• Violation

  R 400.8280(2)(a) · R 400.8280(2)(a) Discipline (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, o r inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

  Based on conflicting medical reports and staff interviews., I am not able to determine if the marks on Child A were caused by another person.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  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 06/06/2022, I interviewed the complainant via telephone. The complainant stated that licensee designee, Charlotte Jackson made Child A wear socks over her hands to prevent her from scratching other children. Child A had problems scratching and clawing at the children's faces. The complainant stated that Ms. Jackson told Child A, "You're going to wear socks if you don't stop!". Child A was forced to wear the socks on more than one occasion and was expected to keep 2 the socks on all day. Child A wore the socks during meal times, outside and inside play, and while toileting, even when the socks became dirty. On 06/07/2022, I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection from 9:45 AM to 11:06 AM. I interviewed licensee designee Ms. Jackson and informed her of the allegations. Ms. Jackson stated she put socks on Child A's hands in efforts to prevent her from scratching the other children in the classroom. Child A was enrolled in the child center in August of 2021 and was withdrawn from the child care center sometime in January/February. Ms. Jackson said that she and the child care staff members assigned to the "Green" classroom (Ms. Atkinson and Ms. Walker) have tried redirection and other positive discipline techniques to deter Child A from scratching the other children when she became upset. Ms. Jackson initially spoke to Child A's mother about the scratching and pleaded with her to assist them in getting Child A to stop because she could not allow Child A to continuously hurt the other children in the classroom. She showed photos of the children's faces to Child A's Mother after incidents where Child A had scratched/gouged at other children's faces. Child A's mother did not take the issue seriously and did not offer any preventative strategies. After an incident when Child A had severely scratched at another child's face, Ms. Jackson decided to put socks on Child A's hands. The socks she placed on Child A's hands were brand new infant sized socks and Child A was not forced to wear the socks throughout the day. Ms. Jackson stated that Child A did not wear the socks during toileting, meal, or nap/rest times. Ms. Jackson put the socks on Child A's hands when she was in large groups with other children, and she became triggered in some way. Child A's triggers included other children doing something to her such as taking a toy from her and/or when Child A was not in a good mood. Ms. Jackson stated that Child A wore the socks for a few days in total and could take the socks off whenever she wanted. Ms. Jackson said that Child A liked wearing the socks and they did not restrict Child A's movement in any way. Child A referred to the socks as "mittens". Ms. Jackson stated that Child A's Mother was initially upset when she picked Child A up from the child care center and saw Child A wearing socks on her hands. Child A's mother was not given any notice and felt that she should have been consulted before the socks were placed on Child A's hands. Child A's Mother wrote Ms. Jackson an email expressing her disapproval of Child A having to wear socks on her hands. Child A's Mother stated, "If uncommon consequences are warranted, please ensure that I am notified prior to picking her up from school." On 06/07/2022, I interviewed child care staff member, Annette Walker. Ms. Walker has worked at the child care center for approximately five years and has worked with Ms. Jackson nearly 24 years in total. Ms. Walker stated that she has never known Ms. Jackson tot put socks on a child's hands and denies witnessing Ms. Jackson put socks on Child A's hands. Ms. Walker stated that she has not witnessed Ms. Jackson perform any disciplinary actions on children besides talking to them. 3 On 06/07/2022, I interviewed child care staff member, Hannah Atkinson. Ms. Atkinson has been employed at the child care center approximately two years. Ms. Atkinson stated that Child A was scratching children near their face and eyes consistently when upset. Ms. Atkinson di

Disposition: Substantiated

In October of 2021, child care owner, Charlotte Jackson put socks on Child A's hands to prevent the child from scratching other children. Child A was expected to eat, nap, play inside and outside, and during toileting with the socks on.

Disposition: Substantiated