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.

On 5/31/2023 I received an incident report stating the following: "Mom shared with supervisor that her child had a red mark on her cheek from when the teacher "grabbed" her out behind the map and the child bumped her cheek on a pole causing the red mark, as well as on her wrist on Monday. The weather deck is outdoors on the playground. The child was stuck behind the map on the weather 2 deck on Monday during the first outdoor time, and the teachers did help the child get out from behind the map. She was offered an ice pack- but did not want it and continued playing with peers. Staff did not notice any visible marks on the child's face during the day or at the end of the day." On 5/31/2023 I completed an unannounced on-site inspection at the center. I interviewed the center's program director Brittany Pozo. She stated that on 5/15/2023, Child Care Staff Member 1 (CCSM 1) and Child Care Staff Member 2 (CCSM 2) approached her after school to inform her that they had just had a conversation with Child A's Mother after school to discuss Child A's recent concerning behaviors, and just after the call was done, Child A's Mother called them back reporting that Child A got off the bus and claimed that someone had "snatched" her and that there was a red mark on her cheek as a result. CCSM 1 and CCSM 2 then reported that CCSM 1 had explained to Child A's Mother that Child A climbed under the map to get behind it and she became stuck behind the map. Child A may have bumped her cheek while getting out, but at the time there was no mark nor was there a mark on her face at the end of the day. Child A's Mother then hung up on the CCSM's and reported it to her (Ms. Pozo). Ms. Pozo stated that she tried to call Child A's Mother to speak to her about her concerns, but Child A's Mother did not answer the call and was she able to leave a message. She messaged Child A's Mother on their "kaymbu" app. but did not hear back from her. She noted that during the incident, CCSM 1 and CCSM 3 were present. CCSM 2 was not present and CCSM 4 was filling in for her at the time. Then when the incident happened, CCSM 3 stepped in for CCSM 4 so she could take a break. CCSM 2 and CCSM 4 were present in Child A's classroom after the incident. Ms. Pozo reported she spoke to all the staff involved and/or staff that may have observed Child A later in the day on 5/15/2023 or on the following day, 5/16/2023. It should be noted that the center also had all staff write statements regarding the incident. All staff involved and staff that may have seen Child A after the incident were questioned regarding whether they saw a mark on Child A. Ms. Pozo indicated that all the staff reported they did not observe a mark on Child A. Ms. Pozo explained that the weather deck is outdoors and is separate from the outdoor playground area. It's a spot in the front of the building that overlooks a pond and is meant to mimic the Grand Rapids news station weather deck. It is used to look at wildlife near the pond and to teach the children about the weather and geography. There is a large map on the weather deck that is held up by a metal pole. The map and pole are located on the deck about a foot or less in front of the deck railing, leaving a small space between the map and the deck railing. Ms. Pozo stated that after the incident, the weather deck was briefly closed and fixed on 5/17/2023 so that an incident like this can't happen again. I observed the weather deck and took photos of it. I observed the map to have lattice under and behind it so that children cannot get behind it. She also reported that the center has video cameras, but that there is not one that points toward the weather deck, so there is no footage of the incident. Ms. Pozo indicated that she looked at the bus footage from 5/15/2023 and 3 stated that Child A was observed pinching her cheek as she was getting off the bus the afternoon of 5/15/2023. This is the same cheek that Child A's Mother claimed there was a red mark o

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

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 05/06/2021 Licensing Consultant Stacia Thrower received an incident report from the facility notifying her of an alleged incident. The incident report stated that Child A's Mother contacted the facility and stated that Child A disclosed to her on 05/04/2021 that while in care Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) Laura Reese grabbed Child A's face really hard when she was not listening. Child A's Mother described it as using one hand on her chin like when you are trying to get someone's attention. She identified that this occurred more than once. She also stated Ms. Reese spits in Child A's face while she is talking. On 05/10/2021 I completed an unannounced onsite inspection at the facility and spoke to Program Director Brittany Pozo and CCSM Laura Reese. Ms. Pozo stated that Child A's Mother called the center on 05/05/2021 to notify her of what Child A disclosed. Child A's Mother told Ms. Pozo that on 05/04/2021 Child A was talking and mentioned that Ms. Laura grabbed her chin to make her listen and acknowledged this has happen before. Ms. Pozo stated this was the first time she was aware that Child A mentioned this happened. Ms. Pozo was not aware of any marks or bruises on Child A. Ms. Pozo stated that all staff wear masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated that Ms. Reese is good about wearing her mask and has never needed any reminders. She identified the only time staff are not wearing masks would be if they are eating or drinking. She was not aware of any incidents where Ms. Reese would spit in a child's face while talking. Ms. Pozo stated Child A's Mother did not know the exact date this incident occurred. Ms. Pozo stated that Child A's classroom was quarantined starting on 04/26/2021 with a return date of 05/11/2021. Ms. Pozo identified the center has cameras that record but she was unsure how long the length of the video retention was. She stated that without knowing an exact date of the incident they were not able to review the camera footage. Ms. Pozo described Ms. Reese as a good employee and has not had any concerns with her interactions with children. Ms. Pozo stated that the Licensee Designee, Michelle Paul would send a follow-up email with any disciplinary action in Ms. Reese's staff file and information on the camera system. On 05/10/2021 I spoke to Ms. Reese about the allegations. Ms. Reese was aware of the situation and explained that Child A was sitting at a table with a couple other children. She identified that Child A gave the other children the middle finger. When she went to talk to Child A about this behavior, she stated Child A did not respond and looked down. She acknowledged she did place her hand on Child A's chin but denied grabbing her hard or leaving any marks. She explained it as a gentle touch to the face. She stated she did this so she could ensure Child A heard her. She then talked to Child A about using her words and how her actions could hurt her friends. Ms. Reese stated that Child A was looking down during this discussion and she assumed she was embarrassed. Ms. Reese stated when she speaks to Child A she tries to talk to her one-on-one but it can be difficult because Child A doesn't always want to engage. She identified that she has gently touched children's faces before and has observed the lead CCSM, Debra Dykstra in the classroom do the same. Ms. Reese denied ever spitting in a child's face while talking. She stated she is always wearing a mask so she is not sure how that would be possible. 3 On 05/10/2021 I received an email from Licensee Designee Michelle Paul. The email clarified that the camera records up to 14 days before deleting. With the classroom out on a quarantine and not knowing the exact date of the incident, staff were not able to review the camera footage. Ms. Paul included Ms. Reese's past disciplinary action. Ms. Reese began employment in February 2017 and has three past write-ups. In 2018 there was an informal write-up for attendance and work quality for addressi

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.