Salvation Army Head Start

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.

I interviewed Ms. Berry, license designee. Ms. Berry stated that at 3:45p.m. on 3/2/23, she received a call from Child A's Mother saying that Child Care Staff Member 1 (CCSM 1) slapped Child , male). Specifically, Child A was asked if he had a good day and heA s"aaidt tthat man hit me. Child A's Mother believed that Child A had injuries on his face. However, when Child A's Mother sent pictures of his face, the pictures appear to show dry skin with no obvious injures. The child care staff members (CCSMs) working in the room on 3/2/23 included CCSM 1, Child Care Staff Member 2 (CCSM 2) and Ms. Rook the program director. They all denied any wrongdoing. In addition, the CCSMs are not alone with Child A or his mother due to her past behaviors toward the CCSMs. Child A's Father was also contacted by Administrator 1. Child A's Father does not believe the allegation, as well as he verified that Child A did not have any marks or bruises when he saw him on 3/2/23. Child A told his father that he was hit by a "boy, not an adult." Child A's Father also expressed concerns regarding Child A's Mother's behaviors. According to Ms. Berry, Child A's Mother also alleged that the CCSMs gave Child A candy as a "hush" initiative, but this too was denied by the CCSMs. Ms. Berry stated that several months ago, Child A's Mother made a similar accusation against CCSM 1, saying that he hit Child A. Child A did not have any injuries. Child A's Mother quickly recanted the accusation saying that she was wrong and that CCSM 1 did not hit Child A. In addition, the CCSMs did not disclose any 3 wrongdoing. As such, they did not notify the department as Child A's Mother took back her concern. Ms. Berry provided me with pictures of Child A's face that were taken by Child A's Mother after he was picked up from care on 3/2/23. Child A's face appeared to have dry skin. I did not observe any obvious injuries. I reviewed the pictures with my area manager Darlese McConnell, who also agreed. I interviewed Child A's Father and Witness 1. They both observed Child A on 3/2/23 at approximately 5:00p.m. after Child A was picked up from care. Child A had what appeared to be dry skin on his face and "maybe a little puffy" under his eye. He did not have any obvious injuries. Child A received a bath that evening, and the dry skin and the possible puffiness were gone. Child A did not disclose being struck by CCSM 1. Child A said that he was hit by another child, and not an adult. Child A's Father does not believe allegation against CCSM 1. He stated that Child A's Mother has a history of creating allegations against others for to personal purposes, which also includes a history of interview couching with Child A. Child A's Father believes that his mother wants Child A homeschooled which he does not agree. Child A's Father stated that he observed Child A with a candy sucker in one of the pictures. Child A did not disclose any information regarding who gave him the sucker. Child A's Father and Witness 1 have observed only positive interactions with the CCSMs. Child A enjoys attending the center, and he has never disclosed any concerns regarding his care. They both believe that Child A would tell them if something was wrong. Child A's Father did not wish for Child A to be interviewed the department due to his age and concern of possible interview coaching. I completed an on-site inspection to the center. There were four CCSMs and 15 children ages and older. Child A was not in attendance. I observed the children engaged in freedom of choice learning the gymnasium. The children actively approached CCSM 1 and the other CCSMs for care and attention. The children did not express or exhibit any concerns toward the CCSMs. I conducted individual interviews outside of the gymnasium. When CCSM 1 tried to leave the gymnasium to speak with me, several of the children followed him to the door, wanting to stay with him. I also observed inside the main classroom. The children were engaged in circ

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