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On May 20, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging that a staff member, Amanda, threatened to throw Child A (5 years old) over the fence if he didn't stop throwing wood chips. After conducting the investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Cole Eddins finds the allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8. which states: "No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity."
On May 20, 2026, CI Eddins interviewed Parent A and Child A. Parent A stated that Child A told Parent A that Miss Amanda (Director Amanda Von Behren) threatened to throw him across the playground because he was not following directions while playing outside on an unknown afternoon. Child A told her that he was throwing woodchips and not following directions. Child A stated that everyone was nice to him, except for Miss Amanda. He does not like Miss Amanda. Miss Amanda told him that if he did not stop throwing woodchips, then she would throw him over the playground. This comment made him feel sad.
On May 20, 2026, CI Eddins completed an unannounced inspection and interviewed Caregiver Alyssa Dunn. Alyssa stated that she was working with Amanda and Child A outside when she observed Amanda to be having a tough day. Amanda appeared frustrated with the children and with Child A in particular. Amanda had asked the children to stand by the side wall, and Child A was still having issues following directions. Child A was throwing the tire chips. Amanda aggressively told Child A that if he did not stop throwing the tire chips and listen, then she would throw him across the playground. Child A seemed upset by Amanda's comment.
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