Heritage Care @ St. Thomas More

13A.16.08.01A(1)

“During complaint investigation, LS interviewed witnesses about the incident. Witnesses observed the teacher inappropriately supervising the child on two separate occasions. LS observed the child has an Individualized Behavior Plan, which according to witnesses was not being implemented. LS inquired about how the behavior plan is being implemented normally. Per the teacher that witnessed the child on the ground crying, after intervening, the child got up and went directly to the teacher who intervened. This teacher stated that she works more with the child 1 on 1 because the other teacher does not follow the child's Individualized Behavior Plan. The witness also stated that she often supervises the teacher who uses inappropriate supervision and discipline. Supervision must always be appropriate to each child's individual needs.”

13A.16.07.06A

“Staff are required to ensure children are not subjected to abuse or injurious treatment and must report all incidents to ensure the safety and security of all children at all times.”

13A.16.07.03C(3)

“LS observed that the discipline policy was not followed for this child.”

13A.16.07.03C(1)

“LS observed that the child has an Individualized Behavior Plan which references the child's behavioral concerns and triggers.”

13A.16.07.03B(4)

“LS conducted complaint investigation on today's date. Complaint states that on October 10, 2024, an incident involving alleged physical abuse of a 3-year-old child occurred by staff member. The complaint then states that video footage has been reviewed and it was confirmed that the teacher grabbed the child by the arm, yanked them, and pushed them to the ground stating, That's the feeling you get when you push someone. The complaint states that the staff member has been suspended and Child Protective Services has been contacted. Teacher has been terminated. LS interviewed witnesses. Witnesses stated that the teacher grabbed the child by the arm, threw him to the ground and yelled at him. One witness stated that during another incident, the teacher was seen sitting on a child's chair near the bathroom, holding the child down on the ground, the child's arms crossed over his chest. On both incidents, the witnesses said the child cried while and after this happened. Witnesses stated that the teacher was scolding the child on both occasions and that she said, quote, This is how it feels when you push someone. Appropriate discipline must be used with the children at all times.”

13A.16.07.03A(1)

“During investigation, LS was informed that, per witnesses, the teacher grabbed the child by the arm, threw him to the ground and yelled at him. One witness stated that during another incident, the teacher was seen sitting on a child's chair near the bathroom, holding the child down on the ground, the child's arms crossed over his chest. On both incidents, the witnesses said the child cried while and after this happened. Witnesses stated that the teacher was scolding the child on both occasions and that she said, quote, This is how it feels when you push someone. Children are never to subjected to inappropriate discipline.”

13A.16.07.02A(1)

“During investigation, LS was informed that neither teacher who witnessed the incidents reported them directly to protective services unit of the local department. LS confirmed the teachers did not report the incidents during interviews. LS and protective services representative advised Director, qualified teacher and witnesses that they must always be mandated reports who are responsible for reporting abuse and neglect.”

13A.16.07.01

“LS conducted complaint investigation on today's date.. Complaint involving alleged physical abuse of a 3-year-old child occurred by staff member. The complaint then states that video footage has been reviewed and it was confirmed that the Teacher grabbed the child by the arm, yanked them, and pushed them to the ground. LS observed the video and observed the Teacher grabbed the child by the arms and throw the child to the floor. The child jumped back up off the floor and the teacher grabbed the child by the arms again while struggling and shaking the child's arms back and forth. Also, LS was informed that during another incident the same teacher was observed holding the child down on the ground with his arms crossed over the child's chest and he was crying. Staff are not to use any form of abuse or injurious treatment with the children.”