• Violation

  R 400.8182 · R 400.8182 Ratio and group size requirements. (4) Children who have reached 33 months of age may, when developmentally appropriate, be enrolled in a 3-year-old classroom with written parental permission. The ratio listed in subrule (3)(c) of this rule applies.

  On 08/30/2023, Child A’s Mother stated Child A (male, 3 years) was moved to the three-year-old classroom on 06/26/2023 just shy of his third birthday. Child A’s Mother stated she received a letter from the director that the center will transition children early if they are ready and in the process of toilet training. Child A’s Mother said she did not sign any paper allowing Child A to be transitioned to the three-year-old classroom prior to his third birthday. Child A’s Mother stated she was felt forced and bullied by the center to toilet train Child A before he was ready. She did receive a parent handbook when Child A was enrolled but did not receive updated policies from the three-year-old teacher. On 08/30/2023, I arrived at the center, introduced myself and requested a tour of the center. While touring the center, children and staff were observed. In the preschool room approved for four-year-olds Child C (female, 46 months) was present. In the three-year-old classroom Child E (male, 35 months) and Child G (male, 33 months) were present in care. In room 13 which is approved for two years and older, Child B (female, 22 months) was present in care. Licensee designee Jamie Courter and I went to the conference room where I informed Jamie Courter and program director Jennifer Dickman of the allegations. Jamie Courter stated children move classrooms when they are developmentally ready. Developmental guidelines are reviewed. Staff and parents are consulted, and parents provide written permission. I reviewed R 400.8182(4), R 400.8182(5), and R 400.8182(6) with Jamie Courter and Jennifer Dickman. Jamie Courter was surprised and unaware that Child B could not be in room 13 until two years of age. Jamie Courter thought she could move Child B at 21 months, if developmentally appropriate and if she had written permission. Jamie Courter reviewed the technical assistance manual and was surprised to find out it is not permitted. Jamie Courter stepped out of the conference room and returned with child information cards and written permission for children to transition classrooms. Jamie Courter was unable to locate a signed permission slip regarding Child A’s transition; however, she showed text messages between her and Child A’s Mother discussing transitioning Child A to the three-year-old classroom and requesting he be sent in pull-ups. Child A’s Mother responded and said she would send Child A in pull-ups. Child A was moved to the three-year-old classroom about two weeks before turning 3 years old. Child A was working on toilet training and progressing 3 which is what is required if the child is not completely toilet trained. Staff work with children in pull-ups but do not change diapers. On 07/18/2023 Jamie Courter and Jennifer Dickman met with Child A’s parents and discussed the number of accidents Child A was having in the classroom. On 08/14/2023 Jamie Courter, Jennifer Dickman, met with Child A’s parents for a second meeting and discussed Child A’s difficulty with toilet training. It was discussed that Child A would remain at home for one week to focus on toilet training. A summary letter was sent to Child A’s parents on 08/14/2023. During the week Jamie Courter said she messaged the parents asking about Child A’s progress. On 08/27/2023 she received a message from Child A’s Father that Child A would not be returning to care. Jamie Courter and Jennifer Dickman emphatically stated they do not force toilet training. Staff will ask children if they want to use the toilet but do not force toilet training. Staff will work with children and have stickers and charts. Child A’s parents received a copy of the parent handbook and was aware of the following requirements from the parent handbook: “Preschoolers, 3 years of age until 4 years of age – REQUIREMENT: Must be Potty trained. If a transition needs to happen the center reserves the right to complete a transition IF potty training has started. The child has until their 3rd Birthday to comp

A child was moved to a classroom before ready with staff forcing toilet training. On 08/30/2023 a second allegation was received stating on 07/27/2023 licensee designee Jamie Courter did not assist Child A (male, 3 years) in the bathroom requiring Child A to clean up bowel movement and change clothes by himself.

Disposition: Substantiated