complaint·January 8, 2025

Redirection can consist of guiding the child to a different center/play area, providing another toy, and /or a book. On occasion, they may have to hold a child's hand to guide them but, not grab them or squeeze their hand or arm. Verbal guidance is also provided and done so by staff sitting next to children, being at their eye level, and talking about what is acceptable behavior. Additionally, during the investigation, an internet search of the facility was done which resulted in finding a review posted on the Yelp website that was similar to the allegation. The review included a picture of the child’s arm, along with a written description alleging that a teacher may have grabbed or squeezed the child's hand leaving the red marks. In showing the picture to facility Staff, the child could not be identified or confirmed to have attended the facility. An incident of this nature had never been reported to the facility and was not believed to have occurred there. Facility staff denied ever observing, needing to, or knowing of a child attending that would require physical handling, that would result in such an injury to a child. The information obtained regarding the alleged red marks was reviewed, and it could not be determined if the mark(s) occurred at the facility since they were observed once the child was home. Also, there were no reports made or obtained regarding the alleged incident/injury. Additionally, all pertinent parties were not available for interview to support the allegation. Based on the information obtained, and although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Licensee Kristen Kirschenmann.