Inspection · 2022-09-15

Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

1. In the Rainbow classroom, a bleach spray bottle and a container of Lysol were located in a cabinet that was not locked.

2. In the Little Leaguers classroom, a bleach spray bottle was located on a counter next to a sink.

Based on staff interviews and a review of the center?s written policies, it was determined the center failed to comply with its own policies and procedures as it relates to behavior guidance.

Evidence:

1. On September 2, 2022, Staff #4 reported that they saw Staff #1 cornering Child #1 against a bathroom wall and shelf in their classroom bathroom. Staff #1 used one hand to hold the child?s arm and the other hand was ?smacking? the child?s lips. Staff #1 stated that they "touched" child # 1's mouth approximately two times and held the child?s arm to prevent the child from spitting and hitting them.

2. Staff #1 failed to adhere to the center?s written policy for child discipline, which states: "If a child?s behavior is inappropriate, causing harm to others or him/herself, or destructive to property, staff may intervene by: acknowledging the child?s emotions; evaluating the reason for the behavior; discussing the situation with the child; if the child cannot find an appropriate solution, suggest alternatives; redirecting the behavior, and providing logical consequences to the action."

3. Staff #1 failed to adhere to the center?s Philosophy, which states: At Westgate, we use positive discipline?telling children what they can do (rather than what they cannot), validating their emotions while re-directing their behavior to more acceptable means of expression.

4. Staff #1's method of behavior guidance with child #1 does not align with the center?s philosophy and written policy for child discipline.

Based on staff interviews, the center did not ensure that behavioral guidance was constructive in nature, age, and stage appropriate, and intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

Evidence:

1. Multiple staff reported that while cleaning up after lunch on September 2, 2022, they saw Staff #1 enter the classroom bathroom with Child #1 and shortly heard the child screaming and crying in the bathroom.

2. Staff #4 reported that they went into the bathroom and saw Staff #1 cornering the child against the bathroom wall and shelf. Staff #1 used one hand to hold the child?s arm and the other hand was smacking the child?s lips.

3. Staff #1 stated they took Child #1 to the bathroom to talk about listening in the classroom. Staff #1 said the child started to throw a tantrum and that?s why they held the child?s arm and touched the child?s lips approximately twice while trying to teach the child that spitting and hitting were inappropriate.

4. Multiple staff stated that Staff #1 regularly took children to the classroom bathroom to speak to them about their behavior. Staff #1 confirmed and stated, "If the kids were misbehaving, I would take them to the bathroom to talk about their behavior and the door always remained opened."

Based on staff interviews and observation, the center failed to ensure that children were not placed in a small confined space or any space where the child could not freely exit.

Evidence:

1. Staff #4 reported that they saw Staff #1 cornering the child against the bathroom wall and shelf where the child could not exit.

2. Multiple staff reported and confirmed the location where the incident took place and where Child #1 and Staff #1 were standing in the bathroom, which was between the wall and shelf on September 2, 2022.

3. Staff #1 stated that Child #1 was standing next to the shelf during the incident.