New Haven Head Start

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 10/26/2022, I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection at New Haven Head Start. I met with the program director and lead caregiver, Lisa Kralowski. Ms. Kralowski confirmed that Child A is having difficulty in the Head Start classroom and also having difficulty in the before and after school care program offered through another license onsite. Child A has hit Ms. Kralowski in the eye, pulls the child care staff member's hair, scratches, and attempts to bite child care staff. Child A also climbs the tables, destroys other children's artwork, dumps everything on the shelves, knocks over table and chairs. Ms. Kralowski denied that Child A had hit or hurt other children in care. On 10/20/2022, Child A had an outburst that lasted over three hours and the other children had to be removed from the classroom. Ms. Kralowski stated she has not been unable to identify what triggers Child A's outbursts and aggressive behaviors. Child A has been referred for additional services, but she is on a wait list. On 10/25/2022, Child A was disenrolled from the before and after school program after repeatedly having similar violent outbursts. Subsequently, Child A was not in care on 10/25/2022 or during the onsite inspection on 10/26/2022. Ms. Kralowski indicated that she is not allowed to send children home even when they are aggressive without contacting upper management. I then interviewed child care staff member, Virginia Rampy. Ms. Rampy confirmed that Child A has had violent outbursts including hitting Ms. Kralowski, throwing objects, destroying artwork, and attempting to pinch and kick Ms. Rampy. The week of 10/16/2022 was particularly challenging and Child A Mother's was called twice to pick up Child A. Child A's Mother was asked to observe the condition of the classroom after Child A's violent episode. For discipline, both Ms. Kralowski and Ms. Rampy indicated they attempt to distract Child A, offer different choices, redirect her, and calm her, but nothing works. They try to distract Child A while keeping the other children safe, calm, and engaged in other activities when Child A is out of control. On 10/27/2022, I sent an email to Maralyn McNally and Wanda Spalteholz, licensee designees, and advised them that a complaint had been received regarding Child A's aggressive behaviors and concerns regarding appropriate care and supervision of Child A and the other children in the classroom. Both Ms. McNally and Ms. Spalteholz responded that they would be looking into the matter further. 3 On 10/31/2022, I conducted a telephone interview with Ms. Spalteholz. Ms. Spalteholz indicated she was aware that Child A was exhibiting very challenging and aggressive behaviors in the classroom. Ms. Kralowski and Ms. Rampy were doing everything they could to address the behaviors with no success. Child A's aggressive behaviors would last anywhere from an hour up to three hours. A referral was made for assistance from the behavior specialist, but Ms. Spalteholz was informed that the behavior specialist's caseload was full, and no one was available. Ms. Spalteholz also requested that an additional child care staff member be placed in the room. Ms. Spalteholz was asked by administration to submit the paperwork documenting Child A's behaviors. On 11/17/2022, I conducted a follow up inspection at the center. Child A was present during the onsite inspection. I observed Child A while the class was outside on the playground and again when the children went back to the classroom. Child A was following directions and was engaged in activities. She did not have difficulties or challenging behaviors during the onsite inspection. I asked Ms. Kralowski how Child A had been doing in the classroom. She indicated that "this week" Child A had been doing better. A specialist from Community Mental Health had been to center and is working with Child A and Child A's Mother. Last week, the week of 11/07/2022, the mental health specialist contacted Child A's Mother and sent Ch

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