Oakland Montessori Academy

R 400.8201(2)(e) · R 400.8201(2)(e) Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (2) An applicant or licensee shall do all of the following: (e) Complete and maintain the connection, disconnection, or withdrawn status of each individual associated with the license within the department's child care background check system. Bureau

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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. 4

On 10/28/2021, I spoke with Child A's father. He shared that one afternoon Child A randomly shared he was "popped" in the head by a Child Care Staff Member (CCSM), Vikia Morton, during bathroom time. Child A's father stated that contact was made with the program director, Janel Montague. He and Child A's mother were able to come into the facility and view video footage of a time when CCSM Ms. 2 Morton brought Child A inside during recess to use the restroom. Although the video wasn't clear, he felt like it didn't show anything that made him or Child A's mother uncomfortable. He shared Child A enjoys the facility and there have been no concerns ever expressed prior to this incident. He believes the facility handled it appropriately and shared no concerns. On 10/28/2021, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection. I spoke with program director, Janel Montague. She shared the contact was made with her by Child A's parents. She was informed on Monday that over the weekend Child A shared with his parents he was hit by CCSM, Ms. Morton while going to the bathroom. He shared that he urinated on himself. When this was brought to Ms. Morton's attention, she thought of one time when she handled Child A directly during bathroom time. There was an incident when Child A wet himself during recess and she brought him inside to use the restroom and get clean clothes. She shared she assisted him with clean clothes but at no time did she hit Child A nor was he in any distress. Based on the information shared, video footage was able to be obtained of the hallway area outside of the bathroom. Ms. Montage shared the footage isn't very clear, however, there's no indication that Child A was hit in the head, nor did he appear to be in distress. I asked how long Ms. Morton has been employed with the facility. She shared 3 years. She denied any disciplinary actions being taken against Ms. Morton to her knowledge during that time. She also denied any staff member or parental complaints regarding Ms. Morton's temperament. I interviewed CCSM, Ta'Misha Cage. Ms. Cage shared she's the lead caregiver in Child A's classroom. She has worked with Ms. Morton on multiple occasions. I asked about any knowledge of temperamental concerns for Ms. Morton. She denied any concerns. asked if other staff members, children or parents have expressed concerns regarding Ms. Morton. She denied any concerns ever being brought to her attention. I interviewed CCSM, Tana May. Ms. May shared she's worked with Ms. Morton and has been employed at the facility for 4 years. During her time working with Ms. Morton, she's never had any concerns regarding her temperament or the care she provides for children. She denied any children or parental concerns ever being brought to her attention. I interviewed CCSM, Vikia Morton. Ms. Morton shared she works as a floater and has been employed at the facility for 3 years. This year she's worked a lot in the Maple room which is where Child A is enrolled. She shared this incident was brought to her attention by Ms. Montague. She was told Child A shared he was hit in the head by her when she took him to the restroom. Ms. Morton shared she was shocked because she never hit Child A, nor would she hit any child. She shared she was able to view her schedule and able to determine the date by what Child A shared. She recalled Child A urinating on himself during recess. She brought him inside and let him use the restroom while she went to grab clean clothes. The other thing she recalls is struggling to get Child A's head inside a shirt. This is the only thing she could think of that would make Child A say she hit him in the head. Child A appeared to be happy and wasn't crying nor did he appear to be in any discomfort. He even went back outside and finished playing. She shared 3 Child A never told her that she hit him in his head. Ms. Morton denied ever having any complaints regarding her being physical with children or her temperament made against her. On

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