News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Sunnyside Learning Center investigated by multiple agencies following report of slapping of 18-month-old

Posted: Dec. 10, 2008, 8:36 a.m.

Photo: Viva Diane Redding

CLACKAMAS -- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008 at 11:24 a.m., Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the Sunnyside Learning Center at 12771 SE Sunnyside in Clackamas.

Upon arrival, deputies were greeted by investigators representing the Department of Human Services (DHS). The DHS investigators announced they were on-scene to investigate an allegation that an 18-month-old child enrolled at the day-care facility had received a form of corporal punishment -- a slap in the face from the female director/proprietor of this Sunnyside Learning Center.

The deputies participated in this investigation -- and found that an instructor at this facility had reportedly been attempting to contend with an 18-month-old child who had bitten another student there. (It is estimated this facility has a total enrollment of 40 or more children.)

After this biting incident, the instructor escorted the 18-month-old child to the director's office to addresses any disciplinary issues. The director is also the proprietor of the Sunnyside Learning Center, and is identified as Viva Diane Redding, age 59, who maintains a residential address in Happy Valley.

Shortly after escorting this child to the director's office, the instructor reportedly witnessed the 18-month-old child being struck in the face by Viva Redding.

Inquiring investigators discovered this alleged slap to the child's face had created a small cut on the 18-month-old child's mouth region.

Also responding to the scene was a representative from the Gresham Office of the Oregon Employment Department, which oversees the Child Care Licensing Division in the State of Oregon. Kathleen Hynes, Legal and Compliance Manager, is a point of contact representing this Licensing Division.

Investigating deputies report that this appears to be an isolated event involving only the proprietor, Viva Diane Redding. Redding was taken into custody and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail -- where she was booked, cited and released from custody for the charge of Harassment in the Third Degree.

Redding has a scheduled appearance date on this charge set for Jan. 8, 2009 in Clackamas County Circuit Court.

Anyone who can provide information about this case or any other child-care situation is urged to call the Department of Human Services Hotline at 971-673-7112.

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Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective