Stars and Stripes Lrng Station

R 400.8125(9) · R 400.8125(9) Outdoor play area. 1 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP (9) An outdoor play area and any equipment located on the center's premises must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected daily before use to e nsure that no hazards are present.

Based on interviews with program staff, parents, and observations of the playground, the playground area is maintained in a safe condition.

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R 400.8140 · 1 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.

On 3/16/2023 I had email contact with program director Angie Torres. She reported that on 3/15/2023 child care staff member 2 (CCSM2) came to her and reported that she had observed CCSM1 taking Child A from the playground to inside the building when an incident occurred. She reported that CCSM1 was holding Child A's hand when Child A fell or dropped to the ground. CCSM1 continued to walk while the Child A was on the ground pulling her along the cement sidewalk. Ms. Torres spoke to CCSM1 about the incident, and CCSM1 stated that she was walking Child A from the playground to come inside and Child A was crying and refusing to come in. As CCSM1 was walking her inside, Child A fell to the ground, and she was in motion still walking but then picked her up and carried her inside. Ms. Torres reported that she did send CCSM1 home for the day and she will be on unpaid leave until the incident is thoroughly investigated. Ms. Torres also provided me with written incident report. On 3/22/2023 I completed an unannounced onsite inspection and interviews with Ms. Torres and CCSM3 and CCSM4. Ms. Torres reported that she has interviewed CCSM1, CCSM2, CCSM3, CCSM4 regarding the incident. She and CCSM2, 3 CCSM3, and CCSM4 also completed written statements regarding the incident. She provided me with a copy of these written statements. Ms. Torres reported that CCSM1 primarily works in the Kangaroo classroom which is their Great Start to Readiness preschool (GSRP) classroom. CCSM2 is not present in the center at this time. Ms. Torres stated that on the day of the incident. CCSM2 came to her office and reported that while she and her classroom were on the playground, she observed CCSM1 attempting to walk Child A into the building with the rest of the class. Child A did not want to come in, so CCSM1 was holding Child A's hand and walking in front of her leading her inside. At some point, Child A fell or dropped to the ground and CCSM1 continued to walk forward, dragging Child A across the cement sidewalk. CCSM2 reported that Child A was dragged a couple of feet before CCSM1 stopped and picked up Child A from the ground. Ms. Torres reported that she talked to CCSM3 and CCSM4 about the incident as well, because they were on the playground at the same time. She stated that CCSM3 and CCSM4 provided a similar story, but CCSM3 could not state how far Child A was pulled or dragged because she had another situation to manage and looked away. CCSM3 also mentioned that CCSM1 seemed frustrated. CCSM4 stated that she believed CCSM1 dragged Child A a couple of feet before stopping to pick her up. Ms. Torres stated that she then spoke to CCSM1 about the incident. CCSM1 reported that when it was time for the classroom to come inside from the playground, Child A did not want to come in. CCSM1 was holding her hand and walking her into the building, because Child A was attempting to run off. While walking inside, Child A did fall to the ground. CCSM1 acknowledged that she had taken a few steps while Child A was on the ground before she stopped. CCSM1 stated that she had only taken one or two steps before realizing Child A was on the ground. CCSM1 then physically picked up Child A from the ground and carried her inside. Ms. Torres reported that CCSM1 was asked what she could have done differently in the scenario. CCSM1 reported that she could have stopped and asked another CCSM for assistance. CCSM1 was sent home on 3/15/2023 and is on leave pending the investigation. Ms. Torres denied any previous incidents or issues with CCSM1. No previous write ups or other disciplinary action. She stated that Child A does have some behavioral issues such as, hitting and kicking, biting, and running off. Child A does have a specialized education plan and works with occupational therapy and speech therapy. CCSM3 reported that she was on the playground with CCSM1 at the time of the reported incident. She observed CCSM1 calling the children in her classroom to line up so they could re

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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. ci

I received this complaint on 10/16/2020. 1 made telephone contact with in oraer to coordinate a joint investigation. an onsite inspection together at the facility on 1 and I spoke with Program Director, Angie Torres, regarding the aal legations, has worked for their organization since and transferred tot is center in . There have never been any complaints regarding or any previous concerns noted in evaluations. Ms. Torres advised that when she was notified of the allegations, she placed on an immediately. She checked over the children an did Rosee any marks nor did receive any reports from parents. While onsite, and I interviewed Licensee Designee, Sara Culp, Lead Caregivers, Sheryl Beauvais and Amy Ackley, and Child Care Staff Members (CCSM) Alexis Otis and A'Mya Wynne. Ms. Culp stated that she and Ms. Torres were made aware of the concerns and laced on immediately. Ms. Culp has worked with for many years and is surprised by the allegations. She is the "coach and works alongside staff training and mentoring. She has not observed be inappropriate with children in the time that they worked toge er. She and Ms. Torres are taking these allegations very seriously. Ms. Beauvais is a lead caregiver in the toddler room. She often goes into. room in the morning. She was recently in room to drop oft books. There are only one or two children in the room ically that early in the morning. She denied any concerns and said appears to know what she is doing with the children. can be a i e loud with her voice range, but she has not observed anything inappropriate. I asked Ms. Beauvais 3 about disciple techniques and she advised that they generally sit the children down and talk to them or use redirection. Ms. Ackley advised that she is the lead teacher for the 2-3 year old children. She goes into room every morning to pick up children as their groups _~ are mixed before she arrives for work. She stated that the children in N room seem happy and content. She has not heard anything negative nor has she ever had any concerns. Ms. Otis reported that she has worked for the center for approximatel She has worked directly with Her impression of was that she was "a cranky who wants to be assertive but comes ofl aggressive." She has witnessed some concerning behavior by when interacting with children. Ms. Otis provided examples. gets Child D to stay on the mat during rest time by scaring■ and that is the only way Child D will go to sleep. would stand over top of Child D and scream in face. threatens to take children's blankets away during rest time i they will not go to sleep. refers to children by inappropriate nicknames such as calling 'heifer" on numerous occasions and Child A "roadkill." Child B and Child F also had inappropriate nicknames, but she could not recall them specifically. used the nicknames almost daily and talked negatively towards the children. Ms. Wynne advised that she has been at the center for approximately She has worked with and does have some concerns regarding her interactions with children. Ms. Wynne provided several examples of situations where she felt was inappropriate. Ms. Wynne stated that Child A was laying on the floor and rolled onto foot. said to Child A that she was going to `stomp your no m. did not get up an she just walked away. _ grab Child F by ear and walk holding ear for approximately three steps to a chair. push Child C down on two occasions because Child C was running around and not listening. stated regarding Child C, `:if there is one acohinilde aI" could hurt it would be ." Child D was in trouble and had to sit with smac ed Child D on the face twice and said that was th there. Child D had a red mark on face resembling fingerpri that lingered for a couple seconds. ■ has told Child D to "get your fat butt over here." On 10/19/2020, and I made contact with in the parking lot "oa church in Battle Creek, Ml. denied Pa she has ever '`put her hands on anyone." She did not tell a child to shut up or tell anyone

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R 400.8140 · 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. .. .. ... ..... ...........

Three CCSMs reported used humiliating and shaming methods of disciplinesuch as using inappropriate nicknames for children, talking negatively about children, scaring, and threatening to take blankets away so that children will rest.

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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.

One CCSM reported concerns regarding physical discipline. No other CCSMs corroborated this concern. There is no evidence to support that was physically aggressive with children.

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