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32 | R.P. stated observing bruising on the back of Child #1’s ear on the pinna of ear. When asked what happened, Child #1 told RP that their teacher had hit them. Additionally, R.P. stated that about a year ago, Child #1 came home with a bruise or small scratch on their nose. It was stated by the R.P. that different stories were told on how the injury was sustained. LPA Perry attempted to contact the R.P. and was unsuccessful.
LPA Perry interviewed children and no disclosures were made pertaining to the above allegation.
LPA Perry interviewed parents and no disclosures were made pertaining to the above allegation.
LPA attempted to contact the police department for follow-up; however, LPA was unsuccessful.
LPA Perry interviewed staff and all staff interviewed denied hitting a child or observing any staff member hit a child. Staff stated that Child #1 never complained of ear pain or showed signs of discomfort or bruising while at the facility. Staff further stated that parents are notified of incidents and provided with incident reports. Staff #1 recalled a prior incident involving a scratch to Child #1’s nose, which an incident report was completed and signed by the parent. Staff #3 stated that they were on leave at the time of the alleged incident.
LPA Perry interviewed the Site Supervisor, who stated that she had never observed staff hit a child and that Child #1 never complained of ear pain. The Site Supervisor stated that she became aware of the allegation after following up on Child #1’s absence, which reported that a staff member had pinched Child #1’s ear. The parent identified a teacher by name; however, no employee by that name was employed at the facility. The Site Supervisor stated that management reviewed camera footage and did not observe any staff member hitting, pulling, or inappropriately disciplining a child. The facility was unable to provide video footage to the Department. Declaration obtained.
During LPA’s observations, LPA Perry observed children being treated with respect and did not observe inappropriate discipline or mistreatment of the children in care. LPA reviewed the facility’s parent handbook, which outlined the discipline policy, and reviewed an incident report dated January 8, 2025, documenting that Child #1 sustained a scratch to the nose while playing with a toy truck. LPA also reviewed medical documentation provided by Child #1’s parent, which indicated a “diagnosis of a finger splinter without major open wounds or infection.” Although follow-up instructions indicated a subsequent appointment on March 21, 2026, no additional medical documentation was provided to the facility. Information provided to the facility was different from what was reported.
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