• 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 . ..c ...o . rporal punishm ...e .. nt.

  On 10/13/2022, I interviewed Child A's Mother. On 10/10/2022, Child A told his father that child care staff member (CCSM), Eraina Clark hit him. Child A's Father brushed it off, thinking his teacher did not hit him. On 10/11/2022, Child A told his mother, older sister, and grandmother a second time about Ms. Clark hitting him. He pointed to the right side of his head and pointed to his mouth. On 10/12/2022, Child A cried with his grandmother and did not want to go to school. Child A's Grandmother took him to school, and he stopped crying by the time he arrived. Child A's Mother contacted the school and spoke with program director, Vanessa Robinson. Ms. Robinson informed her that the allegation would be investigated, and the camera footage would be reviewed. On 10/13/2022, I conducted an unannounced inspection at the center. I interviewed Ms. Robinson. Ms. Robinson spoke with Ms. Clark regarding the allegation. Ms. Clark informed her that Child A talked to her about his braids, and she touched his head. She does not recall any other interaction touching Child A. Ms. Clark works in the classroom with CCSM, Terese Laskey. She was in the classroom working on the day in question. Child A is part of Ms. Clark's group. Ms. Robinson has not had any concerns regarding Ms. Clark. She is a new employee at the center. Ms. Clark is currently on leave while the allegation is being investigated. On 10/13/2022, I reviewed video footage of Child A's classroom dated 10/10/2022. Child A arrived at 8:45 a.m. and left at 3:44 p.m. While reviewing the video footage, I never observed any interaction where Child A was hurt. Child A was never injured or hurt by Ms. Clark based on the video I observed. There was a moment when Child A cried when he thought Ms. Clark was leaving. He ran to the door, and she consoled him and walked him back to the table. On 10/17/2022, I interviewed Child B's (4-year-old, female) Mother. She stated other then the classroom being closed for two days she has no concerns. On 10/18/2022, I interviewed Ms. Clark. She informed me on the day in question that Child A was showing her his hair. He told her that his mom did his hair. She glanced and looked at it but it looked the same as always, but he wanted her to see it. He told her he wanted his mommy. She reassured him that mommy would be back. Ms. Clark stated that it took Child A a moment to get used to the daily routine. He is a very nice child. Ms. Clark stated that she never hit Child A. She stated even if she accidentally bumps into a child she apologizes and asks if they are okay. She never put her hands on Child A or any child. On 10/19/2022, I interviewed Ms. Laskey. She has not observed anything inappropriate happen between Child A and Ms. Clark. She stated Child A is more on the "baby side" in the classroom. He could be confusing Ms. Clark with one of the children who hits other children in the classroom. She referred Ms. Clark to the center because they worked together in the past. She is appalled by the allegation because there is nothing in her background that could have led to the investigation. 3 Ms. Laskey said if she would have seen something she would have said something to Ms. Robinson. On 10/27/2022, I interviewed Child C's (3-year-old male) Mother. She does not have any concerns. The staff is wonderful.

Child A (3-year-old, male) disclosed to his parents that child care staff member, Eraina Clark, hit him on the back of the head. V

Disposition: Substantiated

It was alleged Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) Viola Tenzy withheld food from Child A (3-year-old male) as a form of punishment.

Disposition: Substantiated