• 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.

  Positive methods of discipline are being used in the center.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

Can June 07, 2023, program director Dixie Cash picked Child'. A (male, = up by the wrist and put him into a tune-out. This occurred in the classroom where there are cameras. It is unknown whether Child A had any redness, marks, or bruises from this. The owner, Heather Boulis, was present when this occurred, but it is unclear whether she saw it or is aware of the concern. I NVESTIGATION: 1111111. On June 07, 2023, 1 interviewed She had already spoken with Child B's Mother who was dropping off Child B (male, that morning. They observed program director Dixie Cash pick Child A up by his left wrist and say, "that's not how you talk to your teacher." Child A was sitting on the floor at the time but she couldn't remember if he then stood up with Ms. Cash or not. Child A was upset, crying, and she felt the force that was used was inappropriate. She did not believe any other staff observed this, but the children may have overheard it. The facility has cameras. On June 13, 2023, 1 interviewee: regarding her contacts made the following week. She stated that she was able to go to the center on June 07, 2023, the same afternoon of the alleged incident. She spoke briefly with Ms. Cash, who had no idea a complaint had been made about her alleged behavior. She was asked to recall the morning drop offs and she didn't recall Child A having a negative behavior. Once informed of the complaint, Ms. Cash was shocked that anyone would misinterpret her behaviors as inappropriate towards a child. attempted to forensically interview Child A, but he was developmentally to be interviewed. She did not observe any marks or bruises on his left wrist, which was the arm Ms. Cash used to allegedly pull him up that morning. Additionally, she interviewed Child A's Mother and Child A's Father, who both denied having any concerns with the center. On June 13, 2023, and I completed an unannounced onsite inspection at the center from 1:00pm to pm. We interviewed licensee Heather Boulis. She stated that Ms. Cash is a great director and caregiver. She has never had concerns or complaints made about her before. Ms. Cash has been the director for five years and has no disciplinary records in her personnel file. She was shocked to hear of the allegations. She didn't understand why Child B's Mother would leave her child in the care of the center or around Ms. Cash if she felt that she was abusing children. Child B remained at the center after the alleged incident and she didn't come find Ms. Boulis to report the concern. Child B's Mother has made past complaints about the center but usually about minor issues. One time several months ago (date unknown) she alleged that Child B was alone for 5 minutes in a classroom. It was during pick-up time and he seen his mother arrive and ran to get his belongings in his classroom (which was empty at that time). His teacher was changing the diaper of another child and wasn't able to let her in the door right away. He had run to his cubby to get his blanket to go home and met his mother at the door. This is when she claimed he was alone for at least five minutes which was absolutely not true. The incident was not reported to licensing for investigation. After being informed of the allegations, Ms. Boulis notified the parents of all the children present about the investigation. Ms. Boulis met with Child A's Mother and informed her of the allegations being made. She also showed her the video footage. She was initially upset but later said she wasn't after watching what occurred. Child A's Father was also informed of the alleged incident and he told her that "the entire thing was a waste of time" and he wasn't concerned. Child A has been coming to the daycare for three years. There has been no previous incidents or issue involving him. She was not in the room when it allegedly occurred, but she was in another classroom. She spoke with CCSM1 about it (since she was in the room during the alleged incident) and she had no idea what she was t