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On December 15, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging that staff Member Natalie Johnson grabbed Child A (2 years old) by the arm/elbow area and slammed his buttocks to the ground. After conducting the investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Curtis West finds the allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of a licensing rule violation that occurred at the facility:
5 CSR 25-500.182(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."
On December 16, 2025, CI West conducted an unannounced inspection and interviewed Assistant Director Macee Purtee and Caregiver Rashon White. Macee stated that Rashon came to her and stated that she saw Natalie grab Child A by the arm and slam him to the ground for a time-out. Rashon stated that she has seen Natalie grab Child A by the arm and slam him to the ground for time-out. Slamming Child A to the ground isn't appropriate.
On January 16, 2026, CI West interviewed Parent A (Parent of Child A), who stated that she saw Natalie grab a child roughly by the arm and put him in the corner for time-out. The way the child was handled while being placed in the corner was not appropriate.
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