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On May 1, 2026, the Office of Childhood received an allegation that an unknown child age 6-months-old was put in time out for 10 minutes. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following rule violations:
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."
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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."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)5. which states: "Brief, supervised separation from the group may be used based on a guideline of one (1) minute of separation for each year of the child's age."
On May 6, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and held in-person interviews with the director, Parent B (parent of Child B and director of the facility), and caregivers, Parent A (parent of Child A and caregiver at the facility), Alexis McKnight, and Samantha Knobbe.
Parent B stated that Child E (6-months-old) was placed in a time out in her crib for biting by former staff member, Cadence Seppelt. She asked Parent B if she could put Child E in time out and was told no, but Cadence did it anyway and took a picture, which she sent to Parent E (parent of Child E). They are unsure how long Child E was placed in time out. Parent E brought up concerns to Parent B that day and Parent B spoke with Cadence. Parent B said that this was not normal practice for their center, and placing an infant in time out is not age-appropriate. She said that Cadence was let go for multiple issues including this incident and missing multiple days of work without notice.
Parent A and Alexis stated that Cadence put Child E in time out. Samantha was unaware of the situation. Parent A, Alexis, and Samantha said that they do not use time out with infants at the center.
On May 15, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an interview via phone with Parent E. She stated that a former teacher, Cadence, put Child E in time out in her crib and sent her a picture on their parent communication app. The photo caption said something like, "had to take a break for biting friends repeatedly". She talked to Cadence, who got defensive, and she brought her concerns to the director, Parent B. There have been no other incidents like this and she feels that Parent B handled the situation appropriately.
CI Ruth made multiple attempts to contact Cadence Seppelt but was unsuccessful.
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