COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and Child Protective Services (CPS) are investigating after a 4-year-old was allegedly assaulted by his behavioral therapist while he was being seen at a daycare.
According to the incident report and statements from staff members at Springs of Life Children’s Center on Academy Place obtained by KRDO13, the child was having a one-on-one session with his behavioral therapist in a spare classroom during nap time before the child went to sleep.
Springs of Life Children’s Center on Academy Place told KRDO13 they allowed these therapy sessions to take place at their business through Grace Way Collective Behavioral Therapy in arrangement with the child's family.
Springs of Life Children’s Center said they are taking this matter very seriously. They added that this therapist, nor any therapist with Grace Way Collective Behavioral Therapy, will be allowed at their facilities.
In a statement obtained by KRDO13, the assistant director of Springs of Life Children’s Center's North location said she heard the child crying and went to see what was going on.
She said the therapist told her the child was trying to tie a scarf around his neck, so he tied the child up to “learn his lesson.”
Her statement goes on to say the child was complaining that his neck hurt, and she found a red mark on the back of his neck.
Spring of Life Children’s Center told KRDO13 they immediately reported the incident to authorities, contacted Grace Way Collective Behavioral Therapy and notified the child's family.
The child's family told KRDO13 that GraceWay Collective Behavioral Therapy notified them that the therapist was let go immediately following the incident. GraceWay Collective Behavioral Therapy also said they reported the incident to CPS.
KRDO13 has been in contact with the child's family. They decided not to interview at this time to protect the investigation and their child’s identity.
KRDO13 is not naming the therapist at this time, as no official charges have been made.
KRDO13 reached out to the therapist for comment but has not heard back.
CSPD said this is an open and active investigation.
The executive leadership team at Springs of Life Children's Center provided KRDO13 with the following statement:
"We are taking this matter very seriously, and hold the safety of all children in our care as the utmost priority. At the time of the incident, the child was in an unused classroom adjacent to the director's office. It is almost always the case that when a parent contracts a behavioral therapist, that they work with the child both in the classroom and on a one-on-one basis. During these one-on-one sessions, the therapist is expected to provide direct supervision and care for the child. Even so, when our space is utilized, we seek to designate areas with visibility and proximity to staff in mind. Our classrooms are designed for accountability (i.e. large hallway windows, dutch doorways, and within earshot of our directors and neighboring classrooms).
The therapist in question is not employed by Springs of Life Children's Center and does not provide any services to Springs of Life Children’s Center. The therapist was employed and provided by GraceWay Collective to the individual child and family for behavioral therapy. We gave permission for therapy to occur on our grounds. Springs of life Children's Center permitted the therapy sessions to take place on our premises as part of the the family's own outside arrangements with the company.
When the incident came to the attention of our staff, we intervened to immediately ensure the child was safe and took the appropriate steps by calling the state line to report the incident,
contacting GraceWay Collective and notifying the child's parent.We cannot control which companies' families contract therapy services through. However, to ensure the safety of our children, the therapist in question and his employer are no longer allowed on Springs of Life Children's Center grounds. We have reported to the state, the agency involved and the family. We will cooperate with the appropriate authorities and defer to them regarding any further investigation and findings. The CPS reference number has been shared with the appropriate parties.
We understand the seriousness of this matter and remain committed to partnering with families to provide a safe environment for every child entrusted to our care."
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The post KRDO13 Investigates: 4-year-old allegedly assaulted by behavioral therapist at daycare facility appeared first on KRDO.
