ABC Learning Center

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

The complainant reported hearing a child crying and seeing a dog which appeared to be an English bulldog on top of a child on the playground at the center. The child appeared to be a toddler, but the complainant could not tell if the child was a boy or a girl. There were three adults on the playground at the time of the incident. One of the adults leashed the dog after getting the dog away from the child. Program director Tricia Botek stated that on May 27, 2021, she brought her English Bulldog puppy, which is a therapy dog, to the center for a visit. She stated that she was holding the dog on a leash while standing on the playground with the children, Ms. Bebout and Ms. Dingwell. The dog scooted out of his harness which was attached to the leash that she was holding and walked toward Child A (male, age 16 months). Child A was afraid when the dog walked near him and began to cry. Child care staff member, Tiffany Bebout immediately picked up Child A while Ms. Botek re-leashed the dog. Ms. Botek stated that the dog never jumped on top of Child A and the dog never even touched him. The dog is very friendly and was never aggressive. She stated Child A was standing up the entire time and was never lying on the ground. After getting the leash back on, the dog was removed from the 2 center. The dog was only at the center for a visit for approximately 10 minutes. Ms. Botek stated that the other children really enjoyed the visit with the dog. Child care staff member Tiffany Bebout stated that Ms. Botek's dog came for a visit on May 27, 2021. While on the playground the dog became excited when it saw the children were excited to see him. The dog backed out of his harness which was attached to a leash. Child A became afraid of the dog when it walked near him, but the dog never touched him. Ms. Bebout said the dog was not aggressive at all. Ms. Bebout immediately picked Child A up when he began to cry. Ms. Bebout stated that the other children were laughing and playing and very excited to see the dog. Child care staff member Aliah Dingwell stated that she was on the playground during the dog's visit, but she was taking care of the infants, so she did not see the dog get off leash or Child A being scared by the dog. During the onsite inspection on May 28, 2021, I observed Child A. Child A was playing in the classroom. When I walked over to him, he immediately began to cry as soon as he saw me. He appeared to be extremely fearful of strangers. Child A's Mother stated that Child A has been enrolled at the center since he was 3 months old. She is very comfortable with the care that he has received at the center. Program director Tricia Botek informed her that a complaint was filed regarding Child A. Child A's Mother stated that she was told that Ms. Botek's puppy came to the center for a visit on May 27, 2021 and Child A became afraid when the dog approached him. Child A's Mother said she was told the dog never touched Child A and she trusts Ms. Botek's word. She stated that Child A did not appear to be upset at pick up time and she saw no sign that he had been hurt in anyway.

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