Lighthouse Worship Center, Inc.

“The center must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee’s first day of employment. Staff #1, who had been employed for 3 weeks, did not have a central registry search sent as of the day of the inspection. Staff #3, who had been employed for 3 months, with the central registry being returned two months after hire. Staff #4, who had been employed for 7 months, with the central registry being returned two months after hire. Staff #5, who had been employed for 6 weeks, did not have a central registry search returned within the 30 days required and was not requested prior to hire. Staff #7, who had been employed for 4 weeks, did not have a central registry search returned within the 30 days required and was not requested prior to hire. Staff #1, who had been employed for 3 weeks, did not have a central registry search sent as of the day of the inspection. Staff #9, who had been employed for 5 months, did not have a central registry search returned within the 30 days required and was not requested prior to hire.”

“Caregiver #1 did not have central registry search results during the inspection and has been employed for over 5 months. The CPS check was not sent off prior to hire. Caregivers #6 and 7 did not have central registry search results during the inspection and has been employed for over 4 ? months. The CPS check was not sent off prior to hire. Caregiver #9 did not have central registry search results during the inspection and has been employed for over 11 months. The CPS check was not sent off prior to hire.”

“Evidence: 1. An infant was observed sleeping in a swing with a blanket in the Jungle Room. 2. The American Academy of Pediatrics state: -If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier or sling, you should move them to a firm sleep surface on their back as soon as possible. -Keep soft objects & loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. These objects can increase your baby’s risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation. This includes pillows and pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, non-fitted sheets, blankets, toys, bumper pads or related products that attach to crib slats or sides.”

“1. On 11/09/2023 an individual that lives across the street from the center heard yelling and went outside. She witnessed a staff member yelling at a child ?Say no now; I didn’t think so!?. The individual stated the staff person then roughly grabbed the child by the arm and shoulder and forcefully ?slammed? him/her down on the ground beside her. The individual recorded the incident which corroborates her statement. 2. The director stated the staff are frequently trained on not putting their hands on the children and not yelling at the children. 3. The employee handbook lists the following procedures regarding appropriate supervision: Under standards of conduct #1. Employee will reflect a POSITIVE, LOVING, Christ-like attitude toward children, parents, co-workers, and administration. Under Classroom Management #5. Employees should keep voice level down so as not to disturb other classrooms. Under Forbidden Action- The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: #1. Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling, or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding, or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercise as punishment.”

“Evidence: 1. Staff 1 reported on 11/8/ 2023 there were 13 three-year-old’s with herself and staff 2. Staff 2 left the room without telling her why and left the door open. When she returned, they began putting coats on children and realized child 1 was missing. Staff 1 went into the hall and was child 1 with the director and the child’s mother at the door. Staff 1 believes child 1 was gone about five minutes. 2. The director stated the child’s mother was dropping off diapers and found him at the side of the building on the picnic tables and brought him in. 3. Staff 1 stated the center’s procedures are for the classroom door to always stay closed and for staff to never leave a room out of ratio and unsupervised. Staff 2 said she was relieving another teacher to go to the restroom. The center’s procedures are to call the front office to get relieved to go to the restroom. 4. The director stated the center’s procedures are for the classroom door to always stay closed and staff to never leave a room out of ratio. Staff are to call the front office to get relieved to go to the restroom.”

“Evidence: 1. Diapering and lunch was observed in room A. Staff 4 changed a child’s diaper and then set the child at the table for lunch. Staff 4 then sat at the table and fed that child and another child lunch. Staff 4 did not wash her hands or the child’s hands that she just changed after diapering or before feeding the children. 2. The director stated the procedure for handwashing is for staff to wash their hands after diapering and to clean children’s hands with a wipe. The procedure is for staff to wash their hands before feeding children and to wash children’s hands before they eat.”

“Evidence: 1. In room B, a bottle of hand sanitizer was on the teacher’s desk accessible to children in care. The bottle contained a statement to keep out of reach of children. 2. The director stated all hazardous substances are to be kept out of reach of children or in the kitchen. 3. The wood play structure outside has a section that is blocked off preventing children access due to hazardous issues. The other section that is attached, has peeling paint and the wood platforms are splintering. Per a previous inspection and violation plans have been in place to repair the structure since 2018. 4. The director stated the children have still been playing on the structure and they still have plans on replacing the structure. She stated she was unaware of the previous violation.”

“Evidence: 1. Per written statement from staff 1: ?2/9/22 Noticed bruising around the private area and large bruise on face. Had not been to school since Thursday of proceeding week. Would not play or engage. Screamed unless being held. Reported to management.” “ 2/10/22 Noticed additional bruising on ribs. Reported to management. Screaming/crying all day unless being held. Frightened and combative during diaper changes.” “2/11/22 Additional bruising spotted on arm and management pointed out faint bruising around eye.” 2. Per interview with staff 1 on 3/2/22: Staff 1 stated she was told by staff 2 on 2/9/22 to not call to report the suspicion of child abuse since the CASA worker was due to come on 2/11/22. Staff 2 told staff 1 they would talk to the CASA worker at that time about reporting. Staff 2 told staff 1 to continue to document everything until the CASA worker came on the 11th. Staff 1 stated she told the CASA worker her concerns on the 11th and then staff 1 called and reported her suspicions to DSS. 3. Per interview with staff 2 on 3/2/22: Staff 2 stated staff 1 advised her of the bruising on the child’s bottom, legs and cheek on 2/9/22 and 2/10/22. The CASA worker was scheduled to visit the child on 2/11/22. Staff 1 told staff 2 the child told her the bruise on her face came from her mother but when staff 2 asked the child said she fell. Staff 2 stated, ?I just did not feel like I had been around the child enough to make that call.? 4. Per interview with CASA worker 3/2/22: Upon arrival staff 2 advised the CASA worker of her concerns regarding the child’s bruises. The CASA worker entered the classroom and staff 1 immediately took the CASA worker to the side and told her about how concerned she was. The CASA worker spoke with her supervisor and they called and reported to DSS that day.”