Stottlemyer Early Childhood

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. I

On December 22, 2022, 1 initiated the investigation via telephone with Kelly Anderson, Program Director. Ms. Anderson confirmed that the information written in the incident report was accurate. She also has video footage that she will send. On February 10, 2023, an incident report is received from Amy Vallerand, substitute program director. The report stated that Child B was left in the restroom by a child care staff member. On February 15, 2023, during an unannounced on-site inspection, I interviewed Amy Vallerand, substitute program director, and child care staff members (CCSM) 1-5. Ms. Vallerand is the school's social worker but is acting as the program director during Kelly Anderson's maternity leave. During the investigation, I reviewed attendance records for the dates in question. The classrooms met the ratio requirements on those days. Ms. Vallerand was present in the office on December 20, 2022, when Child A in came into the office without an adult. An announcement was made over the speaker that a child was in the office. He was then returned to his teacher. The incident was approximately 2 minutes long. On February 15, 2023, CCSM1 reported that on December 20, 2022, she was present in the gym with a substitute caregiver, CCSM2. CCSM1 informed CCSM2 that she was going to the restroom. While in the restroom, she heard the announcement that a child was in office, and everyone should do a head count. She went back into the gym, did a head count, saw that Child A was missing. She went to the office and retrieved Child A. On February 15, 2023, CCSM2 stated that the class was in the gym. CCSM1 left to use the restroom. When CCSM 1 returned, she did a headcount and noticed that Child A was gone. CCSM2 reported that she did not realize Child A was not in the gym until CCSM1 returned and did the head count. On February 15, 2023, CCSM3 stated that on February 9, 2023, the class was preparing for nap time. CCSM 4 was taking children to the restroom before they went to sleep. CCSM3 stated that she is "not 100% sure" when CCSM4 took Child 3 B out of the class. However, CCSM 5 came into the classroom with Child B and stated that he was left in the bathroom. On February 15, 2023, CCSM 4 denied that she took Child B to the restroom with her group. She stated that when she left for her lunch break, Child B was sitting at the table still eating his snack. When she returned from her break, she learned that Child B was left in restroom. She does not know which CCSM took Child B to the restroom during that time. On February 15, 2023, CCSM 5 stated that she was in the restroom with her class when she saw Child B. She recognized him and knew he belonged in CCSM3's classroom. She said that she asked Child B, "Where is your teacher?" Child B responded, "I don't know." She then returned Child B to his classroom. On May 5, 2023, Child A's Mother stated that she feels the incident was handled appropriately. Child A has not gotten out of a classroom since this incident occurred. He is still enrolled in care. On May 5, 2023, Child B's Mother reported that she was notified of Child B being left in the bathroom. She said that she has no concerns that this will happen again. Child B is still enrolled in care. On May 5, 2023, I interviewed Child C's Mother and Child D's Mothers via telephone. In separate interviews, both stated that they are pleased with the care that is being provided. The each reported no concerns with supervision.

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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. ! ! ! ! !' . . , ' cif f ' -~ ! • ~I • e ►' [51. r 1 4IJ '~ i •FIiTEiii lj(f , IV . 1• is ! - :• - - • • • • -• A Upon receipt of an acceptable corrective action plan, I recommend no change in the license status. 11/15/2022 Selika Johnson Date Licensing Consultant Approv)e d By: l f Y 11/15/2022 LaTanya Ellington Date Area Manager 7

On 09/06/2022, Kelly Anderson-Parr, program director contacted licensing consultant, Ms. Hailey and she left her a message regarding the allegation that Child A was hit by Ms. Lee. A written incident was forwarded to Ms. Hailey stating that the incident took place on 09/06/2022 in the classroom. According to the 2 •-• 'r • rI • •- • • 1 s a 1 1• 1 •, -• i l's: 1 completed •- • • d •• f l f • • •• f f fI • •--' -•- •• J A • 1 • A •r i • • - •ilJ!JLlIYP1IY 11IiiSE11 .11• •. IL ir • r s- •-i i ` • I• C. - r. • s - t which caused a scrape on Ms. Baker's hand. Ms. Baker stated Child A was crying throughout the day. During naptime, most of the children were laying down trying to go to sleep. Child A was up and crying. Another student asked Ms. Baker for their water. She went over to assist the child to get their water bottle from their cubby. Ms. Baker's back was turned to Ms. Lee and Child A. Ms. Baker turned back around, and Ms. Lee asked her, "did you see that?" Ms. Baker responded, "What?" and Ms. Lee said "Nothing." At the end of the day, Ms. Baker, Ms. Keezer, Ms. Rochow and Ms. Lee were in room 108. They were all talking about how the first day of school went. Ms. Lee was frustrated with Child A's behavior throughout the day. Ms. Lee then stated, "I hit Child A because Child A was hitting me." She then said, "If a child was going to keep hitting me then I am going to hit the child back." Ms. Baker was shocked by what Ms. Lee said. She realized earlier in the day when Ms. Lee asked her, did she see that, she was talking about her hitting Child A. Later that evening Ms. Lee called Ms. Baker and asked her if she told administration about their conversation. Ms. Lee explained to Ms. Baker that it was a taped on the hand. According to Ms. Laginess, she was in and out of the preschool GSRP room on 09/06/2022. She was assisting with supervision and taking the children to the bathroom. Ms. Laginess stated that she was not in the classroom during nap time on 09/06/2022 as she was on break. She reported that she did not see Ms. Lee hit Child A and the CCSMs were appropriate. Ms. Laginess described Child A's behaviors as difficult at times. Child A would get frustrated when she was redirected by the CCSMs. She hit the staff and smile. She would climb on the tables and cubbies, then she would laugh when she was assisted by the CCSM. According to Ms. Bradley, on 09/06/2022, she went into the Child A's classroom during her lunch break. She observed that Child A was nonverbal. She also observed Child A moving and hitting, a mistaken behavior. Ms. Lee tried to block the hits from Child A and when that did not work, she grabbed Child A's hand. She did not grab her aggressively; it was gentle more like please stop. At approximately 3:30 p.m. that day, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Lee, Ms. Rochow and Ms. Baker was in room 108 talking about the day they had in preschool GSRP. Ms. Bradley asked about Child A since she knew her. She knew they had a rough day. Ms. Lee spoke about the behaviors that Child A exhibited. After that, she said, "I hit her, I really hit her. If she can hit me, I can hit her back. The three other teachers were shocked. Ms. Lee then stated that she had a rough day and Ms. Bradley stated to her that does not excuse her behavior. Ms. Bradley stated that she did not see Ms. Lee hit Child A but Ms. Lee stated several times, "I hit her back." The concern was reported to Ms. Coatsworth and Ms. Anderson-Parr. Ms. Lee called her that evening and she asked if they mention anything to the office. Ms. Bradley denied knowing anything about it. Ms. Lee stated that their concern was about an incident in the classroom not in the gym. Ms. Bradley was unaware of any incident in the gym. Ms. Lee then stated that she was going to tell them that she tapped Child A on her hand and that she restricted Child A's movement when she met with them. 4 ' • • • ':• I'• i - •• is .• :_ • -• I A 1 1 IJJI S_ .t ' i ' it • • ' •' ••- • • • ' i - -• •' •• - - - ••- • i•

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (h) Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar enclosure.

On 05/03/2022, I conducted an unannounced inspection at the child care center. I interviewed the principal, Mrs. Kelly Anderson, and shared the complaint information. The complainant is unknown; however, Ms. Anderson was able to identify the room as room 107. During the inspection, Ms. Anderson and I walked to room number 107, which is referred to as "the calm down room". There are five child care staff members (CCSM) and specialists that have been trained in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI). Many of the same CCSMs have special training and certifications in the areas of de-escalation and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). She denied any child is ever left alone in the room. The door can only be locked using a key, from the outside. An adult always stays physically in the room when a child is in there. I noted that of the four walls one wall has a 6-foot-wide window to the ceiling, on top of a 3-foot high wall from the ground. While standing in the room Mrs. Anderson said usually a CCSM will sit with their back to the wall near the door. Someone walking by may not know they are there, especially with the dim light in the room. The light is dim to reduce stimulation. Next to room 107 is room 105 where the social worker and psychologist's office space is located. Those same trained staff members would likely intervene if things were getting out of hand in the 2 next room. The center does not use the calm-down room unless children present with targeted behaviors including hitting, biting, throwing things, or self-harm. The room is considered a safe space for the child and used to prevent harm to themselves, other children, or CCSMs. Mrs. Anderson named three possible children who recently used the space. She said notes are placed in the children's files when the room is used. While at the center she reviewed the children's files to determine which child was in the room on the date in question. On 04/21/2022, it was identified that Child A would have been the one in the classroom space. Amy Coatsworth was the CCSM in the room with Child A. Before leaving the center, I retained the contact information for the other two children that have used the room as well as the contact information for Amy Coatsworth, as she was not in the building at that time. On 06/09/2022, I interviewed Child A's (4-year-old male) Mother over the phone. She is aware of her son's needs and has had no concerns about how the school handles him when he's having a "bad day". He is also being serviced outside of the school. Child A has never said he was in a locked room. On 06/09/2022, I interview Child B's (4-year-old male) Mother over the phone. She denied any concerns about the behavior modification techniques used by the center. She stated she has only heard about a room but had not physically seen the space. She could not recall the last time she was notified that her child had to be taken to the room. She has never been told by Child B that he was in a locked room. On 06/09/2022, I left a voicemail message for Child C's (4-year-old male) Mother requesting a phone call. I have not received a return call to date. On 07/01/2022, I interviewed childcare staff member Mrs. Coatsworth. She did not recall the specific day and time when Child A needed the calm-down room in April. However, she said he goes to the room often during the week. She denied ever leaving him unsupervised, as that is not the process. While in the room Child A screams, yells, and cries which can be unsettling. She usually sits on the floor for however long it takes to talk with him until he calms down. They are usually able to leave after no more than 15 minutes. She added that Child A spends a lot of time outside of the classroom and on a "bad day" can have to use the calm down room three times. The school continues to work with him to meet his needs. Mrs. Coatsworth has a signed child abuse neglect statement on file and believes she has been properly trained to meet the needs of the ch

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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 05/03/2022, I conducted an unannounced inspection at the center. I interviewed the principal, Kelly Anderson. She said on 04/27/2022 Child A was found in the hallway sitting on a crate. The seat was identified for him when he needs a space with less stimuli. When he needs to sit in the hallway he is always supervised. His "sitters" are usually family services worker, Olivia Simmons or mental health specialist, Misty Fogg. Ms. Anderson said she and CCSMs Olivia Simmons, Misty Fogg, Tanesha Rosser and Ashley Weir work together to develop a written timeline of the incident. She provided the written statement to me. CCSMs, Tanesha Rosser and Ashley Weir were the CCSMs in his room. The written says, Ms. Rosser, used the name-to-face check system before leaving the classroom with Child A by the hand at 9:10 a.m. She did the same check at 9:11 a.m. when they reached the gymnasium. At 9:14 a.m. Child A gave his twin sister a hug as her class was lining up to leave the gym. Ms. Rosser noticed that the door was already propped open thinking about Child A being a flight risk. At 9:14 a.m. she begins a head count but is interrupted by a child need of assistance. At 9:15 a.m. CCSM, Sarah Roffi was traveling with Olivia Simmons when they found Child A sitting on his 2 box in the hallway alone. From 9:15 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. Child A was away from his class. The CCSMs have discussed with Mrs. Anderson what can and will be done differently from this point. No CCSM has a history of inappropriate supervision. The center will heighten supervision of Child A to meet the need and required that the door remain closed until a class is at the door, all children are accounted for, and leave the area. Once they have left the gymnasium the door is to be closed. While at the center I measured the travel distance from the door of the gym to the classroom and retained pictures. Child A traveled 70 ft to a white storage chest outside of his classroom. While at the center I met with Olivia Simmons, Misty Fogg, Tanesha Rosser and Ashley Weir. None of the child care staff members (CCSM) interviewed had anything additional to add to their written timelines and accounts of events. On 05/19/2022, I interviewed Child A's Mother over the phone. She said she was notified of the incident. She has no concerns about supervision as a new plan was explained to her. She is working with the center to meet the needs of her son. On 06/29/2022, I interviewed Child B's Mother and Child C's Mother over the phone. Neither parent had any concerns regarding supervision of the level of care their children were receiving. Child C's Mother spoke highly of both of the CCSM. On 06/29/2022 and 07/05/2022, I attempted an exit interview but was only able to leave a voicemail message requesting a return call. 3

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. ............................ ............... (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used. 5 ..... ............................................

On 02/02/2022, I conducted a telephone interview with Child A's Mother. Child A's Mother said she received a call from program director and licensee designee, Kelly Anderson on 01/27/2022. Ms. Anderson told her that a staff member witnessed CCSM, Carla Lapinski respond to something that Child A was doing by forcefully placing her on a chair and yelling at her. Ms. Anderson had a meeting with her, Child A's Father, and Child A on 01/31/2022. During the meeting Ms. Anderson took Child A to the classroom to reenact the incident. During the reenactment, Ms. Anderson asked Child A questions to suggest what may have happened. Child A's Mother said she learned that Child A was leaning over on a table with her feet hanging off the ground. At this point Ms. Lapinski came over and grabbed Child A by both arms, forcefully placed her in the chair and yelled in her face. Child A's Mother said that Ms. Anderson asked Child A all the questions and requested that she and the father not interject or coax any answers out of Child A. The meeting ended with Ms. Anderson informing them that the district would be using the information obtained from the meeting to decide Ms. Lapinski' s future with the center/district. Prior to this incident Child A's Mother has not had any issues or concerns with the center. The incident occurred on Child A's fourth day at the center. Child A's Mother felt the center handled the incident very professionally and quickly. She was informed that Ms. Lapinski is no longer with the district. Child A returned to the center 02/01/2022 and will continue to go to the center. Child A's Mother was very concerned but does appreciate everyone working to resolve the matter, taking it seriously, and ensuring that Child A is safe while at the center. On 02/07/2022, I conducted an unannounced inspection at the center. I interviewed Kelly Anderson. Ms. Anderson stated that Misty Fogg was acting as a substitute in the room on 01/27/2022 for teacher Tanesah Rosser. Ms. Fogg came to Ms. Anderson within 10 to 15 minutes of the first half of the day ending and informed her that Child A was leaning over a table reaching for food when Carla Lapinski grabbed her by both arms, forcefully sat her in a chair and screamed in her face to make her get off the table. Ms. Anderson immediately placed Ms. Lapinski on administrative leave and sent her home for day; she was not allowed to work the afternoon classes. Ms. Anderson called Child A's Mother immediately after the incident to explain what happened and asked her to come in on Monday, 01/31/2022, for a meeting because staff does not work on Fridays. Ms. Anderson notified the school district and the district requested that Ms. Anderson complete an investigation of the incident. Ms. Anderson said she interviewed Ms. Lapinski about the incident. Ms. Lapinski stated she was setting up the tables for lunch, having the kids wash their hand. Ms. Lapinski went to set her basket on the table and Child A was on top of the table with her finger in the food. Ms. Lapinski grabbed her around the waist, slid her back off the table and onto the chair and said "No, you cannot be on the table or touch food!" She then continued setting up for lunch. Child A started crying. Then, Ms. Fogg called her over and let her sit on her lap through lunch. Ms. Anderson said her interview with Child A consisted of taking her to the classroom and asking her to show/tell her what Ms. Lapinski did. Child A showed 3 her that she was in front of her chair at Ms. Lapinski's table. She told her she was not standing on the table. She pointed to her arms as the place where Ms. Lapinski grabbed her and said it hurt when she did it. Ms. Anderson asked her if it was quiet or loud, and she said loud. She asked her were the kids loud or Ms. Lapinski, she said Ms. Lapinski. She asked her if another adult helped her and she said yes, but Child A did not know the staff member's name. She asked her if her name was Ms. Misty, and she said yes. T

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