591-1-1-.11(2) · Rule 591-1-1-.11(2) requires that Personnel not: physically or sexually abuse a child or engage or permit others to engage in sexually overt conduct in the presence of any child enrolled in the Center; inflict corporal/physical punishment upon a child; shake, jerk, pinch or handle a child roughly; verbally abuse or humiliate a child which includes, but is not limited to, the use of threats, profanity or belittling remarks about a child or his family; isolate a child in a dark room, closet or unsupervised area; use mechanical or physical restraints or devices to discipline children; use medication to discipline or control children’s behavior without written medical authorization issued by a license professional and given with the parent’s written consent; restrict unreasonably a child from going to the bathroom; punish toileting accidents; force-feed a child or withhold feeding a child regularly scheduled meals and/or snacks; force or withhold naps; allow children to discipline or humiliate other children; or confine a child for disciplinary purpose to a swing, highchair, infant carrier, walker or jump seat.

During an investigation, it was determined that on November 21, 2023, a staff member used inappropriate discipline toward a three-year-old child when the staff member struck the child’s face with an open hand. Investigative findings indicated that the staff member was attempting to redirect the child when the child attempted to strike the staff member multiple times. At that time, the staff member struck the child in the face with an open hand. The staff member was arrested as a result of the incident. 2. Rule 591-1-1-.31(13) prohibits Center Staff from committing any criminal act, as defined under Georgia law, in the presence of any child enrolled in the Center. Center staff shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations. During an investigation, it was determined that a staff member was arrested on November 22, 2023 and charged with simple battery, when a staff member struck a three-year-old child in the face with an open hand as a form of discipline on November 21, 2023.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record