• Violation

  R 400.1913 · R 400.1913 Discipline; child handling. (3) Personnel shall not do any of the following: (b) Use any substance in a child's mouth such as, but not limited to, soap, hot sauce, or vinegar.

  On February 1, 2021, I initiated my investigation by interviewing Child A's pediatrician, Witness 1. Witness 1 stated that Child A was brought into her office for a visit and it was expressed that Child A was given vinegar in her mouth with a syringe because she was being "sassy". Child A reported that it was child care staff member, Krista Kurzynski, "Ms. Krista" and it was in the kitchen. Child A stated to Witness 1 that there was no one who witnessed when Ms. Kurzynski gave her the vinegar. Child A was given vinegar only once by Ms. Kurzynski. After Child A's Mother found out what occurred, she contacted licensee Ms. Boni, and Ms. Boni reportedly stated that they utilize vinegar on a regular basis whenever they have difficult behaviors with the children. Witness 1 stated that she is concerned that a licensed child care home is practicing this inappropriate discipline method with the children in their care. On February 1, 2021, I interviewed Child A's Mother. Child A's Mother stated that on January 15, 2021, she picked up Child A from child care and child care staff member Amanda Lattie had given her an update for the day. Ms. Lattie stated to Child A's Mother that Child A had a rough day and was not talking nice to her friends saying to them repeatedly "you are not my friend," "garbage face," etc. Ms. Lattie explained that they talked to Child A about how her words were making her friends feel and that was all that was reported at the time. Child A's Mother stated that there was no further discussion and they continued with their end of the day pick up routine. On January 20, 2021, when she came to pick up Child A, Ms. Kurzynski was at the door and wanted to inform her about how Child A's behavior was from last week. Ms. Kurzynski stated to Child A's Mother that she gave Child A some vinegar in her mouth to help redirect Child A's behavior. Child A's Mother stated that when Ms. Kurzynski was talking to her that evening and explaining what had occurred, it did not appear like Ms. Kurzynski felt she did anything wrong. Child A's 3 Mother stated that she carried on with the conversation and then went home to discuss it with her husband. Child A's Mother stated that Child A did confirm that Ms. Kurzynski placed a little vinegar in her mouth because she got in trouble for not talking nice to her friends. Child A reported that Ms. Kurzynski gave her vinegar in her mouth only once. After about a day, Child A's Mother expressed that she reached out to Ms. Boni to inquire about the incident that Ms. Kurzynski had reported to her. When she spoke with Ms. Boni, Ms. Boni expressed shock and did not know that this form of discipline was utilized on Child A by Ms. Kurzynski. Child A's Mother stated that when she inquired further, Ms. Boni did express that she did not know and no one had reported to her about the incident. Ms. Boni further stated to Child A's Mother that she and her staff do use vinegar for any of the children that have behaviors. Ms. Boni stated to Child A's Mother that they keep ready-made medical syringes with vinegar in them and store it in the kitchen cabinet by the paper towels. Child A's Mother stated that Ms. Boni said that parents have approved this form of discipline and they utilize it whenever there are behavioral concerns such as children who are biters. Child A's Mother stated that she struggled because her child has been enrolled at Lisa Boni's child care for a couple years and has never had any problems. Child A's Mother further expressed that she loves all the teachers and was surprised that this form of discipline was utilized by Ms. Kurzynski who is such a loving and caring teacher. Child A's Mother decided to disenroll Child A from care because of the situation. It was a very difficult decision because her children love attending and adore all the teachers. Child A's Mother stated that she also talked to Ms. Kurzynski after talking to Ms. Boni, and Ms. Kurzynski was very apologetic and expressed that s

On January 15, 2021, Child A (4 year old female) was given vinegar in the mouth by a child care staff member because she was talking sassy.

Disposition: Substantiated