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.

During the interview with Ms. Reed, she acknowledged that she did not notify Child A's Mother 1 or Child A's Mother 2 regarding Child A walking away from the child care facility after being dropped off at the facility by the Lakewood Elementary School bus. Ms. Reed did not contact Child A's Mother 1 or Child A's Mother 2 due to Child A's Mother 2 contacting Ms. Reed and informing her thai had contacted her stating Child A had wandered to her home after getting off the bus. Ms. Reed also acknowledged that she did not verbally notify licensing within 24 hours or provide a written incident report within 72 hours. She was not aware that this was a licensing rule requirement and apologized for the oversight. Child A's Mother 1 informed me that she learned of the situation several days after it occurred, and reported that her , Child A's Mother 2 had informed her of what occurred. Child A's Mother 1 stated Child A was found at home before he was brought back to the child care facility. Child A's Mother 1 denied that the 7 1 P ■'' 1'1 i z I I rr• - •` M -•• •' • • • : 1 ■' z I I • •` M •• •' IV. RECOMMENDATION A recommendation for the child care facility for increased monitoring had been recommended as a result of two recent investigations (2022D0206007 & 2022D0206008). Upon receipt of an acceptable corrective action plan, I recommend a continuation of increased monitoring for this child care facility. 04/08/2022 Sean Shankin Date Licensing Consultant Approved By: 04/08/2022 Yolanda Sims Date Area Manager rj

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (h) Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar enclosure. 7

On 2/9/2022 I made an onsite inspection at the child care facility, Beginning Roots Child Development Center. During the inspection, I interviewed the Program Director, Ms. Rita Reed. Ms. Reed acknowledged there were issues present with Child A. Ms. Reed stated that Child A has been enrolled at the facility for almost two years, and that the issues have begun to develop more recently. The issues concerning Child A have centered around Child A scratching, pushing, and biting other children in the Duckling (toddler) classroom. Ms. Reed noted that the child care staff members have attempted to address these matters with Child A's Mother, who Ms. Reed stated will frequently "laugh off' the concerns. Ms. Reed reported that Child A wasn't "too verbal" and that this often poses difficulties when attempting to redirect her. Ms. Reed stated that approximately one month prior, they began to utilize a playpen in the room where they would confine Child A during episodes where she would scratch and bite the other children. Ms. Reed stated that they would only confine Child A for two minutes at a time. Ms. Reed reported that Child A's Mother is aware that they have used the playpen for timeout, and that she did not have any objections to this. Ms. Reed denied that the playpen had been used for other children aside from Child A, and she noted that in addition to using the playpen, they will also attempt to place Child A in timeout where she would remain for two minutes, based upon her age. Ms. Reed informed me that the decision to use the playpen was a "group effort," and she denied being aware that there was a child care licensing rule that prevented children from being placed in isolation or seclusion, as well as not being aware that children under the age of three should be receiving timeouts, as this is not believed to be a developmentally appropriate form of discipline. Ms. Reed identified the three child care staff members that most often work in the Duckling room with Child A as Ms. Libby Courtney, Ms. Farah Bishop, and Ms. Alison Digena. 3 On 3/1/2022 I spoke to the child care staff member Ms. Farah Bishop. Ms. Bishop stated that she only worked at the child care facility for a short time, and reported that she partly decided to leave the child care facility due to having different "philosophical beliefs" pertaining to the discipline of Child A. Ms. Bishop reported that Child A was located in the toddler room, but that she was at the "younger age of the spectrum." Ms. Bishop acknowledged that Child A "was a biter and pinched." Ms. Bishop stated that when she began working at the child care facility she was informed that the playpen located in the Duckling room was used as a method of seclusion for Child A when she was "acting out." She thought this was being done at the request of Child A's Mother and Father, but later discovered this was a measure that Ms. Reed began to implement. Ms. Bishop denied ever personally placing Child A in the playpen, as she stated she did not agree with this form of discipline and noted that she did not even believe it was necessary to redirect Child A's behaviors. Ms. Bishop then stated that even if Child A's behavior did warrant the use of exclusion, she believed it would have been a more appropriate action for the child to be disenrolled from the child care facility rather than being placed in isolation. Ms. Bishop stated that despite being employed at Beginning Roots, she would not have been comfortable with her child attending the child care facility. On 3/1/2022 I left a voicemail message for the child care staff members Ms. Libby Courtney and Ms. Alison Digena. On 3/10/2022 I spoke to the child care staff member, Ms. Libby Courtney. Ms. Courtney reported that she has been employed at the child care facility for approximately five years. While discussing Child A, Ms. Courtney stated that Child A is easily frustrated which she attributed to Child A not being too verbal. Ms. Courtney also stated that

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (i) Time out must not be used for children under 3 years of age.

Child A, age 22 months, has been placed in timeout with and without the aid of a playpen for seclusion, due to behavioral concerns. Technical Assistance states that timeout is not a developmentally appropriate form of discipline for children under the age of 3.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8137 · R 400.8137 Diapering; toileting. ...................................... .......................... (10) Toilet learning or training must be planned cooperatively between the child's regular caregivers and the child's parent so the toilet routine established is consistent between the center and the child's home.

On 1/13/2022 I sent an email to Child A's Mother requesting that she contact me. On 1/13/2022 I spoke to Child A's Mother regarding the complaint. Child A's Mother informed me that Child A has been attending the child care facility for several years, and that she's become increasingly more concerned with things she has seen and heard regarding the Program Director, Ms. Rita Reed's behavior. Child A's Mother reported that she first suspected something was occurring when Child A shifted from 3 "loving" the child care, to telling her that he did not want to go. Child A's Mother stated that after some incidents pertaining to discipline came to light, she posted to a Facebook child care group where she expressed some of her concerns. Child A's Mother stated that through this Facebook group, she came into contact with a child care staff member from Beginning Roots that informed her of an incident that occurred concerning Child A's toilet training. This child care staff member stated that there was a situation in the past where Ms. Reed became upset with Child A after he refused to use the bathroom. Child A's Mother continued stating that the other child care staff member that was in the room then told Child A to use the bathroom, and when Child A did as the staff member requested, Ms. Reed became upset and told Child A he couldn't use the bathroom, and that he could "pee himself." Child A's Mother also stated there was a situation recently where Child A was "scolded" for using too much toilet paper. She believed Ms. Reed's treatment was demeaning, and she expressed frustration as she stated that Ms. Reed's actions set Child A back in terms of his toilet training. On 1/14/2022 I completed an onsite inspection at the child care facility Beginning Roots. During the inspection, I interviewed the Program Director, Ms. Rita Reed. I informed her of the allegations pertaining to Child A's toilet training. Ms. Reed denied that she has ever prevented Child A from using the bathroom when he has asked. I then asked her about the statement where she allegedly told Child A that he could "pee his pants," Ms. Reed denied that this incident ever occurred. I also asked Ms. Reed about an incident where Child A was redirected for using too much toilet paper. Ms. Reed acknowledged that this occurred but stated Child A was continuously unraveling the toilet paper and denied that Child A was redirected for using too much toilet paper to clean himself. Ms. Reed then stated that the only reason the complaint was received was because Child A's Mother doesn't like her. On 3/1/2022 I spoke to Child Care Staff Member 1, Child Care Staff Member 2 and Child Care Staff Member 3, Child B and Child C's Mother, Child D and Child E's Mother, Child F's Mother, and Child G's Mother. Child Care Staff Member 1 acknowledged that there was a past issue between Ms. Reed and Child A pertaining to his toilet training. Child Care Staff Member 1 informed me that there was an incident that occurred that resulted in Child A being made to write sentences. Child Care Staff Member 1 stated while Child A was attempting to write the sentences, Child A informed Ms. Reed that he had to use the bathroom. Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that this upset Ms. Reed who aggressively "snapped" at Child A saying, "just go potty." Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that with the way Ms. Reed spoke to Child A, it made him "freeze," at which time Child Care Staff Member 1 intervened and "gently" asked Child A to go use the bathroom. Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that Child A instantly began walking to the bathroom, and this bothered Ms. Reed. Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that Ms. Reed then told Child A that he could not use the bathroom and that he could "go pee his pants." Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that approximately two minutes after making this statement, she then permitted Child A to use the bathroom. Child 4 Care Staff Member 1 stated that she then escorted Child A to the bathroom,

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

Child A's Mother reported believing that Ms. Reed was targeting Child A. She stated that at the age of 3, Ms. Reed had complaints regarding Child A's "tone." Child A's Mother stated that this upset her, as he was a normal 3-year-old and she did not believe that children that young could express a "tone" to show annoyance. Child A's Mother attempted to describe how Child A responds to stress cues, which she noted typically presents itself with Child A sticking out his tongue or fidgeting with his nose. Child A's Mother reported that this behavior bothered Ms. Reed, despite Child A's Mother informing Ms. Reed that these were "tics" that he exhibits when he is frustrated. Child A's Mother told me that these tics are associated with a diagnosed developmental disability that Child A had previously received. Child A's Mother did not believe Ms. Reed had the appropriate training necessary to provide care for children with special needs. Child A's Mother stated that it was a common occurrence for her to arrive at the facility to pick-up Child A and hear Ms. Reed yelling from the front of the building, while Ms. Reed was in the back of the building. Child A's Mother also reported being aware of a former child care staff member that quit due to them not being comfortable with Ms. Reed yelling, stating that it made the environment uncomfortable. I then asked Child A's Mother if she could provide more information pertaining to Ms. Reed yelling. Child A's Mother then stated, "she screams" at the children, and noted her tone sounds "demeaning." While Child A's Mother believes Ms. Reed has been "targeting" Child A, she acknowledged that she has also observed Ms. Reed yelling at other children. Child A's Mother noted one specific incident where Ms. Reed yelled at Child A, directly in front of Child A's Mother for refusing to pick up toys that were on the ground. Child A's Mother stated that on this occasion, Child A began to cry after being yelled at. Child A's Mother also noted that another punishment that will often be utilized will be to move Child A down to the toddler room during outdoor play, so that he will miss his opportunity for recess. Child A's Mother stated that this is done punitively. There was one occasion where she went to pick up Child A while they were outside playing, and she observed Child A being made to "sit out due to being too hyperactive." Ms. Reed denied that she has ever targeted Child A or made references to his "tone." Ms. Reed characterized Child A as a typical preschool aged child and she noted having a positive relationship with Child A. Ms. Reed stated that she has never yelled at any of the child care children, but stated that she will occasionally raise her voice to get the children's attention. Ms. Reed confirmed that Child A's Mother has also made a complaint to the owner/licensee Bob and Sheila Veitch. Ms. Reed also denied that she made Child A cry by forcing him to pick up toys or that she made children write sentences. She stated that writing sentences was a form of redirection that another former child care staff member, Ms. Kayla Thomas, would use while working with the children. I then asked Ms. Reed about the allegations that she has taken away Child A's ability to play outside as a punishment or method of discipline. Ms. Reed reported that Child A would frequently hit other children while they were outside for recess. Ms. Reed reported that when this has occurred, she has made Child A sit down and miss the remainder of recess. Ms. Reed also reported that when Child A has acted out aggressively with the other children, she has at times, brought him back inside the child care center to remain with the younger children. Ms. Reed noted that this was done to "protect" the other children in the preschool classroom; however, I asked Ms. Reed if she felt it was appropriate to move a child that she characterized as aggressive to a classroom with a younger age group? Ms. Reed was unable to provide an explan

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (d) Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child. 13 Li •--• -• - • r • - •' • . ' '' . ♦ j I I` : • (Li ' J •' ~' i - - i • • - - - - •- - i• - i f" - ii - f '• r • fi i i - f- •:• i - i' isi• • • r • NOT !'

Child A's Mother reported that Ms. Reed took away Child A's naps, and informed Child A's Mother that Child A "was four years old and doesn't need naps anymore, he needs to be learning." Child A's Mother stated that she has explicitly informed Ms. Reed that she wants Child A to receive a nap during the day. While discussing the issues pertaining to Child A being permitted to nap, Ms. Reed immediately pointed my attention to the one child that had remained napping after quiet time had concluded. Ms. Reed identified the still sleeping child as Child A, and she denied that he has ever had his naps withheld and that he needs the sleep. Ms. Rita denied stating that the children were old enough to no longer need naps, and that they should be spending their time learning. It should also be noted that during my onsite inspection, I observed naptime identified on the classroom's typical daily routine. Child Care Staff Member 1 acknowledged that Ms. Reed does allow the children to nap but stated this only occurred after someone complained to the Licensee Designee Mrs. Veitch that the children were not allowed to nap. Since this occurred, Child Care Staff Member 1 stated that the preschool children have always been allowed to nap. Child Care Staff Member 2 denied having any knowledge of Ms. Reed preventing children from napping and stated that the preschool children did have a naptime in their daily routine. Child Care Staff Member 3 denied having any knowledge of Ms. Reed preventing the child care children from napping, stating "why would anyone want to prevent a kid from sleeping, they all love when the kids nap." During the interviews that occurred with Child B and Child C's Mother, Child D and Child E's Mother, Child F's Mother, and Child G's Mother, they all denied having concerns that their children were not permitted to take naps. Child Care Staff Member 4 denied having any knowledge of Ms. Reed not allowing children to nap, stating to her knowledge, the children were always permitted to nap 15 while in her care. However, Child Care Staff Member 4 again noted that she did not often work in Ms. Reed's room or directly with her. Child Care Staff Member 4 denied that Ms. Reed has ever prevented a child from napping and stated that they have always had naptime included in their daily schedule. Child Care Staff Member 4 then stated she wasn't sure why any provider would not permit their child care children from napping. Child Care Staff Member 5 noted that while she has only worked at the child care facility for a short time. She acknowledged that for the duration of her employment, the preschool children in Ms. Reed's room have always had a napping or quiet time in the afternoon after lunch. Child Care Staff Member 6 denied that the child care children in Ms. Reed's room don't receive naps, but again noted that she is fairly new to the facility, and she was not sure how things were prior to her employment. Child Care Staff Member 7 also denied having any knowledge of the preschool children not being permitted to nap.

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (f) Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor activities. m

During the conversation with Child A's Mother, she informed me that Ms. Reed would not give Child A all his food and would make him finish certain items like his sandwich, prior to giving him his fruit, vegetables, and yogurt that she would commonly pack. Child A's Mother believed Child A was not being fed due to him always coming home from child care hungry. Child A's Mother stated that her suspicions were confirmed when Ms. Reed presented Child A's Mother with a weeks' worth of uneaten yogurt. Child A's Mother did not provide any additional information pertaining to Child A not receiving food. Ms. Reed denied not providing Child A's lunches to him. Ms. Reed reported that Child A's Mother wanted him to "eat healthy" so she would pack all his lunches. Child A would often not eat his lunch, as he was commonly focused on other children. Ms. Reed noted that due to this, she has attempted to have Child A eat away from certain children. Ms. Reed denied that she has ever withheld the food Child A's Mother has packed for him. When asked about the yogurt that was returned to Child A's Mother, Ms. Reed confirmed that this occurred and stated that it happened after she noticed his yogurts were "piling up" from him not eating them. Child Care Staff Member 1 informed me that Ms. Reed has prevented Child A from eating the "side" items in his lunch until he finishes his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that Child A's Mother packed for him. Neither Child Care Staff Member 2 nor Child Care Staff Member 3 had any information to provide pertaining to Ms. Reed withholding food from the children. Similarly, during my conversations with the child care parents Child B and Child C's Mother, Child D and Child E's Mother, Child F's Mother, and Child G's Mother all denied having concerns that their child was not being fed or was having food withheld from them. During the interview with Child Care Staff Member 4 I began to explain the allegations concerning Ms. Reed allegedly withholding food from a child care child. Prior to me even being able to complete the statement regarding the complaint 17 surrounding the child care children's food, Child Care Staff Member 4 abruptly stated, "that's never occurred." Child Care Staff Member 5, Child Care Staff Member 6 and Child Care Staff Member 7 denied having any knowledge of Ms. Reed withholding food from the child care children or making the children eat their food in a specific order. Child Care Staff Member 7 stated that she places all the food on her children's plates during lunch time and encourages them to eat but does not force that they eat their food.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: health medication. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8188 · R 400.8188 Sleeping, resting, and supervision. (12) Naptime or quiet time must be provided when children under school-age are in attendance 5 or more continuous hours per day.

Child care children that are in attendance for 5 or more continuous hours are permitted to take naps during the day. During the onsite inspection, I observed that the nap time was part of the preschool room's daily routine.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8188 · 1 R 400.8188 Sleeping, resting, and supervision. (13) For children under school age who do not sleep at rest time, quiet activities must be provided such as reading books or putting puzzles together. 16

During the onsite inspection, the children were observed getting/waking up from their quiet time. Additionally, I observed Child A continue to sleep on his cot while the other preschool children began to play. Child A remained sleeping on his cot for almost the duration of the inspection.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8330 · R 400.8330 Food services and nutrition generally. (9) A center shall not deprive a child of a snack or meal if the child is in attendance at the time when the snack or meal is served.

There is not enough evidence to support the allegations that Ms. Reed has withheld lunch from Child A. Child A's Mother noted that Ms. Reed had presented her with a weeks' worth of yogurt that Child A had not been consuming. During the conversation with Child Care Staff Member 1 she acknowledged that Ms. Reed would attempt to enforce that Child A ate certain portions of his meal in a specific order. There were no disclosures made during the investigation that Child A has been deprived of his lunches that are brought from home.

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: nutrition. 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 5/20/2021 I made an onsite inspection to the child care facility Beginning Roots Child Development Center. During the onsite inspection, I interviewed the Program Director Ms. Rita Reed, and the child care staff members Ms. Jerica Woyke, Ms. Lyndsey Roth, Ms. Heather Scobey, Ms. Jeanette Jackson, Ms. Dale Davarn, and Ms. Chloe Haight. After I discussed the allegations with Ms. Reed, she informed me that she believed the complaint was made on 5/19/2021, and she provided me with a list of all the child care staff members that were present at the child care facility that day. Ms. Reed informed me that while the older, school-aged children were permitted to play in the school parking lot that's located directly behind the child care facility, she noted that they are only allowed to play in the parking lot after-school, when there are no longer cars or traffic in the parking lot. Ms. Reed stated that the children that are present at the child care facility before school or during school hours are never permitted to go in the parking lot. Ms. Reed stated that to assure that the children are safely playing in the parking lot, they do not go outside and play until approximately 4:15 PM, which is after the school's dismissal. She also informed me that the child care children that are under the age of 4 only play in the fully-enclosed portion of the outdoor play area that is located behind the facility. Ms. Woyke stated that during times of outdoor play, the child care children located in the Pond and Duckling room are between the ages of birth and 4, and that they remain in the enclosed section of the outdoor play area. Ms. Woyke reported that the older children at the child care facility are permitted to play in the grassy area located next to the child care facility, and that during the afternoon, they are 3 permitted to playing in the parking lot. Ms. Woyke denied that the parking lot was roped off but stated that the children are not permitted to enter the parking lot if there are cars present. Ms. Woyke continued to note that the child care staff members that are outside with the school-aged children will typically sit on the bench that's near the border of the parking lot and the grassy field. Ms. Woyke stated that sitting in this area gives the child care staff members the ability to observe the entire outdoor play area while also being positioned closely to the parking lot. Ms. Roth provided a similar disclosure as Ms. Reed and Ms. Woyke, noting that children are only permitted to playing in the school parking lot after school dismissal in the afternoon. However, Ms. Roth did note that it was not uncommon for a child to lose a ball in the parking lot of the school during school-operating hours, but Ms. Roth stated that the children will always seek permission or ask a staff member to get their balls if they go into the school parking lot. Ms. Roth stated that the child care staff members that are present with the school-age children are usually standing near the parking lot, or near the fenced in section of the outdoor play area near the child care building. Ms. Roth was not sure why someone did not believe there was enough child care staff members present, as she stated they are always within ratio; however, she did report that if the allegations were made on 5/18/2021, they may have not seen the two staff members that were present outside with the children, assisting them in planting flowers near the child care facility. Ms. Roth suggested that maybe the Referral Source was unable to see the staff members outdoors since they were in a different place than they are normally stationed. Ms. Roth stated that while she denies there are concerns regarding the care and supervision of the child care children that are in the outdoor play area, she has had concerns in the past regarding the child care staff member, Ms. Chloe Haight, and her personal phone usage during child care hours. Ms. Roth stated that while she does not have ge

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

Upon presenting the allegations to Ms. Reed, she acknowledged that there is a child currently enrolled in the toddler room by the name of Child A, and despite not knowing who the allegations were referencing, Ms. Reed believed that the physical description of the child care staff member matched that of Ms. Haight. Ms. Reed acknowledged that there have been some concerns regarding Ms. Haight yelling and raising her voice while speaking to children, which has resulted in Ms. Haight receiving a verbal consultation regarding her interactions with the child care children. Ms. Reed stated that Ms. Haight has been employed with the child care facility for approximately three months, and she noted that other child care staff have also expressed that Ms. Haight communicates with the child care children "a little bit louder than what we'd like." Ms. Reed stated that Ms. Haight was typically placed in the Duckling Room, which has children between the ages of 1 and 2.5 years of age. Ms. Reed stated that she has been experimenting with scheduling Ms. Haight to work in the infant room, to see if this would be a better fit for her, and that she wanted her to have more guidance from the lead caregiver that is in the infant room. Ms. Reed stated that Child A has presented with some behavioral concerns, noting he will often attempt to "antagonize" the other child care children, but noted that "more or less he appears to be like a normal 2-year-old." Ms. Reed denied hearing Ms. Haight yell or raise her voice with the children over the past few days, stating that when she hears or sees something that she's not in agreement with, she always addresses this with her staff. Ms. Woyke informed me that she works with Ms. Haight "frequently," stating that while she is "good with the kids, I feel she needs to have a little bit more patience with them." Ms. Woyke continued to state that she has occasionally witnessed Ms. Haight yelling at the child care children, but denied there was a specific child that Ms. Haight has issues with or targets. Ms. Woyke reported that she addressed these concerns with Ms. Reed on 5/19/2021 and stated that this was the first time she has said anything about the interactions. I asked Ms. Woyke more specifics about the yelling, at which time Ms. Woyke stated that Ms. Haight is "a little rough" with what she says to the children and will often give an order or directive without explaining it, which she noted is difficult to process for some of the children. Ms. Woyke denied being present at the facility when Ms. Haight was yelling at Child A on the outdoor play area, but she acknowledged that "the past couple days and week have been the worst" in terms of the frequency in which Ms. Haight has been yelling at the children. Ms. Roth also reported having witnessed Ms. Haight yell while speaking to the child care children, but stated she did not yell "aggressively." Ms. Roth reported believing that Ms. Haight could be "short" with the children and that she has "limited patience and gets easily frustrated." Ms. Roth stated that she has discussed her concerns with Ms. Reed. Ms. Roth stated that outside of yelling, she has not observed or witnessed any other forms of inappropriate discipline used by Ms. Haight or any other child care staff members present at the facility. Ms. Scobey stated that while she does not work directly with Ms. Haight often, she noted that the times she typically has the most exposure to her are when the classrooms are merged on the outdoor play area. Ms. Scobey stated that she has heard Ms. Haight "raise her voice to get the kids attention," and stated that she has different ideas and philosophies of how to best work with the children. Ms. Scobey stated that she has attempted to "address this at a surface level" with Ms. Haight and has suggested different techniques and strategies that she believed would be more effective. Ms. Scobey stated that she has addressed her concerns regarding Ms. Haight to the prog

R 400.8182 · R 400.8182 Ratio and group size requirements. (3) In each room or well-defined space, the maximum group size and ratio of child care staff members to children, including children related to a staff member or the licensee, must be as shown in Table 4: TABLE 4 Child Care Staff Member to Child Ratios Age Child Care Staff Maximum ........................................... ... ..M.....e..m....b...e..r.. .t.o... .C....h..i..l.d... .R....a..t..i.o. clrcriq, Size ( Infants and toddlers. birth until 30 1 to 4 12 a) 111o1itlu of ate ........................................ .____________________ _______________ { Preschoolers. 30 na?nths of age 1108 16 { Preschoolers. 3 years of age tiatil 4 Ito 10 Not applicable c ears of age ( Preschoolers. 4 years of age until I to 12 Not applicable d) .school, ase ( Saloon-tiger's I to 18 Ni applicable e

Ms. Reed denied that there were ever periods of time where the child care facility was out of ratio, and noted that she believed that if the Referral Source for the allegations observed this from the school area, then she may have not been able to see all the child care staff that are outside at the time. Ms. Reed also provided me with copies of the daily attendance logs for review. It should be noted that upon review, it did not appear as if the center had been out of ratio for any of the days reviewed. Upon discussing the allegations of ratios with the child care staff Ms. Woyke, Ms. Roth, Ms. Scobey, Ms. Jackson, Ms. Davarn, and Ms. Haight, they all denied that the child care facility operates out of ratio. All the child care staff also reported that ratios are maintained during times of outdoor play and when classrooms merge together towards the end of the day. Child A and Child B's Father denied having any concerns regarding ratios, noting that there always appeared to be enough staff members present for the number of children that were in attendance; however, Child A and Child B's Father acknowledged not being aware of what the appropriate ratios were for his children's age groups. Child C's Mother reported being aware of the 1 to 4 ratio that is present in Child C's classroom, and she denied ever witnessing the ratio above this. Child C's Mother also reported that the child care center has maintained their ratios during outdoor play when the infant and toddler rooms are merged and playing together in the enclosed section of the outdoor play area. Child D and Child E's Mother denied being aware of the appropriate ratios but did not believe the child care staff have ever appeared to not be in control of their classrooms, and stated that it always "appeared as if they had enough" child care staff present at the facility. Child F's Mother reported being aware of the appropriate ratios, noting she had previously worked in a child care facility. Child F's Mother denied ever witnessing a period where the child care facility was out of ratio. Child G, Child H, and Child I's Mother acknowledged not being aware of the appropriate ratios but stated that she's never observed the child care staff to look "overwhelmed" or like they were unable to control or manage the children. Child G, Child H, and Child I's Mother noted that she believed there were typically 1 child care staff present for every 3 children for the younger children at the facility. 12