Church preschool director fired

By Paul Post
Saratogian
July 08, 2014

http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20140708/church-preschool-director-fired

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> The longtime director of a local church preschool and day-care program has been let go amidst allegations of child abuse, although no criminal charges have been filed.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church terminated Joan Beaudoin of Clifton Park as director of its Christian Childhood Center in May, following an investigation by the state Office of Children and Family Services and Saratoga County Department of Social Services.

Beaudoin was immediately placed on administrative leave when the allegation was first lodged March 25. She was fired after an investigation by state and county officials substantiated such charges, according to the Rev. Adam Wiegand, the church pastor.

“We can’t, in good conscience, allow that person to continue with that on their record,” he said.

State regulations that were allegedly violated do not involve allegations of sexual abuse.

“The director was accused of abuse as well as improper discipline of a child,” Wiegand said.

Beaudoin had been in her position for 18 years. Previously, there had never been a complaint lodged against Beaudoin or the school, said Wiegand, who has been at St. Paul’s since 2000.

Beaudoin declined comment but said she disputes the findings. Her attorney, James Maswick, said Beaudoin plans to exercise her right of appeal with the state Office of Children and Family Services.

He said he has filed a formal request for an appeal, which he expects to take place within 90 days. Maswick has also asked to see Beaudoin’s case file, which he hasn’t yet received from the state.

“It’s a long process,” he said. “It’s early in the game.”

Wiegand declined comment about specific allegations, saying he didn’t personally witness the alleged incident, which involved one child.

Beaudoin allegedly violated three closely related violations, according to a description on the state Office of Children and Family Services’ website. The first says that corporal punishment is prohibited, which includes any punishment directly inflicted on the body. A second regulation says discipline is not allowed that is meant to frighten, demean or humiliate a child.

A third regulation says, “A center must prohibit and may not tolerate or in any manner condone an act of abuse or maltreatment by anyone under the provider’s control.”

The case description says that any violations involving all three regulations have been corrected at the school.

Wiegand said he doesn’t believe the child’s parents plan to press charges or pursue legal action against the church and/or school.

About 100 children are enrolled in the year-round Christian Childhood Center. A search is underway for a new director, Wiegand said.

He said he doesn’t know of any parents that have removed their child from the center as a result of the alleged incident.

Reporter Caitlin Morris contributed to this story.