Paradigm Care & Enrichment Center II

R 400.8330 · R 400.8330 Food services and nutrition generally. .............................. ........ ..... ..... (2) A written agreement must be kept on file at the center if the parent has agreed to provide formula, milk, or food. The center shall provide an adequate amount of formula, milk, or food if the parent does not.

On March 29, 2023, I conducted a telephone interview with Child A's Mother. She said Child A has been enrolled at Paradigm Care & Enrichment Center II since September 2021. Child A has a food allergy to egg, and the center will not provide an accommodation for children with food allergies. In September of 2022 Child A's Mother got approval from Child A's doctor for her to eat baked egg. 2 Child A could eat everything on the child care center's menu except ranch pasta and alfredo pasta. Child A's Mother said CCSM 3 would accommodate Child A the days ranch pasta and alfredo pasta were served. For five months the center accommodated Child A's food allergy. On March 3, 2023, Child A was accidentally served pasta alfredo for lunch. Child A did not consume the food, nor did she have an adverse of effect from being exposed to the food. She received a telephone from Miranda Miller who told her about the incident and Ms. Miller said the center would not be accommodating Child A's food allergy anymore. Child A turned 2 and went to another class with a 1/2 different age group, and she was told that she would not be accommodated anymore. From March 6, 2023, through March 8, 2023, Child A's meals were prepared at home and taken to school with her. Child A did not attend school March 9, 2023, through March 12, 2023. On March 14, 2023, Child A's Mother had a meeting with CCSM 3 and Program Director, Miranda Miller regarding food accommodations for Child A. Ms. Miller told her that the center would not be accommodating Child A's food allergy anymore and that accommodations were against policy. She was not in agreeance with the center's arbitrary decision to renege on the standing practice related to accommodating Child A's food allergy. On March 20, 2023, she said she attempted to drop Child A off at the center and she was greeted by Ms. Miller with a food allergy form and was told Child A could not attend the program if the document was not signed. She signed the document and Child A was allowed to attend. She said Child A should be allowed to participate in the program with an accommodation. On March 29, 2023, Child A's Mother sent a form identified as PCEC 123 and a form from Child A's allergist. The documents were reviewed and said the following: Paradigm understands that some children have different dietary needs therefore if your child requires a food accommodation due to an allergy or other reason, such as religion, you will be required to provide a NUT FREE meal and/ or snack on a daily basis, regardless of what is listed on the menu to be served that day. Meals and snacks will not be stored in the refrigerator and must come prepped and ready to serve just like a sack lunch you would send in elementary school. A form from Child A's allergist was also reviewed and said Child A should avoid unbaked egg and egg-based foods such as the following: • Baked product with egg listed as first or second ingredient. • Caesar salad dressing • Custard • Eggs in any form such as hard-or soft-boiled, scrambled, or poached. • Egg noodles • French toast/pancakes 3 • Homemade waffles • Frosting containing eggs. • Ice cream • Mayonnaise • Quiche On March 30, 2023, I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection at the facility and interviewed CCSM1. CCSM1 said she is a lead teacher and office manager. CCSM1 said Child A had an allergy to egg, therefore, she would get a substitute meal on days they served ranch Alfredo. She said she is familiar with Child A's dietary needs because she prepares the food regularly for the children. CCSM1 said she was not working March 3, 2023, and she was unsure about who prepared the food. When she returned to work both co directors Megan and Miranda told her not to give Child A any food. By this time Child A was promoted to the "Bridger Room" and there were too many children in the that classroom to make food accommodation. CCSM 3 was interviewed during the onsite as well. She said Child A would be given a substitute meal on

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R 400.8330 · R 400.8330 Food services and nutrition generally. I (1) Snacks and meals must be provided by the center, except when 1 of the following circumstances occurs: (a) A majority of the children are in attendance less than 2.5 hours. (b) Food is Drovided by a Darent.

Paradigm Care & Enrichment Center II provided Child A's Mother with a written agreement, which she signed on June 23, 2021. Child A's and March 20, 2023. This form was kept at the center and explicitly states the policy for food allergies and food accommodations.

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R 400.8182 · R 400.8182 Ratio and group size requirements. (3) In each room or well-defined space, the maximum group size and ratio of child care staff members to children, including children related to a staff member or the licensee, must be as shown in Table 4: Age Child Care Staff Maximum Group Size member to Child Ratio a) Infants and toddlers, 1 to 4 12 birth until 30 months of age

On September 6, 2022, I initiated this investigation via telephone with the complainant. The complainant reported being aware of the ratio requirements. The whole center operates out of ratio, however, it occurs mostly in the infant room. Complainant stated that if a back-up is necessary, the center's manager comes in and out but does not stay. This has been occurring on and off since March 2022. On September 8, 2022, during an unannounced on-site inspection, the center's owner Michele Cadaret and the assistant director, Meghan Dyke both deny that the childcare center operates out of ratio. During the on-site, I observed the childcare center to be within ratio as required for each age group. Attendance records for children and staff were reviewed for the week that the allegations were made, August 22-26, 2022, as well as September 8, 2022. The records did not show non- compliance for the dates reviewed. On September 8, 2022, Briana Jennings, lead infant caregiver, said she has not been operating the room out of ratio. She is aware of the ratio requirements. Ms. Jennings said that if she needs help due to a staff member calling off work, or getting sick while at work, there are other staff members available to step in. On September 8, 2022, Nafisa Zaheda, assistant infant caregiver, denied the allegations. She also stated that she is aware of the infant ratio rules and regulations. Ms. Zaheda said if they need help in the infant room, Miranda Miller, program director or Ms. Dyke will come in to assist. On September 8, 2022, I interviewed child care staff members that work in other classrooms. Ashley Timoszyk, Tamika Scott, and Faith Alabadallah were interviewed separately. They each deny the infant room and the childcare center operates out of ratio. Each stated that if ever they fall out of ratio, Ms. Miller, or Ms. Dyke comes in immediately. On October 24, 2022, Child A's (2-year-old, male) Mother reported that she does not have any concerns with the center's ratio. She reported that Child A receives excellent care at this facility. On October 24, 2022, Child B's (4-year-old, female) Mother also reported that there are no concerns regarding ratio. She is pleased with the care that Child B is receiving. 3

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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 June 30, 2022, the complainant stated that it was reported to management that child care staff member Tamika Scott had restrained Child A and nothing was done. On July 7, 2022, Ms. Miller said that she is aware of an incident where Child A hit Ms. Scott. It was reported to her that Ms. Scott restrained Child A. Ms. Scott was sent home until they conducted an investigation. She also completed trainings during her time at home. The trainings were "Environments That Support Children with Challenging Behaviors" and "Creating Positive Outcomes from Problematic Behaviors". Ms. Miller concluded that Ms. Scott did not restrain or put her body weight on Child A, and she was allowed to return to work. Ms. Scott does lean over 5 the cot "bridging" her arm to the other side of the cot while rubbing Child A's back. At no time was her body weight on Child A. Child A's movement is not ever restricted. Ms. Miller reported that they do not use any form of restraint, therefore, there is no policy or written procedures to address this. On July 7, 2022, during a face-to-face interview, Child A's Mother reported that she does not have any concerns with the care. She is aware that Child A does not go down for nap easily as he does not sleep well at home. She and Child A's teachers have a plan in place to assist with this. If Child A does not go to sleep at nap time, the teachers will sit with him and rub his back or allow him to help with a project quietly. Child A's Mother does not believe that Ms. Scott has harmed Child A. Child A "loves" it at the center and "loves" his teachers. He's been attending since he was 2 months old. 1/2 On August 24, 2022, Child B's Mother reported that she has no concerns about the childcare center. She stated that Ms. Scott was "excellent" with her son. On September 6, 2022, Ms. Timoszyk denied knowledge of Ms. Scott restraining Child A. She stated that if she ever witnessed any wrongdoing of a child, she would immediately speak up. On September 6, 2022, Ms. Scott denied that she restrained Child A. She stated that she is very empathetic with "her babies". She stated that she rubs their backs at nap time but never uses her body weight.

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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.

Based on interviews with childcare staff members, parents and observations, there is no evidence that inappropriate means of discipline were used. There is no evidence that Child A was restrained.

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and su ervision of children at all times.

Staff did not provide appropriate care and supervision as Child A's braid had been ripped from her scalp and no one knows what happened.

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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.

Appropriate care was not provided to Child A when program director, Ms. Miranda Miller gave her medication prescribed for another child. Child A was not on medication. Proper care and attention was not completed to ensure the correct child was being administered the medicine.

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