• Violation

  R 400.8188 · R 400.8188 Sleeping, resting, and supervision. (11) Infants and toddlers who fall asleep in a space that is not approved for sleeping shall be moved to approved sleep equipment appropriate for their age and size.

  On June 8, 2022, I reviewed the complaint allegations. Complainant reported coming to the child care center at three separate times on June 8, 2022 and observing the same two infants sleeping in bouncy seats. Complainant reported expressing concern and telling child care staff members that infants were not allowed to sleep in the bouncy seats. Child care staff members became defensive and told Complainant this was allowed, as they were told to do whatever it takes to keep the children quiet. Complainant reportedly immediately disenrolled Child A. On June 8, 2022, I sent an email to Complainant, as no telephone number or name was listed on the complaint intake. The email was returned undelivered, as the email address could not be found. On June 13, 2022, I completed an unannounced on-site inspection at the child care center. I individually interviewed program director Jodie Pinneo and child care staff members, Sarada Marsh, Gloria Keller, Kasey Loar, and Michelle Ford. Ms. Pinneo denied that infants sleep in bouncy seats. She also denied that child care staff were told to do whatever it takes to keep a child quiet. She stated, "it is not even close to anything that a child care staff would be told". She also stated that she goes into the infant classroom throughout the day and infants are observed sleeping in cribs. Child care staff members are trained on safe sleep practices, as well as verbally reminded on an ongoing basis. There are cameras in the classrooms which can be observed in the office by Ms. Pinneo. Ms. Pinneo stated that no parents came into the center at three separate times on June 8, 2022 or expressed concerns about safe sleep practices. No children have been disenrolled from the children care center. Ms. Pinneo stated that the child care center located across the street has been causing problems for ABC Grow & Learn Children's Center. Child care staff members Sarada Marsh and Gloria Keller denied that infants sleep in bouncy seats and child care staff members are told to do whatever it takes to keep a child quiet. They also stated that no parents came into the child care center at three separate times on June 8, 2022 or expressed concerns about safe sleep practices. Child care staff member Michelle Ford denied that infants sleep in bouncy seats and child care staff members are told to do whatever it takes to keep a child quiet. Ms. Ford stated that if a child falls asleep in a bouncy seat they are immediately moved to a crib. Ms. Ford also stated that no parents came into the child care center at three separate times on June 8, 2022 or expressed concerns to her about safe sleep practices. Child care staff member Kasey Loar denied that infants sleep in bouncy seats and child care staff members are told to do whatever it takes to keep a child quiet. Ms. 3 Loar stated that she also works as a closing administrator and helps in the office. She opens the door for parents when they enter the child care center and assist them with signing in and out. She stated that no parents came into the child care center at three separate times on June 8, 2022 or expressed concerns about safe sleep practices. During my on-site inspection I observed six infants. Four infants were interacting with two child care staff members on the floor mat. Two infants were observed asleep on their backs in cribs. No infants were observed asleep in bouncy seats. On June 16, 2022, I spoke to Child B's Mother, Child C's Mother and Child D's Mother. Child B's Mother stated she has never observed infants sleeping in bouncy seats. She has arrived at the child care center at different times unannounced to pick up Child B, and always observed infants to be asleep in cribs on their backs. Child C's Mother and Child D's Mother both stated they never observed infants sleeping in bouncy seats.

Infants are allowed to sleep in bouncy chairs.

Disposition: Substantiated