• Violation

  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.

  Child A and B's Mother stated that on the evening of 06/16/2021, while she was driving Child A and Child B home from care, Child A asked if he could go back to his old child care. Child A and B's Mother asked Child A why he wanted to go back there, and he replied, "It hurts me when she grabs me." Child A and B's Mother was able to determine that Child A was referring to Ms. Danielle Baker, program director and licensee designee of the center. Child A later told Child A and B's Mother that he was grabbed during naptime. Child A and B's Mother stated that Child A demonstrated to her how he was grabbed. He demonstrated that his face was grabbed by Ms. Baker putting a hand on each side of Child A's face, like you would to make a child look at you. He also demonstrated that the tops of his shoulders were grabbed, and his lower legs were grabbed. Child A and B's Mother observed that Child A had small round bruises that looked as if they could be from being grabbed on his lower leg near his calf. Child A and B's Mother added that Child A is very active and always has bruises on him, so she was not sure if the bruises were from being grabbed or from normal rough play. Child A and B's Mother had Child A demonstrate on his teddy bear what happened to him. She stated that the enactment got very violent, so she felt that Child A was embellishing what happened. Child A and B's Mother added that Child B has never disclosed any physical discipline occurring at the center and he did not feel that Child A was telling the truth. Child A and B's Mother stated that she is aware that Child A has struggled during naptime. He has a hard time lying quietly. She added that Child A does not nap, but he has to stay quiet long enough for the other children to fall asleep. He is then able to do quiet activities. Child A struggles to stay quiet. Child A and B's Mother has offered to bring in his tablet and has spoken with Ms. Baker on numerous occasions about how to remedy the situation. 3 Child A and B's Mother stated that she called the center and spoke to Ms. Baker. She explained to Ms. Baker that Child A had told her that Ms. Baker grabs him during nap time. Ms. Baker stated that there is no way that could have happened as she is not even near Child A during nap time. Ms. Baker added that she has given up trying to get Child A to be quiet at naptime. Ms. Baker told Child A and B's Mother that she does not put her hands on Child A. If she were to get frustrated, she would tag out with another caregiver and take a break. They only time she might grab a child would be if they were going to fall down the stairs. Child A and B's Mother stated that Child A is very stubborn and strong-willed. He has rough days at child care and can be physical with others. He's not constantly aggressive but might hit someone if he wanted a toy or something. One time when she picked up Child A. Ms. Megan Miller, child care staff member, stated "Good luck with [Child Al tonight." Child A has mentioned Ms. Baker being mean to him but has never seemed scared around her. He has never had any unexplained, concerning injuries. Child A and B's Mother also stated that Child A will lie to get out of trouble. Ms. Baker stated that Child A and B's Mother called her and informed her that Child A said that she punched him in the face and grabbed his arms and legs. Child A and B's Mother told Ms. Baker; I know you didn't do that. Child A and Child B were supposed to return to care the next week and they never did. Ms. Baker stated that she has never grabbed Child A or any other child in care or engaged in any physical discipline. She had no idea why Child A would claim that she grabbed his face, shoulder, and legs. The only time she might grab a child would be if they were harming themselves or another child, or about to get hurt. If teachers get frustrated, she has enough staff that they can tag out with another teacher and take a break. The center uses time out for discipline with childre

On 06/16/2021, Child A told Child A and B's Mother that Ms. Baker grabs him while he is in care.

Disposition: Substantiated