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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that on August 15, 2025 around 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., one of the workers yanked a kid down off the top of the playground equipment in an aggressive manner. The child did not want to walk so the lady grabbed the child by the arm and dragged the child across the rocks and held the child up by the arm and swatted the child on the rear. After she swatted the child she grabbed the child by the arms and yelled and told the child she does not run from her teachers. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3., "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 August 18, 2025, caregiver Candi Norris said that she has not seen Michelle Horman, director, swat any of the children. Usually they will use time out as the discipline technique, which is one minute per age of the child. On August 15, 2025, Child A was running around without her shoes and socks on and she was trying to get her to put them back on. She was afraid Child A was going to get hurt. Michelle came over to help out and grabbed Child A by the arm and took her down the slide. She did not see Michelle swat Child A.
Michelle said that she saw Candi was needing help with Child A. Child A had taken her shoes off for the fifth time that day. She walked over to the slide, got her down and then walked her over the chair where she was sitting to help her with her socks and shoes. She probably said "we don't run without our shoes and socks" to Child A. She has not swatted the children. That is not allowed at the center.
Child B and Child C, age 3-years-old, said that they don't get in trouble and they like school and their teachers.
On August 18, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham reviewed video footage from August 15, 2025 with director Michelle Horman. There is no audio footage. The following was observed:
-Michelle Horman is seen sitting in a chair along the fence (pink top and black shorts).
-Candi Norris, caregiver, is standing at the slide (white shirt and black pants) reaching towards children standing at the top of the slide.
-Michelle stands and walks towards the slide pointing her finger and talking.
-Michelle is talking towards the children at the top of the slide.
-One child is sitting at the top of the slide.
-Michelle reaches for Child A who is next in line (Child A, age 2-years-old) and grabs her by the hand.
-The first child slides down on her own.
-Michelle holds the hand of Child A and slides her down the slide.
-Candi is standing on the side of the slide at this point.
-Michelle is holding Child A by the wrist and walks her towards the chair that she was sitting in along the fence.
-Child A drops to her knees and pulls up her feet as they are walking and Michelle continues to hold Child A by the wrist.
-Michelle bends down towards Child A, pulls Child A up to a standing position, moves her arm back and swats Child A on the bottom.
-Michelle turns Child A around and sits her on the ground and then sits in the chair behind her.
After reviewing the video footage, Michelle said she didn't recall swatting Child A but that it was more of a grandma reflex that she would do with her own grandchildren. Child A didn't even cry from that interaction.
Michelle called later saying that Rena Wiley, former caregiver, was there during the encounter and reminded her that Child A was dirty and that she was dusting off her bottom, not swatting her.
On August 19, 2025, Rena Wiley, former caregiver, said she remembered the interaction with Michelle and Child A on the playground. She said Child A was not listening and Michelle got her off the slide. She had told Michelle to dust off Child A's bottom because it was dirty so that is what Michelle did. She has never witnessed Michelle swat a child.
CI Graham attempted to contact Parent A twice but was unsuccessful.
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