Melwood Child Development Center

13A.16.05.08B

“LS observed two toilets in the lower level girls bathroom which did not properly flush. LS observed one faucet needing replacement/repair in the girls lower level bathroom. Lower level is proposed to be licensed for childcare.”

13A.16.05.06

“LS did not observe mechanical ventilation in the girls or the boys bathrooms located on the lower level, which is proposed to be use for childcare.”

13A.16.04.01B

“LS observed a total of 46 children in attendance during inspection. Center is approved for a maximum capacity of 43 children. LS took attendance again at the end of the inspection and observed a total of 31 children. This was corrected on site.”

13A.16.08.01A(2)(b)

“LS asked Director and teachers about the child in the picture who was sitting in a high chair that was inside room 105, which is not a classroom but an office. The child had fallen asleep. The Teacher confirmed that she had placed the child in the office, but could not recall seeing a specific adult in the office and did not specifically ask any other teacher to supervise the child while she was separated from her class. Neither the Director nor any other teacher was able to confirm with certainty that they remember the incident or remember being responsible for the child during that incident while the child was in room 105. No one was able to inform LS of the amount of time the child was asleep in the high chair. LS inquired if the child's Teacher informed her that she was putting the child in room 105. Teacher did not recall. Complaint also alleged a child was put in a high chair outside. Per the Teacher the child was put in the chair because of her behavior with her friends as the last resort. No high chairs were observed outside during the complaint investigation. Supervision is required to be appropriate to meet the needs of the child at all times.”

13A.16.07.03C(1)

“Complaint investigation conducted. Complainant also alleged that high chairs are used to punish children for such things as crying, not napping, and moving too much during nap time. If the toddlers-twos cry, they go in the high chair. If they are not napping, they go in the high chair, if they move around too much on their cots, they go in the high chair. One child was put in a high chair outside because the child was crying”

13A.16.07.03A(1)

“Complaint investigation conducted. Complainant also alleged that high chairs are used to punish children for such things as crying, not napping, and moving too much during nap time. If the toddlers-twos cry, they go in the high chair. If they are not napping, they go in the high chair, if they move around too much on their cots, they go in the high chair. One child was put in a high chair outside because the child was crying. LS asked the Director and Teachers about the children in the photographs who were in the high chairs. LS interviewed the Director and Teachers, who stated that children are placed in high chairs if they are misbehaving in a way that is unsafe to them or the children around them. The high chair is used as a last resort after three de-escalation steps are used to mitigate behavior issues. LS also inquired about the three year old child who fell asleep in the high chair. Per the Teacher, the child was placed in the high chair because she was continuing to yell and be loud. LS inquired as to how many times this occurred. Teacher stated that she wasn't sure. No children were observed in high chairs today. No child is to be subjected to inappropriate discipline.”

13A.16.07.01

“OCC received a complaint alleging that the center is understaffed, does not have appropriate supervision, and that high chairs are used as punishment while parents are restricted and unaware of punishment procedures. On September 12, 2024, there was one staff person with at least 15 children alone. Complainant also alleged that Staff do not supervise the children appropriately on the playground and that the children watch television all day long. Complainant also alleged that high chairs are used to punish children for such things as crying, not napping, and moving too much during nap time, and that children sustained injuries such as scratches that have been observed due to extended time in high chairs. Also alleged, a child was strapped in a high chair for at least an hour and fell asleep in the high chair. LS inquired about the allegations of the complaint with the Director and Teachers, who stated the three year old child who was placed in a high chair after she was given other options, and the two year old child was placed a high chair as a last resort. Children are not to be subjected to abuse, neglect or injurious treatment at any time.”