Hands of Hope

R 400.8140(2)(a) · R 400.8140(2)(a) Discipline. Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

On 2/27/2025, I observed video footage. The video footage showed CCSM 1 place her hand on Child A's cheek and push it towards her.

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

CCSM 5 denied this allegation and there were no witnesses or video footage to support the allegation.

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R 400.8140(2)(a) · R 400.8140(2)(a) Discipline. Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

CCSM 5 denied throwing toys or pinching Child A. No other staff witnessed this incident.

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R 400.8140(2)(a) · R 400.8140(2)(a) Discipline. Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

The center did not use a prohibited means of punishment. There is not consistent information to conclude that CCSM 1 pinched Child A.

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R 400.8125(2) · R 400.8125(2) Staff; volunteer; requirements. All staff and volunteers shall act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

CCSM 1 was found conducive to the welfare of the children.

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R 400.8167(3) · R 400.8167(3) Indoor space. A center shall provide a floor plan of all child use areas to the department at initial licensure and before making structural changes or adding any child use space. Only space that has received prior approval for child use by the department may be used for child care.

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

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (2) All staff and volunteers shall act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children. I

On 02/23/2021 I completed an on-site inspection to the center and interviewed program director Traci Cunningham. When I informed Ms. Cunningham of the complaint allegations, she stated she believed they were made by an employee she let go the previous week. Ms. Cunningham stated that employee was not performing up to expectations and said she was going to file a complaint against the center. Ms. Cunningham stated the center works cooperatively with Great Center of Hope recovery program so there are staff members employed that participate in the recovery program. Ms. Cunningham stated she is aware Staff Member 1 recently had an issue with relapse, however Staff Member 1 was not working when this occurred. Ms. Cunningham spoke with Staff Member 1 and discussed what is required to continue to work at the center. According to Ms. Cunningham, Staff Member 1 is participating in the recovery program and doing weekly screenings. Ms. Cunningham stated she would not allow a staff member to work in the center if the staff member appeared under the influence of a substance or had any type of concerning behavior. I interviewed Staff Member 1. She stated she is participating in the recovery program and she has never used or been under the influence of any substance while working at the center. I interviewed Staff Member 3. She stated she works with Staff Member 1. Staff Member 3 stated she is aware that Staff Member 1 had recently relapsed, however Staff Member 1 was not working at the center at the time. Staff Member 3 stated she has never had any concern about Staff Member 1's behavior when working at the center. I spoke with Child E's Mother, and Child F's Mother who have children in Staff Member 1's classroom. They did not report any concerns about the staff or the care of their children. They stated that all of the staff at the center act appropriately around the children. Child F's Mother stated she is very satisfied with Staff Member 1. I attempted to speak with the complainant to get additional information about the allegations; however, the complainant did not return my voicemail messages. 3

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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. 4 I

Ms. Cunningham stated there was an incident a few weeks ago where she raised her voice at two school age children, Child B (9 years old) and Child C (8 years old). Ms. Cunningham stated Child B and Child C are transported after school to the center. One afternoon while they were being transported, they refused to wear their seat belts, they were saying the word "damn" which is not allowed, and Child B threw a water bottle in the vehicle. Ms. Cunningham stated when they arrived at the center, she was informed what happened with Child B and Child C. She had them come into her office and did raise her voice at them to make sure they knew that the matter was serious, and their behavior was unacceptable. Child B and Child C were also disciplined by not being allowed to go on a field trip. Ms. Cunningham informed Child B's Mother and Child C's Mother about the incident and the discipline. I spoke with Child B's Mother who was aware of the incident. Child B's Mother stated the discipline was warranted and she has no concerns about how Child B is disciplined. Child B's Mother stated Child B gets outstanding care at the center. I spoke with Child C's Mother who stated Ms. Cunningham had told her about what happened, and she had no concerns about how Child C was disciplined.

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