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32 | (Page 2 of Report)
During the investigation, LPA interviewed 7 staff members, 5 children and 5 parents, reviewed subject child's files including incident reports and positive behavioral support plan and parent’s handbook.
All interviewed staff members denied that they handled child in a rough manner or have witnessed any other staff members handled the children in a rough manner. All interviewed staff stated that Child #1 (C1) often exhibits aggressive behaviors including throwing objects, hitting staff members, breaking other children' belongings and elopes from the facility. Staff had to hold child back from climbing the wall out of the facility for child own safety and remove the group of children in the class when child starts exhibiting those behaviors. The facility Staff #1 (S1) stated they have worked closely with C1 and parents to maintain a safe environment for C1 and other children. All interviewed staff provided consistent statements about the facility's disciplinary policy/procedure including giving redirection, providing child time/space to express their feelings by removing child or group of children away from the situation, suggesting safer options, communicating with parents to further assist child, talk to child when child is calm and use positive reinforcements to encourage child to gain self-regulating skills and make better choices in the future. All interviewed children disclosed that they have never witnessed staff handled children in a rough manner. LPA could not interview C1 due to not being able to obtain parent’s consent. All interviewed parents did not express any concern related to the incident.
During record review, LPA discovered C1 was placed on a positive behavior support plan, which was developed by parent and staff. The plan clearly stated that during eloping episodes, staff members are to redirect and let C1 knows that staff must help C1 to be safe, follow child and physically stand in child's way and block C1 from eloping from the facility. C1 was also given clear expectations and positive reinforcement to make positive choices. There was also extensive communication between facility staff and parents to support C1 in dealing with challenging behaviors.
Facility is found to be in compliance and following through with discipline policy in Parent's Handbook, child's behavioral plan, and staff have done what they can to ensure the needs and safety of all children in care are being met.
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