• Violation

  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 02/02/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Little Hands Montessori, located in Living Hope Church. There were 13 children present with three child care staff. I observed children engaged in various developmentally appropriate learning activities, such as blocks, reading, counting, and eating snack. I obtained child information cards, and the center body safety policies/rules, which are also posted in the classroom. I interviewed licensee designee/program director, Rebecca Sanchez, and Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 1, and Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 2. Ms. Sanchez reported that it was Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 3 that gave Child A the massage on 01/24/2023, and that the massage was observed by CCSM 1 and CCSM 2. Ms. Sanchez was not present during the time that the massage occurred. She had left the center for a meeting, leaving the children in the care of CCSM 1, CCSM 2, and CCSM 3, CCSM 3 being the lead child care staff in charge in Ms. Sanchez's absence. Ms. Sanchez indicated that on the day the massage occurred, she gave Child A a lesson on the rug. She was in front of CCSM 3 on the rug with Child A, so her back was to her during the lesson. A lesson is a learning activity done with Montessori children, usually on the rug or floor. Ms. Sanchez picked up the lesson early as Child A was not wanting to work on the lesson, and she had to leave for a meeting. She apologized to Child A and headed to her meeting. It was then that CCSM 3 allegedly called Child A over and gave him a massage. Ms. Sanchez was told by staff that CCSM 3 was drawing circles on Child A's back, squeezing and rubbing his arms, squeezing his hands, and that the massage lasted approximately 19 minutes. CCSM 1 and CCSM 2 reported to Ms. Sanchez that they did not feel comfortable with the massage but did not feel they had the authority to speak up to CCSM 3 as CCSM 3 was the lead child care staff member and in charge while Ms. Sanchez was gone. Ms. Sanchez spoke with CCSM 3 about her concerns with the massage on 01/31/2023. CCSM 3 told her she was using occupational therapy techniques and trainings to try and calm Child A down after Ms. Sanchez had left as Child A was emotional, running around chasing other children, and not listening to child care staff. The center does have a body safety policy that is discussed with child care staff, child care children, and is posted in the classroom. CCSM 3 had violated this policy as the policy is that you need to ask before you touch someone (hug, handshake, etc.) and then count to three and the touch is over. CCSM 3 indicated this policy was never reviewed with her. Ms. Sanchez admitted that the policy was never reviewed with CCSM 3 but that it was posted. CCSM 3 did not return to the center after this discussion as she felt hurt and shocked by the situation, and that the trust was broken. CCSM 3 is no longer employed with the center. Ms. Sanchez talked with Child A about CCSM 3 earlier today as he had asked why CCSM 3 was not there anymore. Ms. Sanchez told him that CCSM 3 had another job and was busy with that work. She asked Child A if anyone ever made him feel uncomfortable and he said yes and named CCSM 3. He did not have a reason why. Ms. Sanchez asked Child A about the massage and Child A indicated CCSM 3 touched his back and arms. 4 CCSM 1 was present in the classroom on the day of the massage, which she believed occurred on Tuesday, 01/24/2023. She reported she returned from break around 10:55AM. Ms. Sanchez was working with Child A on the rug and was putting things away, but Child A was not wanting to put the lesson away. CCSM 1 came over to assist as Ms. Sanchez was leaving for a meeting at 11:00AM. CCSM 1 started preparing for "gathering," which is small group time, usually starting at 11:05AM. CCSM 1 recalled giving the children an extra few minutes that day as they were finishing up what they were doing. She glanced over and CCSM 3 was sitting on a stool-legs closed, Child A was s

A child care staff member massaged Child A on his back, arms, hands, and legs. Child A was later that morning overheard saying his "pee pee" was growing. 3

Disposition: Substantiated