complaint·May 8, 2024

During the course of the investigation, Investigator Melissa Bennett requested, obtained, and reviewed documents, video footage and medical records pertaining to the allegation. The facilities Site Supervisor, Melissa Murphy-Correa, was interviewed by Investigator Melissa Bennett on 4/25/24. Site Supervisor Melissa Murphy-Correa denied the allegations stating staff do not typically pick the children up, but if they do, they do it by placing both hands under their torso. Melissa denied having ever observed staff handle children in a rough manner or staff pulling children by their arm. On 4/25/24 and 4/29/24 Investigator Melissa Bennett conducted interviews with three staff (S1, S2, and S3). All staff interviewed denied the allegation and stated children have never been observed to be handled roughly by any staff. S1 and S2 stated they did not observe C1 sustain the injury, though they were both present in the classroom that day. S3 stated they observed C1 "throw" themselves down on the ground, which is when C1 started to cry and hold their elbow. S3 denied picking C1 up by one arm. Staff stated that they have never witnessed any staff pull a child\342\200\231s arm causing an injury, specifically a dislocation of a child\342\200\231s arm. On 4/25/24 Investigator Melissa Bennett interviewed four children in care (C1, C2, C3, and C4). All of the children interviewed were unable to provide information related to these allegations. All children interviewed had intelligible responses to the interview questions. On 4/25/24 Investigator Melissa Bennett conducted interviews with two witnesses (W1, W2). W1 and W2 stated they care of C1 part of the day. Both witnesses denied C1 sustained injuries, specifically a dislocated arm, while in their care. W2 stated they took C1 to the E Center that afternoon and C1 was happy and not showing any signs of being injured. This was corroborated by video footage provided. On 5/1/24 and 5/2/24 Investigator Melissa Bennett interviewed three parents (P1, P2, and P3). All parents interviewed stated they have never observed or heard of staff handling children in a rough manner. On 1/30/24 LPA Laird obtained diaper logs for C1, medication administration form for C1, and facility policies pertaining to diaper changes. LPA Laird took 4 photos of the diaper changing table, posted diaper changing procedures, and diaper log binder. report continued on 9099C On 1/30/24 LPA Laird conducted an interview with facility site supervisor, Melissa Murphy-Correa. Melissa denied staff are not meeting diapering needs. Melissa stated the diapering procedures are to have children changed every two hours. Melissa stated staff apply ointments and medication as indicated on the medication forms submitted by parents. Melissa stated the facilities diapering procedures and diapering logs are provided to parents upon request. Melissa stated during enrollment the family advocate and teacher go over diapering procedures with the parents. Melissa stated parents who have medications, including diaper ointment, are required to fill out a medication administration form which is kept in the child\342\200\231s file. On 4/29/24 Special Investigator, Melissa Bennett, for the Department of Social Services Bureau of Investigations (IB) conducted an interview with one staff (S3). Staff denied the allegation that children\342\200\231s diapering needs are not being met. S3 stated children are changed every two hours, per procedures. S3 stated there was an incident in October 2023 where a child (C1) had a bad diaper rash. S3 stated W1 took C1 from the facility with a soiled diaper because they couldn't wait for staff to change C1. S3 stated they believe the diaper rash could be happening due to diapering practices outside of the facility. On 4/25/24 Special Investigator, Melissa Bennett, for the Department of Social Services Bureau of Investigations (IB) conducted an interview with one witness (W1). W1 stated they believe the allegations regarding staff not meeting diapering needs are true. W1 stated there was an incident when they were picking up C1 from the E Center and they observed C1 had feces on their bottom. W1 stated they mentioned it to S3 who stated C1 kicks, and they weren't going to risk getting hurt trying to change them. W1 stated they believe the center is not cleaning children well enough, which is causing C1\342\200\231s diaper rash. Based on interviews, observations, and documents obtained, LPA Laird have found the allegations to be unsubstantiated. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, and report was reviewed with the site supervisor, Melissa Murphy-Correa. Appeal rights were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.