• Violation

  R 400.1913 · 1 R 400.1913 Discipline; child handling. (3) Personnel shall not do any of the following: (a) Hit, spank, shake, bite, pinch, or inflict other forms of corporal punishment.

  On 3/6/2023, I conducted an unannounced inspection to the child care home. I interviewed licensee, Candace Dukes-Bragg. On 1/23/2023, Mrs. Dukes-Bragg stated that she received a text from Child A's Mother. Child A told his mother that Mrs. Dukes-Bragg hit him in the back of the head with a closed fist for crying. Mrs. Dukes-Bragg called her and explained to Child A's Mother that she did not hit him. Child B (3-year-old male), who is also Child A's brother repeated what Child A said to his mother. She asked Child A's Mother if Child A said where the incident happened or what time of day. She explained that Child A had a good day and did not cry at all on the date provided. Child A's Mother asked if they whip kids? Mrs. Dukes-Bragg informed her they never hit kids. Child A's Mother was very 2 concerned and stated she did not know what to do. She said that Child A has never spoken this way before. Mrs. Dukes-Bragg asked Child A's Mother if they could have a meeting to discuss it further. Child A's Mother informed her that she would let her know. Child A's Mother than text Mrs. Dukes-Bragg asking when was a good time to meet? Child A's Mother informed her that Child A woke up and told her again that she hit him. He also added that child care staff member (CCSM) 1 said "you hit him too hard, that is not cool". Child A told his mother that he wanted to go to a new school. Child A's Mother had her phone on speaker, therefore Mrs. Dukes-Bragg Could hear what Child A was saying. She heard Child A say that Mrs. Dukes-Bragg hit him in the back of the head. Mrs. Dukes Braggs said that she continued to check in with Child A's Mother, but they never had a meeting and the children never returned. On 3/6/2023, CCSM 1 stated that she has not witnessed Mrs. Dukes-Bragg hit Child A. She denied saying "you hit him too hard, that is not cool". She said she would never say anything like that. CCSM 1 said they do not hit children. On 3/6/2023 and 3/8/2023, I left voicemail messages for Child A's Mother. She has not returned my phone calls. On 3/8/2023, I interviewed Child B's (2-year-old female) Mother. She has no issue or concerns with the child care home. Her daughter loves it. On 3/8/2023, I interviewed Child C's (3-year-old male) Mother. She has absolutely zero concerns with the child care home. Ms. Dukes goes over and beyond. She makes her feel comfortable and Child C loves attending.

Last month Child A (4-year-old male) told his mother that licensee, Candace Dukes-Bragg hit him for crying.

Disposition: Substantiated