RAINBOW RIVER CHILDCARE LLC

Observation

110-300-0475 (2)(iii) Center staff failed as mandated reporters, to report several incidents of possible CA/N. Dispute Description: I am disputing this finding since I am unaware of any allegations of emotional abuse towards children. Verbal abuse and emotional abuse are different and in the WAC they have different examples for each. The WAC requires reporting of any suspected emotional abuse but not verbal abuse. In addition, suspected abuse is when there is reasonable cause to believe that the abuse has occurred, which staff are trained on in the DCYF required mandatory online training and it is also explained in the DCYF mandated reporter poster. Regarding the emotional abuse, there were no incidents that I am aware of which would of resulted any staff having reasonable cause to believe that a child suffered emotional abuse. I do understand the importance of reporting suspected abuse and will review with staff on their reporting requirements including requirements from the WAC that are not covered by the mandated reporting training. I strongly believe in protecting all children from abuse, but I also recognize that reporting abuse that did not happen may have unnecessary negative consequences for children and early learning staff. I am disputing this finding since I am unaware of any allegations of emotional abuse towards children. Verbal abuse and emotional abuse are different and in the WAC they have different examples for each. The WAC requires reporting of any suspected emotional abuse but not verbal abuse. In addition, suspected abuse is when there is reasonable cause to believe that the abuse has occurred, which staff are trained on in the DCYF required mandatory online training and it is also explained in the DCYF mandated reporter poster. Regarding the emotional abuse, there were no incidents that I am aware of which would of resulted any staff having reasonable cause to believe that a child suffered emotional abuse. I do understand the importance of reporting suspected abuse and will review with staff on their reporting requirements including requirements from the WAC that are not covered by the mandated reporting training. I strongly believe in protecting all children from abuse, but I also recognize that reporting abuse that did not happen may have unnecessary negative consequences for children and early learning staff.