R 400.1913 · R 400.1913 Discipline; child handling. (3) Personnel shall not do any of the following: (a) Hit, spank, shake, bite, pinch, or inflict other forms of corporal punishment.

On 01/30/2023 during a phone conversation with the Complainant, she stated a former parent informed her child care staff at Ms. Lamont's home were spanking children as a form of discipline. The Complainant stated this is all hearsay; however, she felt she had to contact licensing to ensure safety for the welfare of the children. On 01/30/2023, Child A and Child B's Mother stated she is cousins with Ms. Lamont's husband Mr. Ricky Lamont. Child A (female, 8 years) and Child B (male, 3 years) attended Ms. Lamont's child care. Child B was spanked on numerous occasions. Child A and Child B's Mother stated she was told about the spankings by licensee Ms. Lamont and child care staff member Mr. Ricky Lamont. Last time Child B was spanked was because he was playing and had an accident. Child B is no longer in care and was accepted in a school program and started 01/19/2023. Child A and Child B's Mother stated Child A saw other children spanked as well. Children would be spanked for any reason at all; a runny nose, wanting snack, or if they were too loud. Child A and Child B's Mother said Child A witnessed spanking. On 01/31/2023, I completed an onsite inspection and informed licensee Ms. Bobbie Jo Lamont of the allegations. Ms. Lamont denied spanking any child in care or telling anyone she spanked children. Child A and Child B were former children in care and related to her husband, adult household member (AHM) and child care staff member Mr. Lamont. Issues with Child A and Child B's Mother started when she would not keep Child A and Child B after 6:00 PM. Child A and Child B's Mother wanted the children to stay past child care hours and Ms. Lamont said she told her no. That same afternoon Child B was accepted in a school program. Ms. Lamont said she told Child A and Child B's Mother she could not hold Child B's spot and she got angry. Ms. Lamont provided a copy of her written discipline policy and reiterated again that nether she, nor any of her staff, spank children. Children are redirected appropriately. Child care staff do not yell at children but explain what is happening. For example, if staff are working with the child on toilet training, they will talk the child through what is happening. On 01/31/2023, child care staff member and AHHM Mr. Ricky Lamont was observed to interact with several children while I was onsite. Mr. Lamont has a very calm demeanor with the children and moved around the room providing care to several children. During the interview, Mr. Lamont denied spanking any child in care. Mr. Lamont said there are generally three child care staff providing care. When one is working with a child and having difficulty then another staff member can step in and help. On 01/31/2023, child care staff member Ms. Rachel Craver stated she never spanks children, nor has she ever seen any staff member spank a child, related or unrelated. While onsite I had an opportunity to observe Ms. Craver engage with the children in care. She was friendly, open, and caring. Ms. Craver moved around the room working with individual children. 3 On 02/01/2022, Child A and Child B's Mother called to ensure that I was aware Ms. Craver is a child care staff member at Ms. Lamont's and I should interview her. On 02/07/2023, Child C's Father stated Child C (female, 3 years) is new to being in child care. At first Child C was a little apprehensive going there but now she has adjusted and is doing great. When he arrives to pick up Child C from care, as they are exiting, Child C tells staff she loves them. Child C's Father has no concerns regarding the care his daughter receives. Child C has never mentioned spanking to him, and he has never seen any marks on his daughter. Child C's Father is comfortable having his daughter there and thinks it is a safe and good environment, On 02/07/2023, Child D and Child E's Mother stated Child D (male, 3 years) and Child E (female, 8) has attended since Ms. Lamont opened. Child D attends most of the day and Child E be

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.