Jayla Powell earlier in the day. Allana reviewed video of Jayla's classroom and observed Jayla flick Child A in the face with Jayla's right forefinger. Allana contacted Jayla, who reported that she had been having a bad day and did not know why she had struck Child A in the face. Jayla was terminated over the phone. Jayla had only been employed at the facility for four months. Child A had not returned to the facility since July 22, 2025.
On August 5 and 7, 2025, CI O'Malley attempted to contact Jayla by phone, no answer on either day. Jayla has not returned contact.
On August 25, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted a phone interview with Parent A, who stated that about a month prior, at pick-up, Child A reported that she had been hit in the face by Jayla. Parent A spoke to Jayla about the allegation, but Jayla denied it. Child A repeated her allegations several times over the course of the evening. The next morning, she spoke to Allana about the allegation and Allana agreed to review video footage. Parent A was contacted by Allana around 1:00 p.m. Allana reported that Jayla had thumped Child A in the face while the class was lining up. Allana also reported that Jayla had been terminated that same day. Child A was still enrolled at the facility. Child A was not available for interview.
On October 10, 2025, CI O'Malley received a Notice of Parental Responsibilities (NPR) for Child A. The form shows, "Bethlehem Lutheran Childcare uses trauma informed discipline practices. Our philosophy is rooted in compassionate care." The NPR did not state that staff could flick children for discipline.
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