complaint·January 27, 2025

Director Terhune stated that C1 no longer attends this center. Director Terhune stated that C1 was toilet training while attending this center and alternated between wearing pull ups and underwear while at the center. Director Terhune stated that extra pull ups, diapers, and spare clothing is available for children at the center. Director Terhune stated that the facility communicates with the children’s authorized representatives before beginning toilet training to ensure that the child is ready. During the investigation, C1’s primary teacher, staff S3 was interviewed regarding C1’s toilet training status. Staff S3 stated that C1 told teachers when they need to use the bathroom. Staff S3 stated that C1 primarily wore pull ups during nap time and transitioned to underwear after waking up. Staff S3 stated that C1 was sent home in the afternoon with either a pull up or underwear depending on how the child was feeling at that time. Other staff members who have worked in C1’s classroom corroborated these statements. During the investigation, the LPA made unannounced site visits on 11/08/24 and 12/03/24 to make observations inside the classrooms and interview children and staff members S1-S8. Children that were interviewed did not provide any corroborating information to support the allegations. The staff members that were interviewed all stated that they have not observed any staff member roughly handling or hitting C1 or any other child in care. Additionally, staff members that worked with C1 corroborated Director Terhune’s statements regarding the facility’s diapering and toileting training policies. During the LPA’s site visits, the LPA did not observe any evidence of personal rights violations or staff roughly handling any children in care. Based on available information and interviews conducted, 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 allegations are determined to be unsubstantiated at this time. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the center director, Mel Terhune. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.