Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool Center

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.

This investigation was completed jointly with department of health and human services (DHHS) worker, Beth Belill. On 04/17/2023 I initiated the investigation by making a phone call to Beth Belill. Arrangements were made to meet at Building Blocks. Ms. Belill had spoken with Child A's mother who said that two weeks ago, Ms. Frankie Perez pulled Child A's ear. He told her that it hurt, and he was crying. Child A's mother addressed this with Ms. Frankie, and she denied it occurred. She then went to the child care owner, Nicole [Liggins], to tell her what happened. Nicole did not believe her, so she had Child A tell Nicole what he told her. Child A's mother said she asked to see the cameras and Nicole would not let her. She said Nicole just told her there would be further investigation. Child A's mother had not heard back about the investigation but since she reported what happened, she has been getting calls almost every day regarding Child A's behavior; he is being bad and not listening. On 04/14/2023 Ms. Belill conducted a successful face to face visit with Child A's mother and Child A at their home. Ms. Belill viewed Child A to be free of any visible marks or bruises. He has a very pale complexion. Child A's mother denied any marks or bruises currently but reported that Child A did have bruising on his ear. When asked about it Child A told his mother that his teacher pulled his ear hard causing the bruise. This happened two weeks ago. Child A's mother asked Child A's caregiver, Miss Frankie about it, and she stated she did not know how he got it. They ended up having a meeting with the owner and the child care staff member (CCSM). The CCSM continued to deny the allegation. She asked the owner a few days later about viewing the cameras and was denied the opportunity but told that an investigation would be completed at the child care center. It has been two weeks and Child A's mother has not heard anything about it. Now she has been getting behavior reports for Child A when he has been there for two years without ever having any issues. They also sent Child A home the other day because he would not lay down for nap. Ms. Belill asked Child A's mother if Child A had a mark or bruise following the incident and she denied he did. She was asked if she had him seen by a doctor or medical professional regarding his ear hurting and she denied she did. Child A's mother said as of now, Child A is still attending the child care center. She said she is going to look at a new center today and he will hopefully be starting a new child care center next week. On 04/19/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection with Ms. Belill. I requested a copy of the center discipline policy, signed child abuse and neglect statements for staff, and for the child information cards for children attending the preschool class. I asked to speak with the licensee designee who was not present at the time of arrival, but who came over to be interviewed in person. Licensee designee, Nicole Liggins provided the requested information. Ms. Liggins said two 3 weeks ago she investigated what she found to be an unsubstantiated allegation against child care staff member Francisca aka Frankie Perez. What she saw was Child A sleeping. Child A's mother pulled Child A from the center's care on 04/18/2023. Ms. Liggins takes all complaints seriously and has cameras to help her with monitoring staff interactions with children. The video did not show anything other than Child A sleeping. Ms. Liggins has addressed Child A sleeping with Child A's mother on two prior occasions. Child A's mother told Ms. Liggins that the rest of the family goes to sleep, she hides the remote control, but Child A finds it and stays up all night watching television. Ms. Liggins said she would like to know why Child A's mother continued to bring him to the facility for three weeks if he was in danger. Ms. Liggins said Child A was still at the facility on Monday and part of the day yesterday. Child A

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 1 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (5) A written statement must be signed and dated by staff and volunteers at the time of hiring or before volunteering indicating all of the following information: (a) The individual is aware that abuse and neglect of children is against the law. (b) The individual has been informed of the center's policies on child abuse and neglect. (c) The individual knows that all staff and volunteers are required by law to immediately report suspected abuse and neglect to children's protective services.

One child care staff member's employee file did not contain a written statement signed and dated by staff and volunteers at the time of hiring or before volunteering indicating that the individual is aware that abuse and neglect of children is against the law; that they have been informed of the center's policies on child abuse and neglect; and that they know that all staff and volunteers are required by law to immediately report suspected abuse and neglect to children's protective services.

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