Milestones Child Development Center

R 400.8213(1)(a) · Information provided to parents. (1) A center shall provide a handbook, electronically or hard copy, to each parent enrolling a child that includes at least all of the following: (a) Criteria for admission and withdrawal.

Milestones Caledonia Parent Handbook contains appropriate withdrawal and biting policies. Child A's disenrollment was in line with the biting policy.

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Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (b) Act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

Based on our findings, investigation, and review-which includes considering the investigation and findings of MDHHS-CCLB determines Teacher 1 is conducive to the welfare of children and is eligible to be associated with a child care organization.

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R 400.8213(1)(a) · R 400.8213(1)(a) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (a) Provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

Teacher 1 caused serious injury to Child A when she tripped over his bouncy seat and landed on top of him. The department recognizes that the incident was accidental, but it could have been avoided had Teacher 1 used more caution with her movement around the bouncy seat or moved the bouncy seat further away from her feet before getting up.

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R 400.8263(1)(b) · R 400.8263(1)(b) Child accidents and incidents; child and staff illness (1) A center shall develop and implement a written plan for how and when a parent is notified if program staff or volunteers observe any of the following: (b) A child experiences an accident, injury, or incident.

Teacher 1 was holding Child B (age 13 months) when she fell. As she fell, Child B slipped out of her arms and hit the bouncy seat and landed on the floor and began crying. Child B's parents were not notified of the incident.

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R 400.8210(1) · R 400.8210(1) Lead Teacher; qualifications; responsibilities (1) Lead teachers are required only for groups of children who are preschool-age and y ounger.

The preschool classroom has been without a qualified lead teacher for three months.

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R 400.8125(9) · R 400.8125(9) Outdoor play area. 2 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 ensure that no hazards are p resent.

The drive-up window broke and was removed, leaving the two poles that held the window up still in the ground. There were small protrusions from the poles where the drive-up window used to be screwed into the poles. The protrusions were not protected and able to cause injuries if children run into them.

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R 400.8213(1)(a) · 3 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP R 400.8213(1)(a) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (a) Provide appropriate care and s upervision of children at all times.

Teacher 1 did not provide supervision when Child A hit her head on a pole that required stitches. Teacher 1 was sitting at the picnic table entering information into an iPad when Child A hit her head. She did not see the incident occur. When Child A started crying, Teacher 1 did not go to Child A, instead called Child A over to her while she stayed seated at the picnic table

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R 400.8213(1)(a) · R 400.8213(1)(a) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (a) Provide appropriate care and s upervision of children at all times.

On 08/14/2025, Teacher 1 and Teacher 2 did not provide appropriate care and supervision of Child A when she was left behind in the classroom for approximately five minutes.

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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.

On 04/19/2023, I completed an on-site inspection. I interviewed program director and licensee designee Jennifer Rhodes and administrator Child Care Staff Member 2 (CCSM 2). Jennifer Rhodes and CCSM 2 stated that they spoke with CCSM 1 about the allegation. CCSM 1 denied hitting Child A, but they put her on administrative leave 2 per center policy. They stated that CCSM 1 began working at the center in November 2021. CCSM 1 has had no disciplinary action. Jennifer Rhodes noted that CCSM 1 has a big booming voice, so she has talked to CCSM 1 about her tone of voice approximately three times. Child A's Mother reached out to her in October 2022 regarding CCSM 1's tone and how CCSM 1 spoke to the children. Child B's Mother reported to her after spring break that Child B did not want to go to the center because CCSM 1 is "loud and mean." She and CCSM 2 reviewed the last seven weeks of camera footage, but they did not see anything of concern. She noted that Child A has attended since he was an infant, and he only attends Tuesdays and Thursdays. CCSM 2 denied having any concerns with CCSM 1. Child A's Mother told them that Child A noted that he was playing with Legos when CCSM 1 hit him. She (CCSM 2) and Jennifer Rhodes watched several weeks of camera footage. CCSM 2 observed CCSM 1 "shuffle" the children's hair in a playful manner. She did not observe a "shift" in Child A's behavior. She did not observe anything concerning with CCSM 1. She noted that the children have asked about CCSM 1 and miss her since she has been on leave. On 04/24/2023, I interviewed Child A's Mother by telephone. She stated that Child A initially reported to his uncle during Easter dinner that he did not want to go back to the center because CCSM 1 hit him in the head when he was playing with Legos. Once they returned home, she asked Child A about returning to the center after spring break. She was careful not to ask him if CCSM 1 hit him. Child A told her that he did not want to return to the center because CCSM 1 is mean. She asked him to explain why CCSM 1 is mean. Child A told her that CCSM 1 hit him. He demonstrated this by putting his fist to his forehead. He told her that CCSM 1 hit him "hard." She asked Child A if it was sunny out or snowing. Child A said both. She was unable to determine a timeline of the incident. She noted that Child A's story has not changed. On 05/09/2023, I completed a visit at Child A's home. Child A's Mother requested that Child A be interviewed. I interviewed Child A on the main level while Child A's Mother was downstairs in her home office. Child A passed the Michigan Forensic Interview Protocol. He stated that he does not go to the center because CCSM 1 hit him. He noted that CCSM 1 hit him in the middle of the forehead with her hand in a fist. He stated that it hurt when CCSM 1 hit him and that he cried. He stated that CCSM 1 hits everyone that goes to the center. I asked him how the children are disciplined when they misbehave. He stated, "I actually don't know." He could not recall what he was doing when CCSM 1 hit him in the head. He noted that CCSM 3 was in the classroom at the time of the incident, but he could not recall what she was doing. I interviewed Child A's Mother afterwards. She stated that Child A has always told her that CCSM 1 was mean. She described CCSM 1 as not warm or overly friendly 3 with the children. The first couple of weeks in CCSM 1's classroom, Child A repeatedly reported that CCSM 1 was mean, and then he mentioned it about every other week. She asked Child A each time how CCSM 1 was being mean. He said "no" when she asked if CCSM 1 hit or yelled at him. I asked her about Child A's initial disclosure to his uncle. She stated that Child A's uncle told her that Child A told him that CCSM 1 was mean, but he would not say why. Child A's uncle told Child A that he was not scared of CCSM 1. Child A then told Child A's uncle that CCSM 1 hit him. Child A demonstrated this for his uncle by putting his fi

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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.

Program director Jennifer Rhodes reported a concern with the tone of voice CCSM 1 used with the children. Child A and Child B reported that CCSM 1 yelled at them. Child B's Mother noted a concern with CCSM 1 using a harsh tone with the children. CCSM 1 failed to provide positive methods of discipline that encouraged self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation when she yelled at Child A and Child B.

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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 04/20/2022, an incident report was received. The incident report indicated "[Child A] was playing on the tree house, climbing over the logs. He lost his balance and fell backward. His hands and arms hit the ground first. Mom arrived just as Mr. Robly was bringing Child A to his teacher, Miss. Hannah. [Child A] was very visibly upset and in pain. [Child A's Mother], said she was going to get him checked out if he did not calm down by the time they got home. Miss. Jenni got an ice pack for [Child A] on his way out. They ended up going to Helen DeVos. They got x-rays and the doctors said he had bruising and swelling around his elbow." 2 On 04/22/2022, Licensing Consultant Dawnita Diaz followed up with Child A's Mother regarding Child A's injury. Child A's Mother stated she was concerned about the natural playground where Child A was hurt. He apparently was climbing on these "pillars/poles" that are 4ft. or higher and from her perspective are "way too high" for children to be climbing on. The pillars also border a deck so there is no surfacing material if a child falls. She feels the pillars need to be cut down and children should not be climbing on them as there are right now. She kept Child A home for two days and he returned to care today. She does not have any concerns about his supervision or safety. On 04/26/2022, I conducted an unannounced on-site inspection. I spoke to the program director Jennifer Rhodes. Ms. Rhodes explained she did not see the incident; however, was made aware of the incident by Child A's Mother. Child A's Mother asked her to check the camera because her son fell, and the staff member didn't give a lot of details about what happened. She told Child A's Mother that she would check the cameras and follow-up with her. Ms. Rhodes stated that she looked but she failed to communicate with Child A's Mother what she observed. I asked Ms. Rhodes to provide me a copy of the video footage. She stated that she would email it over to me. I spoke with Child Care Staff Member Robly Garcia. Mr. Garcia stated that he was on the playground with eight children from his classroom. He did not see Child A actually fall. His back was turned from Child A because he was talking to some other children. He heard Child A crying, so he turned to see what happened. Child A was on the ground holding his arm to his chest. He went to him and asked what happened. Because Child A was crying and couldn't answer, the children around him said that Child A fell. Child A said his arm hurt. Mr. Garcia explained he tried to see if there was an injury to his arm by pulling up his sleeve and asking him to wiggle his finger. Child A was able to move his fingers. Mr. Garcia said he helped him stand up and walked him to Ms. Crumb, child care staff member responsible for caring for Child A. Ms. Crumb and Child A's Mother were at the door talking when he brought Child A to her. He told Ms. Crumb what he knew of what happened. He stated that Ms. Crumb was at the door or near the door when it happened. I spoke to Child Care Staff Member, Hannah Crumb regarding Child A's injury. Ms. Crumb said she didn't see what happened because another child had fallen, and she took the child half way inside to watch her change her pants. She said that when there is only one staff member with a group of children, they will allow a child to go inside while the staff member stands in the door way to watch the children both the inside and the outside. At the time of the incident, she was standing in the doorway, but she couldn't see Child A on the natural playground because of the wooden play wall that blocks her view. Ms. Crumb stated that she became aware that Child A had fallen when Mr. Garcia from the other classroom brought him to her and he was crying. She was asking Mr. Garcia what happened when Child A's Mother arrived to pick him up right as Mr. 3 Garcia brought him to her. Child A's Mother tried to ask Child A what happened, but they couldn't understand him b

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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 11/24/2021, I completed an unannounced inspection at the facility. During my onsite inspection, I interviewed program director, Jennifer Rhodes. She stated that she was not at the facility when the incident occurred, however she was informed by staff members of the incident. Ms. Rhodes stated that staff members, Samantha Jones and Melissa Nichols made mashed potatoes as a sensory activity for the infants in the classroom. Ms. Jones and Ms. Nichols tested the mashed potatoes before they allowed children to touch them, and the mashed potatoes felt cool enough. Later that morning staff members noticed Child A had blisters on her index finger and her thumb. Ms. Rhodes reported that the staff members contacted Child A's parents. Child A's Father picked her up and took her to the doctor and the doctor confirmed the blisters were caused by a burn. Ms. Rhodes provided pictures of Child A's hand. From the pictures, I observed open wounds on Child A's index finger and thumb. During my onsite inspection, I interviewed lead caregiver, Samantha Jones. Ms. Jones reported that she has been the lead caregiver for 4 years. Ms. Jones stated 2 that she made the mashed potatoes in the kitchen and used half the box. She reported that she made the mash potatoes according to the directions on the box. She left the mash potatoes in the kitchen for about 30 minutes to allow them to cool off. When she brought them back into the classroom, she did not notice any steam, the bowl was not hot, she stirred the mashed potatoes, and fully submerged her hands into the bowl to ensure they would not be too hot. Ms. Jones stated she sat on the floor with Child A on her lap with the bowl of mashed potatoes. Child A put the palm of her hand on the mashed potatoes. Ms. Jones stated she wanted Child A to get more involved with the activity, so she pushed her hand deeper in the bowl. Child A was a little fussy, so she stopped the activity and washed Child A's hands but didn't notice any unusual redness on her hands. Later that morning when she was feeding Child A a bottle, she noticed blisters on Child A's fingers. She stated Melissa Jones immediately contact Child A's parents. Child A's Father picked her up and took her to the doctor, who confirmed they were burns. Ms. Jones reported that Child A has eczema and will suck on those fingers and stated that she wondered if that caused her skin to be more sensitive to heat. Ms. Jones stated that she was the only child in the classroom that participated in the sensory activity and no other children were burned. Ms. Jones reported that she has made mashed potatoes before for a sensory activity and this has never happened. During my onsite inspection, I interviewed staff member, Melissa Nichols. She stated that Ms. Jones made the instant mashed potatoes in the kitchen and left the bowl of mashed potatoes in the kitchen for 45 minutes to an hour to allow them to cool off. Ms. Nichols stated that when Ms. Jones got them from the kitchen, she placed them on the counter for another 15 minutes. Ms. Nichols reported that she touched the top of the mashed potatoes but did not fully submerge her hand in the bowl. The mashed potatoes felt warm but not too hot. Ms. Jones had Child A on her lap with the bowl of mashed potatoes in front of them. Child A put her hand in the bowl of mashed potatoes and Child A did not seem to care. When Child A's hand pushed deeper in the mashed potatoes, Child A started to get fussy, but she was not crying as if she was in pain. Ms. Jones washed her hands and gave her a bottle. Ms. Jones noticed that Child A had blisters on her fingers when she was given her bottle. Ms. Nichols reported that Child A's parents were notified immediately. Child A's Father picked her up and took her to urgent care. They were later told that the blisters were burns. On 12/7/2021, I contacted Child A's Mother. Child A's Mother stated that she received a call from Ms. Nichols around noon that day. Ms. Nicholas asked if Child

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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 11/9/2021, I spoke to the complainant. The complainant reported that she was frustrated with the administrative staff at the center. She stated that the administrators are more concerned about staying within staff to child ratio and keeping the classrooms open than the safety of the children in care and they are not protecting them. The compliant reported she had specific concerns regarding Child I Care Staff Member 1 (CCSM1). She stated on 10/29/2021, Child A (male, years old) disclosed that CCSM 1 grabbed his arm and yelled at him to "shut up. The complainant stated that she immediately contacted assistant program director, Jennifer Rhodes. Ms. Rhodes informed her that she would watch the live cameras on the following Monday 11/1/2021 to see what was going on in the classroom. The complainant reported that she spoke to an CCSM 3, and she told her that CCSM 1 pushed Child B (male, years old) down causing a carpet burn to his face. The m lainant stated that she found out that on i On 11/9/2021, I completed an unannounced inspection at the facility. During my inspection I interviewed, program director, Becky Woronko. Ms. Woronko stated that she was made aware that Child A was grabbed by CCSM 1 during the week of 3 11/1/2021. Ms. Woronko stated that once she was made aware of the situation, she watched the live stream video of the classroom. She that noticed that CCSM 1 did not want to be there by the tone of her voice. She explained that CCSM 1 was not "warm and fuzzy." When asked for specific examples, Ms. Woronko stated she noticed some yelling and CCSM 1 told children to "stop crying" and "l am sick of it." Ms. Woronko said that she did not see CCSM 1 physically get aggressive with a child. She did not think CCSM 1 was physically abusive however she did not use Ms. Woronko explained that she had hired CCSM 1. CCSM 1 has a Master's Degree*iinE*arl Childhood and had a lotof experience in the classroom.'!~~ The first 2-3 weeks went well, an en paren s omp aining that CCSM I was not communicating to them and updating the app to inform parents about their child's day. , she found out that there were allegations that CCSM 1 pushed t own to The ground causing a carpet rash on his face. She stated that they usually watch newer staff on live stream to ensure the staff member is a good fit, however due to staffing issues, she has been covering in classrooms and the kitchen she was unable to watch the live stream to ensure CCSM 1 was following Milestones policies. During my onsite inspection, I interviewed CCSM 2, who stated that she has been working at the center for 4 years. She stated that she did not like the way CCSM 1 would talk to the children. She explained that CCSM 1 was the new lead caregiver in the classroom; she was different than the last lead caregiver they had and she wanted to give CCSM 1 a chance. She tried to get along with her. CCSM 2 stated that she observed CCSM 1 grab multiple children by the arm and drag them across the classroom. She observed CCSM 1 grab children by their face and put their face up to hers and would yell at them. CCSM 2 stated that CCSM 3 told her she saw CCSM 1 pick Child A up and push him down. She reported that the same staff member told her that she saw CCSM 1 push Child B down on the ground and he got a rug burn on his face. CCSM 2 stated that CCSM 1 would take personal calls from her boyfriend and other people throughout the day, specifically during nap time. She would talk to him loud on the phone and use profanity while speaking to him in front of the children. CCSM 2 reported that when children would use the bathroom CCSM 1 would go in there with them and sit in a chair and watch them. She explained that most of the children are potty trained, however there are a lot of children in the classroom that still use pull ups and need assistance when using the bathroom. She added that most of the children did not need a staff member in the bathroom with them. She felt it was unnecessary th

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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.

Positive methods of discipline were not used when CCSM 1 yelled at children saying things such as `why didn't you tell me you had to go to the bathroom? It is your parents fault you are not potty trained. You have terrible parents," when her tone was aggressive and rough, when she used physical forms of punishment and when she had inappropriate expectations for children's behavior.

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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.

Prohibited forms of punishment were used. CCSM 1 was observed pushing Child B to the ground causing a carpet burn on his forehead. CCSM 1 was also observed picking up children by their forearms and slamming them down on the ground in a sitting position and squeezing children's cheeks.

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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.

Prohibited forms of punishment was used. CCSM 1 was observed threatening children saying, "If you don't be quiet, I will come over there and squeeze your lips and cheeks shut." CCSM 1 also shamed children calling them names such as "gay" or "pussy."

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MCL 722.115m Child care center, group child care home, or family child care home; requirements for licensure. (2) ... If the department determines that a service, facility, applicant, licensee, child care staff member, or member of the household is not conducive to the welfare of the children, the 14 department shall deny that application or revoke that licensee's license according to section 11.

CCSM 1 is not conducive to the welfare of children. While caring for children at Milestones, other staff have witnessed her yell at children, call them names, threaten them, have inappropriate expectations for children's behavior and aggressively handle them, causing injury. MDHHS has also determined that CCSM 1 is not conducive to the welfare of children through their investigation.

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...... .......... MCL 722.115q Child care center, group child care home, or family child care home; contact with child by licensee, child care staff member, or household adult member prohibited; conditions. (1) Except as provided in section 5n(8), a licensee, child care staff member, or adult member of the household may not have contact with a child who is in the care of a child care center, group child care home, or family child care home, until the department obtains documentation from the department of health and human services that he or she has not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. Upon request by the department, the licensee, child care staff member, or adult member of the household shall provide the department with an updated authorization for a central registry clearance. If a central registry clearance documents that a licensee, child care staff member, or adult member of the household is named in a central registry case as a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect, he or she is ineligible to receive a license to operate a child care center, 15 group child care home, or family child care home, be an adult member of the household, or be a child care staff member.

CCSM 1 is not eligible to be a staff member.

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R 400.8158 · R 400.8158 Incident, accident, injury, illness, death, fire reporting. (2) A licensee, licensee designee, or program director shall report to the child's parent and the department, directly or via phone, fax, or email, within 24 hours of the occurrence of any of the following: (b) An incident involving an allegation of inappropriate contact.

The licensee, licensee designee, or program director did not report to child care licensing within 24 hours of becoming aware of allegations that CCSM 1 had inappropriate contact with children in care after the CCSM 1

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (5) A written statement must be signed and dated by staff and volunteers at the time of hiring or before volunteering indicating all of the following information: (c) The individual knows that all staff and volunteers are required by law to immediately report suspected abuse and neglect to children's protective services. 17

Staff members, program directors, and other administrators did not immediately report that CCSM 1 pushed down Child B causing a rug burn on his forehead when they were notified of the incident.

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