Champions at Schweitzer Elementary

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 11/16/2020, I conducted a telephone interview with Child A's Mother. She stated that Child A has been attending the after-school program with Champions since he was in kindergarten. She admits that Child A has some behavioral problems, due to being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Child A's Mother said the after-school program is aware of Child A's diagnosed and initially agreed to support Child A while he is in the program. However, Child A has been terminated from the program due to behavioral problems. Child A's Mother said she feels that Child A is being singled out and forced out of the program. She met with staff last week, where she was given a document that stated Child A had three more strikes and he would be terminated from the program. The child care staff members constantly call her while she is working to report behavioral issues. She has made complaints to the director, Cassie Nickels, regarding concerns of bullying and the lack of professionalism of staff, however, she feels that her concerns are being ignore. Child A's Mother said the child care staff members at the center are emotionally abusive to Child A. She said her boyfriend heard Ms. Sipos tell Child A to "shut up", while he was picking him up from school. Child A's Mother said there are several instances where Child A has reported violence against him from other students. He has come home with mysterious bruises cuts and torn clothing and she has not received any incident reports nor can staff tell her what happened. Child A's Mother said, "They are torturing him emotionally to the point that he is acting out violently." She said the staff turned the volume off on Child A's computer purposefully and this caused him to act out. Child A's Mother said she has enrolled Child A into therapy, and he is now seeing a behavioral specialist. She is doing all that she can to support the school in addressing Child A's behavioral issues. Child A's Mother said the therapist has been trying to reach Mrs. Nickels to coordinate a plan, however, Mrs. Nickels will not call her back. Child A's Mother believes that part of Child A's behavioral problems is related to the way Ms. Sipos talks to him. On 11/16/2020, I conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility. I interviewed child care staff member, Jamie Sipos. Ms. Sipos denied the allegations against her and the staff. She said the Child A is in her group and she cares for him primarily. She said she has never yelled or emotionally abuse Child A or any other children. She has been working for Champions for 5 years and has never received a complaint. She said she has been working with Child A for the past year. Child A behavior has become increasingly aggressive. Child A will display behaviors that include, standing on tables, yelling and being violent towards other children. Ms. Sipos has follow all the company's policies as it relates to dealing with children who display behavior issues. Ms. Sipos presented over 13 incident reports that 3 ranged from Child A being disruptive during class to aggressive towards other children. Ms. Sipos said Child A's Mother has never informed her that Child A is being bullied, nor does she know of any incidents were Child A received bruises while in her care. Ms. Sipos said Child A's Mother calls and texts her all the time, inquiring about Child A's behavior and often she is only responding to her messaged. She said Mrs. Nickels has spoke with Child A's Mother many times. She said as it relates to the computers, she must fix every child's computer almost daily because the volume automatic decreases when the headphones are unplugged. Ms. Sipos said she was not present when Child A's Mother boyfriend pick up Child A, therefore he could not have possibly heard her tell Child A to shut up. She said she does not talk to children in the way. Ms. Sipos said the Ms. Nickels was present at this center on that day, as it was Child A's last day. On 11/16/2020, I conducted a telephone

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