Beginners Learning Center

R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (2) All staff and volunteers shall act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

On September 15, 2023, I made an unannounced onsite inspection to the child care center and discussed the allegations with the program director and licensee designee Kathy Hartzell. We discussed the allegations in the complaint. Ms. Hartzell knew the allegations and stated she knew something was wrong when Child A’s Dad brought him into the center and left saying to Child A, “I’m sorry I have to leave you here.” Ms. Hartzell went on to say, that comment upset her and thought she needed to have a conflict resolution, as she didn’t think the comment was supportive of Child A being at the center. At noon Child A’s Grandfather came to the center and picked Child A up and took him to work with him. Ms. Hartzell said she told Child A’s Grandfather that Child A threw a fit when dad dropped him off, but he was fine now. The next day Child A did not attend and then on Friday afternoon Child A’s Mother came in and said he would not be returning. Ms. Hartzell went on to say that when Child A’s Mother came in, she made the comment that Child A’s Father “Did not know it wasn’t you and took it out on you.” Ms. Hartzell stated that Child A was in her classroom and not CCSM 1’s classroom. CCSM 1 does cover her class on Thursday’s, however she has not taken Thursdays off recently. Child A was a returning child and his first day was August 28, 2023. He did not cry at all on the first day and there were no problems. He did not cry during naptime. Mom feels he acted worse when he came to the center. He was at the center a week and a day. The second day he cried and CCSM 1 tried to wash his face. After she washed his face, CCSM 1 said she doesn’t know how anyone gives him a bath the way he splashes and does not like water. She didn’t talk to her about stuff she mainly talked to CCSM 1. Kathy stated that she took Child B (2 years) to the bathroom and when they went in the bathroom Child A was in there. She didn’t realize Child A was in the stall and she tried to close the door. Child B wasn’t trying to stay in and was trying to push the 3 door back open. When she realized what happened she let her out. She did not see anything inappropriate. On September 15, 2023, I received a call from Child A’s Mother. Child A’s Mother started that Child A started attending the center on August 28, 2023. They were excited to have him back. He started off having really bad naptime. CCSM 1 sent her text messages referring to him as a “little shit.” Child A’s Mother felt the messages were really unprofessional. Every day she picked Child A up and they would say that he wouldn’t laydown for nap, and they seemed angry about it. Both Kathy and CCSM 1 stated that he did not want to nap. Child A’s Mother went on to say she texted every day to see how he was doing. She knows that Child A doesn’t like naps and they take three-hour naps at the center. Child A is only used to taking one and half hour naps. After he started there his behavior was very different and he was scared to be alone. They thought he was just going through something, but more information came out. On September 7, 2023, Child A got out of bed and was begging his dad not to take him to the child care. On the tape he said they hit me I am scared please don’t make me go. Child A was not the same kid he was before he went back to the child care center. Child A’s Mother stated she sent her dad to go get him, because she didn’t feel he was safe. He is now scared of water and asked if the new child care was going to put him in the sink. On September 15, 2023, I received screen shots of a text message exchange between CSSM 1 and Child A’s Mother. In the text messages CCSM 1 stated that she splashed Child A’s face with water and that now all she had to do was threaten to do so and he would behave. The text message also stated that he hated being splashed with water more than spanking, then suggested that Child A’s Mother try using water at home. On September 20, 2023, I participated via phone with an interview o

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

CCSM 1 did not use positive methods of discipline that encouraged self-direction or self-control when she used splashing water in Child A’s Face as a form of discipline.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

CCSM 1 inflicted physical punishment on Child A by splashing water in his face when he cried and did not want to listen in class. All forms of corporal punishment are prohibited.

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R 400.8188 · R 400.8188 Sleeping, resting, and supervision. (13) For children under school age who do not sleep at rest time, quiet activities must be provided such as reading books or putting puzzles together.

During rest time the child care children are provided with books and quiet activities if they do not want to sleep.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used. I

On September 30, 2022, I called Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 1 to discuss the allegations in the compliant. CCSM 1 stated that she no longer works at the child care center. CCSM 1 stated she is not surprised by the allegations in the complaint, because both the program director Kathy Hartzell are mean and speak harshly to the children. CCSM 1 went on to state that she has never seen either of them hit the children, but they do yell and speak meanly to the children. On October 3, 2022, I make an unannounced onsite inspection to the child care center. I discussed the allegations in the complaint with the program director Kathy Hartzell. Ms. Hartzell stated that the allegations are not true. She stated that she really does not have any children in the center that are potty trained and are having toileting accidents. Ms. Hartzell went on to say that the one preschool child who used to have accidents occasionally would change himself. I completed the onsite inspection during naptime and observed child care children both napping on their mats and playing quietly with toys. During the onsite inspection on October 3, 2022, I interviewed CCSM 2. CCSM 2 stated that she has never hit or spanked any of the child care children. She does not speak to them meanly and does not yell at them. CCSM 2 stated that she has worked at this center for seven years and worked in child care for over 20 years. CCSM 2 went on to say that all the allegations are false. She does not discipline the infants at all, when they get older she redirects them, but even then she does not hit or yell at them. CCSM 2 stated that the infants sleep whenever they want to or the toddlers she will sit them in their high chairs with toys if they don't want to nap. On October 3, 2022, I interviewed CCSM 3. CCSM 3 stated that they have worked at the center for a couple of months. CCSM 3 has never seen a child spanked, pulled, or grabbed. CCSM 3 denied ever hearing Ms. Hartzell or CCSM 2 yell or call the children names. On April 10, 2023, I made an unannounced onsite inspection to the child care center. At the time of arrival the child care children were out on the playground with CCSM 2 and Ms. Hartzell. I sat and listened to see if I heard the child care children being yelled at and their was no yelling during the time they were on the playground, nor as they transitioned inside of the building. On April 10, 2023 I conducted an exit conference with the program director Ms. Kathy Hartzell. Ms. Hartzell stated that she believes that both this complaint were called in by a disgruntled former employee. Ms. Hartzell stated that the former 3 employee would get upset every time someone was hired. She went on to state that the former employee did not agree with her religious beliefs and would get upset with her. I provided consultation to Ms. Hartzell and suggested that when completing her training hours for the year that completing a training that specifically deals with discipline might be helpful as a refresher. On April 10, 2023, I called Child A's Mother. Child A(age 6 years old) attends the child care center. Child A has attended the child care center for almost four years. Child A's Mother stated that she has never had any issues with the child care staff members at the center. She, "does not have any concerns with the center staff whatsoever." On April 10, 2023, I called Child B's Mother. Child B (age 4 years) has attended the center since he was eight months old. Child B's Mother stated {Child B} is very attached to both Ms. Hartzell and CCSM 2. He has never said anything that caused her to be concerned about the way they treat him and she has personally never seen or heard anything concerning.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment. (b) Placing any substances in a child's mouth, including but not limited to, soap, hot sauce, or vinegar. (c) Restricting a child's movement by binding or tying him or her. (d) Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child. 4 (e) Depriving a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use. (f) Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor activities. (g) Excluding a child from daily learning experiences. (h) Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar enclosure. (i) Time out must not be used for children under 3 years of age.

Ms. Hartzell and CCSM 2 have not used physical discipline or emotional discipline with the child care children.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

On June 24, 2022, I received a complaint regarding Beginners Learning Center in Adrian, MI. I contacted discussed the allegations in the complaint, stated that another conducted a home call with Child A's Mother and Child A. Child A's Mother stated that she went to the child care and saw the child care staff members with the children and "could not believe the allegations." Child A was not interviewed during the home visit but was visually assessed and did not present with any physical injuries. _ and I made arrangements to meet at the child care center. On June 24, 2022 and I made an unannounced onsite inspection at Beginners Learning Center. We made contact with the Kathy Hartzell, program director and licensee for the center and made Ms. Hartzell aware of the allegations in the complaint. Ms. Hartzell stated that she feels the allegations are "mean and hurtful and feels that they are coming from a former employee that stopped showing up to work." Ms. Hartzell stated that she has had a difficult time finding employees and has been offering a bonus, however the child care staff member she believes made the complaint is angry. Ms. Hartzell said she has never been physically aggressive with any of the children and Child A Ms. Hartzell stated that Child A has some and when he -, he to the ground. Ms. Hartzelllex laineid ,she said Child A Ms.Hartzell stated that she documents everything for Child A's s theyare working to assure, he is ettin what he needs to hel Ms. Hartzell denied ever getting with Child A because of his - On June 24, 2022, interviewed Child B (male, age 4 years old). I observed the interview. interview Child B; however, he was unable to pass the competencies. Child B was hard to get focusedM durin g the interview. Child B was asked if anyone ever hurt him. He stated Child A before and Child C (female, age 4) has . He was asked if any adults at the center ever hurt him and he replied no. Child B had a he was asked where he got and he said he fell. Child B was then asked what his favorite food was and he stated it was chicken. During the onsite inspection on June 24, 2022 interviewed child care staff member stated she has 3 worked at the child care center denied seeing Ms. Hartzell hit or become physical with any of the child care children. believes Ms. Hartzell is "burnt out" from doing child care so long. She was asked for an example, however, was not able to give a specific example. She then went on to say sometimes Ms. Hartzell speaks loudly to the children. She knows the children are loud so sometimes Ms. Hartzell gets louder so they can hear her. During the onsite inspection on June 24, 2022, and I interviewed Child A. Child A was not able to be , as he was unable to answer the competency questions. Child A male age 3 years old) was asked if anyone was ever mean to him. Child A He was asked if anyone was mean to him at the center and he said no. Child A was then asked if there were things he liked at the center. Child A said, "I read books with Kathy and _ During the onsite inspection on June 24, 2022, and I interviewed child care staff member has worked at the center . She works in whichever classroom she is needed in and today is her time working in the - room, did not have any concerns about the interactions of the child care staff members and the child care children. She was asked if she had observed Ms. Hartzell yelling at the children? She replied that Ms. Hartzell sometimes speaks loudly or sternly to get the child care children's attention, but she doesn't yell at them. On June 27, 2022, _ and I reviewed the information in the police report and then made parent calls. The police report indicates the complaint source stated that they witnessed Kathy Hartzell ■ {Child A} The complaint source was asked why this incident was not reported when it was witnessed, and the complaint source stated they were waiting until they could catch Ms. Hartzell on video for evidence. The complaint source further indicate

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

There is no evidence to support the allegation that Ms. Kathy Hartzell program director Child A and

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R 400.8125 · 1 R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

On May 31, 2022, a complaint was received alleging that earlier that same morning program director Kathy Hartzell was verbally abusive and used profanity while speaking to Child A's Mother at drop off. Child A (male, age 3 years) was present as well as other child care children. Child A's Mother stated that Child A was enrolled at the center since November 2020. She stated that Child A has been having some anger problems and has started hitting children at the center. Child A was sent home early because of his behavior two weeks ago. Child A had no issues last week. On May 31, 2022, when Child A's Mother brought Child A into the center Ms. Hartzell immediately began yelling saying "Oh no, we aren't doing this shit. Put him down." Child A's Mother 2 explained to Ms. Hartzell that she drove an hour to get to the center and it was 7:00 AM, so Child A was asleep when they arrived, so she carried him inside. Ms. Hartzell told Child A's Mother that she needed to put Child A down and stated that "this is why he is such a baby." Child A's Mother put Child A down and Child A plopped down on the floor and started having a temper tantrum. Ms. Hartzell told Child A's Mother "we're not doing any fist bumps." Child A's Mother stated that she normally fist bumps Child A as a way of saying good bye at drop off. Child A's Mother bent down to stand Child A up. Ms. Hartzell said that she could not handle Child A. Child A continued to cry and Child A's Mother began to cry as well and told Ms. Hartzell that she was taking Child A home. Ms. Hartzell said "good, he's already been kicked out and I was doing you a favor by letting him come back." Child A's Mother told Ms. Hartzell to give her Child A's belongings that were at the center. Ms. Hartzell continued yelling at Child A's Mother until child care staff member came into the hall and said that she would get Child A's belongings and asked Child A's Mother to wait in the car. Child A's Mother stated that Child A moved to Ms. Hartzell's preschool classroom in February 2022 and prior to being in her room he never had any behavioral issues. Prior to being in the preschool room Child A was in the toddler room with child care staff member Erica Hagen. Child A's Mother stated that she had a good relationship with Ms. Hagen. During the onsite inspection on June 1, 2022, Program director Kathy Hartzell stated that Child A (male, age 3 years) was "kicked out" on May 17, 2022, because Child A was aggressive with other children at the center. Ms. Hartzell stated that on May 20, 2022, Child A's Mother requested that Child A be allowed to return to the center until he could start at a new center. Ms. Hartzell told Child A's Mother that Child A could return until June 3, 2022, because a new child was enrolled in Child A's place and would begin the following week. Ms. Hartzell stated that Child A was enrolled at the center in November 2020 at 20 months of age. In September 2021, Child A began exhibiting aggressive behavior. In January 2022, Ms. Hartzell had a meeting with Child A's Mother about Child A's behavior. On May 17, 2022, Ms. Hartzell contacted Child A's Mother informing her that Child A hurt and tried to hurt several children and that he was being disenrolled. On May 20, 2022, Child A's Mother came into the center stating that she needed care for Child A until he could be enrolled at a new center. Ms. Hartzell allowed Child A to return to the center on May 20, 2022 but told Child A's Mother that he would only be able to attend until June 3, 2022, because she enrolled another child in his place. Ms. Hartzell stated after Child A's return on May 20, 2022, he continued to exhibit behavioral issues such as refusing to follow directions and playing rough with other children. On May 31, 2022, when Child A's Mother arrived at the center, she came in carrying Child A. Ms. Hartzell stated that she was standing in the doorway of the preschool classroom and could see Child A's Mother coming through the front door

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

On 8/11/20, I interviewed the complainant via telephone. The complainant said on one occasion, Ms. Hagen was observed gently placing the back of her hand over the mouth of a crying child. On a separate occasion, the complainant observed a staff member grab a child by their ankles and "scoot" them back onto their cot. The staff member then placed the blanket over the child's head. The complainant informed me that this staff member is no longer employed at the center. Lastly, the complainant observed Ms. Hartzell pick up a child and face the child toward another child saying "look, this child does not look happy." The complainant said the child had thrown a toy at another child. On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, I completed unannounced onsite inspections to the center. I separately interviewed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Erika Hagen regarding the allegations. They denied seeing any staff member act rough or neglect children who will not nap. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen said the infants and toddlers can sleep on demand; the older children have a nap/rest or quiet time scheduled after lunch time. Neither Ms. Hartzell nor Ms. Hagen said that children are forced to sleep during nap/rest time, but rather given the opportunity to nap or engage in quiet activities 4 during nap/rest time. Ms. Hagen denied placing her hand over a crying child's mouth. She explained on occasions she would place her hand toward the child's mouth area to make them laugh but said she has never placed her hands on a child's mouth to make them stop crying. Ms. Hagen explained that the newly hired staff member was upset when Ms. Hagen allowed a young toddler to cry when she was put down for a nap. Ms. Hagen explained to the newly hired worker that it is okay for children to cry once in a while, and this particular child "always cries" when they are first put down for a nap, then will fall asleep shortly thereafter. She further explained that a child cries to communicate when they do not know how to talk. As a caregiver, they must identify what type of cry they have, whether they are hungry, need a diaper change, tired, too warm, or too cold, lonely, or in pain or discomfort. Ms. Hagen further explained that as the newly hired staff member becomes familiar with the children and their different types of cries, she will know what is needed to help them feel comfortable and cared for. If a young child does not want to nap and is crying continuously, Ms. Hagen and Ms. Hartzell explained that they will pick up the child and comfort them until they are ready to fall asleep. When picking up infants, Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen explained that they will use two hands with one supporting their head and neck area while the other hand supports the body of the child. Regarding a staff member grabbing a child by their ankles and "scooting" them back onto their cots, both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen said here have been times that they will help readjust a sleeping child if they have moved off of their cot. Both caregivers said it is done in a gentle manner and never done in a manner that would cause injury to a child. Neither Ms. Hartzell nor Ms. Hagen have seen any caregiver place a blanket over a child's head during nap time. Both caregivers explained that part of their role as a caregiver is to routinely monitor the children during nap/rest time. Ms. Hagen said on occasions, she has had to readjust the blanket from covering a child's head so she can monitor them sleeping or resting. Ms. Hartzell acknowledged picking up a child and facing the child toward the crying child. She explained that the child had thrown a toy at another child causing him to cry. Ms. Hartzell picked up the child that had thrown the toy, faced him toward the crying child, and said "look what your action caused, that child is not happy." Ms. Hartzell explained that none of this is done in an aggressive manner but rather done gently to teach the child empathy as they learn what the result of their action had caused on

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R 400.8140 · 1 R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (d) Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child.

On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection to the center. I separately interviewed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Erika Hagen regarding the allegations. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen stated the allegations are not true informed me that they record the children's feeding times daily. They confirmed that children under the age of 2 years old have a written daily record 1/2 completed that includes information pertaining to the child's food intake and records the type of food, and amount of food eaten, the child's sleeping patterns detailing when and how long the child slept, the child's elimination patterns which records the 7 child's bowel movements regarding the consistency and frequency, any developmental milestones that were achieved while the child was in care, and lastly, recording any unusual behaviors that were observed while the child was in care. While I was onsite, I was able to observe Ms. Hagen update a child's daily record by recording a diaper change and feeding. Ms. Hagen and Ms. Hartzell also provided me with daily records from other children that were present in care. Ms. Hartzell believes this allegation stemmed from the newly hired staff member asking her why the daily information records were not being completed on the older toddlers. Ms. Hartzell explained to the newly hired staff member that they are only required to complete the daily records on children ages birth to 2 years old. 1/2 Regarding children being fed other children's snacks, both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen denied any child being fed other children snacks or lunches. They informed me that the children's snacks and meals are provided by the parents each day. The children's food arrives to the center each day labeled and dated with the child's name. Ms. Hagen believes that this allegation stemmed from the newly hired staff member observing her give some organic puffs to feed a child that were similar to what another child was eating. Ms. Hagen explained that the organic puffs are kept on hand at the center for two children who have a special diet. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen reiterated that the children's snacks and food are provided by the parents daily. Any leftover food items are either discarded or sent back home with the parents at the end of each day. On 9/10/20 and 9/25/20, I separately interviewed Ms. Savanah Dulong and Ms. Jasmine Casanova both who are staff members at the center, via telephone. Both staff members said the allegations are not true and said that child care staff members record children's feeding times each day. Both staff members confirmed that part of their job responsibility entails them recording the infant and toddler's food intake each day and providing the information to parents either by text message or verbally at the time of pick up. Both staff members also confirmed that the children eat their own meals and snacks each day. They denied children eating other children meals and snacks. On 9/21/20, I separately interviewed Child A & B's Mother and Child C's Mother via telephone. Both Child A & B's Mother and Child C's Mother said the center notified them of their children's daily records that included information pertaining to their children's food intake, sleeping patterns, elimination patterns, changes in child's behavior and developmental milestones each day through text messages or by voice at the time of pick up. Child C's Mother also expressed no concerns regarding the meals and said she provides her child with lunch. Child A & B's Mother said there had been a couple of times staff members fed her child food items that she did not like. Child A & B's Mother informed me that she does not feed her children processed food, and only provides them with organic food items. Child A & B's Mother said when she speaks with the staff members regarding her concerns, it gets better. On 9/25/20, Child B was allowed to eat a cupcake while she was in care at the center. Child A & B's Mother was not made

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R 400.8340 · R 400.8340 j Food services and nutrition; provided by parents. (9) Beverages and food must be fed only to the child for whom the item is la..b....e....l.e.... d.

On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, I completed unannounced onsite inspections to the center. I separately interviewed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Erika Hagen regarding the allegations. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen denied any staff members leaving children in a soiled diaper for extended timeframes. They informed me that the children's diapers are changed when soiled or checked at least every two hours by staff. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen further explained that they believe this allegation stemmed from Ms. Hagen informing a newly hired staff member to wait before changing a child's diaper due to the child being in the middle of a bowel movement. Both Ms. Hagen and Ms. Hartzell explained that this newly hired staff member had very limited exposure to children and did not know when she was supposed to change a child's diaper. Ms. Hartzell explained to the new staff member that some children take a minute to complete their bowel movement and if she was to change the diaper before the child had finished, she would have to change the diaper again as the child had not yet finished with his bowel movement. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen reiterated that the children's diapers are changed when soiled, but staff are expected to check the children's diapers periodically, and at least every two hours. The diapering schedule entails the children's diapers first being checked at 9:00 am, at 10:15 am before they engage in outdoor activities, at 11:30 am before they engage in lunch activities, at 12:15-12:30pm, before the children are put down for nap/rest time. The staff check the children's diapers upon them waking form a nap/rest time around 2:30-3:00 pm. The last diaper check occurs around 4:15 pm, before the children begin to get picked up from care. Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen both reiterated that this is a general timeline for diaper changes, as they also change the children's diapers on demand when they are soiled. The children's diaper changes are recorded each day and provided to the parents either by text messages or verbally at the time of pick up. On 9/10/20 and 9/25/20, I separately interviewed Ms. Savanah Dulong and Ms. Jasmine Casanova both who are staff members at the center, via telephone. Both staff members confirmed that children's diapers are changed when soiled. They denied any staff members leaving a child in a soiled diaper for any extended time 10 frame. The center requires children's diapers to be checked on a regular basis not to exceed a two-hour time frame. Ms. Dulong said on occasions, a child may be allowed to finish their bowel movements before being changed as they have a couple of infants who take time to complete their bowel movement. On 9/21/20, I separately interviewed Child A & B's Mother and Child C's Mother via telephone. Child C's Mother said Child C (age 7 months, male) has been attending care at the center for approximately six months. Child C's Mother expressed no concerns regarding the center changing Child C's diaper as she said Child C has never come home in a soiled diaper or had a diaper rash. Child A & B's Mother said that Child A (age 9 months, male) and Child B (age 2 years, female) have 1/2 attended care at the center over a two-year timeframe. Child A & B's Mother said on three to four separate occasions over a two-year timeframe, she would pick up her children from care in a "soggy" diaper. Child A & B's Mother said she spoke with Ms. Hagen regarding the incidents and there have been no issues since those times.

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R 400.8330 · R 400.8330 1 Food services and nutrition generally. (4) A center shall ensure a child who has special dietary needs is provided with snacks and meals in accordance with the child's needs and with the instructions of the child's parent or licensed health care provider.

On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, I completed unannounced onsite inspections to the center. I separately interviewed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Erika Hagen regarding the allegations. Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen confirmed some newly hired staff not having completed training or certification in first-aid or infant, child, and adult CPR. Ms. Hartzell said she tried to explain the newly hired staff member that she has 90 days to get certified or trained in first aid and infant, child, and adult CPR. Currently, Both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen are certified in first aid and child, infant, and adult CPR. Ms. Jasmine Casanova completed her online training in first aid and infant, child, and adult CPR. Ms. Hartzell said her newly hired staff member, Ms. Savanah Dulong is awaiting a first aid and CPR certification course through Great Start as she has 90 days to complete the training/certification. On 9/10/20 and 9/25/20, I separately interviewed Ms. Savanah Dulong and Ms. Jasmine Casanova both who are staff members at the center, via telephone. Both staff members said the center enrolls staff into infant, child, and adult CPR and first- 11 aid training. Ms. Casanova completed her CPR and first-aid training in June of 2020. Ms. Dulong informed me as a newly hired staff members she was enrolled into the CPR and first-aid training through the Great Start Readiness Program but is waiting for them to resume their training courses. Ms. Dulong is aware that she needs to complete these training courses within 90 days of hire. Both staff members also confirmed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen having completed their certification in infant, child, and adult CPR and first-aid. Both staff members said that Ms. Hartzell was diligent in informing each staff members of what trainings they needed to complete both at the time of hire and within 90 days of being hired. On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, during my unannounced onsite inspections, I reviewed the staff members records. Upon review of the staff records, both Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Hagen were certified in first aid and infant, child, and adult CPR. Ms. Casanova completed her online training first-aid and infant, child, and adult CPR In June of 2020 while Ms. Dulong completed her online training for first aid and infant, child, and adult CPR in September of 2020.

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R 400.8146 · R 400.8146 Information provided to parents. (3) For infants and toddlers, a center shall provide parents with a written daily record that includes at least the following information: (a) Food intake time, type of food, and amount eaten. (b) Sleeping patterns indicating when and how long the child slept. (c) Elimination patterns, including bowel movements, consistency, and frequency. d Develo mental milestones. z (e) Changes in the child's usual behaviors.

On 8/11/20 and 9/24/20, I completed unannounced onsite inspections to the center. I separately interviewed Ms. Hartzell and Ms. Erika Hagen regarding the allegations. Ms. Hartzell informed me that she has had to talk with Ms. 12 Hagen in the past regarding her "kissing" the child care children. Most recently, Ms. Hartzell said that Ms. Hagen had made a comment that she cannot wait for the mask wearing to be over because "she misses her kisses." Child A & B's Mother overheard Ms. Hagen's comment and said to Ms. Hagen that she should not be kissing the children anyways. Ms. Hartzell said Ms. Hagen adores all of the child care children and wants them to feel loved and welcomed while they are in care. Ms. Hartzell and I discussed ways in which Ms. Hagen can offer comfort to the infants and young toddlers without kissing that includes using soft calming tones as she greets them, providing a calming environment when the children arrive to care, and using words to show affection to the children in lieu of "kissing." Ms. Hartzell expressed an understanding to this and said that since the pandemic, Ms. Hagen has been better at showing affection through more acceptable means and not "kissing" the children. Ms. Hagen admitted to "kissing" the children on occasions to show them affection. Ms. Hagen explained that it was not a real "kiss" but rather she would nibble on their chin to make them laugh while making "kissing" sounds. Ms. Hagen further explained that she has not been doing this since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Hagen said a couple of weeks ago, she jokingly made a comment stating that she could not wait for the pandemic to end because she cannot "kiss" the children while wearing this face masks. Ms. Hagen said she loves all her child care children and would never so anything to place them in harm's way. Since the pandemic, Ms. Hagen said she has been showing the children affection by "fist bumping" them each day and using comforting works when talking with them. On 9/10/20 and 9/25/20, I separately interviewed Ms. Savanah Dulong and Ms. Jasmine Casanova both who are staff members at the center, via telephone. Both staff members denied seeing Ms. Hagen "kiss" the child care children. They both reiterated Ms. Hagen's statement regarding them showing the children affection by greeting them each day, "fist bumping them", hugging them, and holding and comforting the infants each day. Both caregivers said on many occasions, when the children first arrive to care, they are excited and want to come and hug their teacher. Both staff members said they are kind with the children and remind them that during the pandemic, we show affection by using our words.

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R 400.8137 · R 400.8137 Diapering; toileting. (6) Diapers and training pants must be checked frequently and changed when wet or soiled.

The children's diapers and training pants are checked frequently and changed when wet or soiled.

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.............................q.......................................... Professional development re uirements. (10) All childcare staff members who work directly which children are required to be trained in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of being hired. Prior to issuing a license to operate a child care center, and prior to the renewal of a license, the department shall verify that at least 50% of the child care staff members who work directly with children are currently certified in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult CPR. Each of these childcare staff member's first aid and CPR I certificates must be valid and retained on file in the center.

All the staff members who work directly with child care children are trained or certified in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times. 13

Ms. Hagen was not providing the children with appropriate care and supervision when she would "kiss" the children as a form of affection when they were upset and coming and going to care.

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