S.F.S./Thorne Elementary/GSRP

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 October 18, 2022, I initiated this investigation via telephone contact with complainant. The complainant stated that childcare staff member Cynthia Baxter took Child A into the bathroom. Ms. Braxton yelled and noises that sounded like "spanking" came from the bathroom. Child A then came out of the bathroom crying. There were no marks or bruises on Child A. On October 26, 2022, during an unannounced on-site inspection, I conducted face to face interviews with childcare staff members Clalina Johnson, Cynthia Braxton, Michelle Bellekat, and Tori Robinson. The center's program director Towana McGuire was not present. The allegations were explained to Tori Robinson, Family Service Guide. Ms. Robinson stated that although she was not in the classroom with Child A and Ms. Braxton, she is aware of the allegations as they were reported to management. She was present in the meeting with Ms. McGuire and the complainant. When the allegations were reported to them, Ms. Braxton was sent home pending their internal investigation. Ms. Braxton was off duty from October 12, 2022, through October 17, 2022. On October 26, 2022, lead caregiver Clalina Johnson said she was away from her classroom during the time of the allegation. She was in the break room completing training. She stated that she had never witnessed Ms. Braxton yelling at the children or using physical discipline. She said she has not been interviewed by management regarding this matter. Child A is still enrolled in the childcare. On October 26, 2022, Cynthia Braxton reported being employed at this childcare for 5 years. She said that Child A ran out of the classroom, and she ran behind him. Upon their return, she admitted that she escorted Child A to the bathroom so that he could use it, not to discipline him. While in there she told him that he should not leave the classroom. She denied that she yelled at or hit Child A. Ms. Braxton said she was made to stay home from work until management investigated the accusations. She was allowed to return to work due to no findings. Ms. Braxton said the center has a discipline policy and that she is aware of all the prohibited means of discipline. On October 26, 2022, CCSM, Michelle Bellekat said she heard Ms. Braxton yell at Child A on October 12, 2022. Ms. Bellekat said that Child A ran out of the 3 classroom. Ms. Braxton took him into the bathroom and yelled at him saying, "Don't you ever come out of the classroom!" Prior to this, she has not had any concerns with Ms. Braxton. On January 18, 2023, Child A's Mother was interviewed via telephone. She stated that she does not have any concerns with Ms. Braxton. She stated that Ms. Johnson and Ms. Braxton are very helpful with transitioning Child A into childcare as this is his first time in care. Child A is still enrolled in care. On January 18, 2023, Child B's Mother does not have any concerns with the program. She stated they do a very good job caring for Child B. Child B enjoys going to school.

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