DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

LITTLE STEPS LEARNING CENTER 11

002446400

(660) 584-8770

715 MAIN ST
HIGGINSVILLE
MO  64037-1105

LITTLE STEPS LEARNING CENTER LLC



 

SHOUDT, MELANIE JANE

LITLSTEPS@YAHOO.COM


JOHN GREER

6 WEEKS - 12 YEARS

48

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

16 CHILDREN UNDER 24 MONTHS
 
Inspection Information

11/29/2021

10:25 AM

12:41 PM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2413478939


DocumentDocument-Date
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 03/19/2014
POLICIES 03/19/2014
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 03/19/2014
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 03/19/2014
LINES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY 03/19/2014
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 03/19/2014
DISCIPLINE POLICIES 03/19/2014
DIRECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS 03/19/2014
DAILY SCHEDULE 03/19/2014
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 03/19/2014
DIAGRAM/INDOOR 03/19/2014
CHILD CARE PRACTICES 03/19/2014
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING 03/19/2014
LLC OPERATING AGREEMENT 03/11/2016
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 03/12/2018
APPLICATION 02/21/2020
STAFF SHEET 03/10/2020
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 03/03/2021
SANITATION INSPECTION 02/18/2021
ANNUAL DECLARATION 02/26/2021
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 02/26/2021
EQUIPMENT LIST 02/26/2021




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Open Violations: 24
NOTE
The licensee is responsible for compliance with all licensing rules, including but not limited to the rules listed on this compliance report form.
Attendance at Time of Inspection
Total Staff 11
Total Children 32
StaffChildClass AgeNote
2 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Staff Samantha Baker and Jordan Novotny are present with 8 infants ages 3 months to 10 months.
2 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Staff Brittney Jeffries and Shauna Goring are present with 8 children ages 10 months to 19 months.
2 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Director Melanie Shoudt and Assistant Director Sierra Walker were present with no children.
3 10 PRESCHOOL Staff Britney Graham, Samantha Drury, and Emily Mahnken were present with 10 children. 6 were three years old and 4 were four years old.
2 6 TWO YEAR OLDS Staff Marissa Poe and Whitney Stevens were present with 6 children all age two.

 
5 CSR 25-500.032 Organization and Administration
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The premises were not safe and suitable as evidenced by a supply closet door between the two year old classroom and four and five year old classroom did not have a door handle.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (A) states: The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.
Correction Required
The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: hand sanitizer sitting on cabinet. The item(s) was/were located in the infant room near the exit door.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (I) states: All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.
Correction Required
Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
11/29/2021
Violation
The walls located light blue room/three year olds was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint on walls by exit door.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located two year old room was/were not clean as evidenced by two ceiling tiles need replaced.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility did not have a fenced outdoor play area that was on or adjoining the day care property and was accessible without hazard as evidenced by the fence was not in good condition in that South, East and West lengths of the fence were loose and need to be secured on the top and bottom.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 1. states: A fenced outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. For facilities initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. An outdoor play area used exclusively for school-age children shall not be required to have a fence. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be accessible without hazard.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by the plywood edge of the adjoining building near the exit door was splintering and in poor condition created a hazard for children.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The provider did not provide resilient material necessary for the protection of children as evidenced by the resilient material on the main playground area did not have enough resilient material and needs to be replenished.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 6. states: The provider shall be responsible for the type, depth and fall-zone area of resilient material necessary for the protection of children.
Correction Required
Appropriate type, depth and fall zone area of resilient material shall be provided for the protection of children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by a large amount of leaves throughout the play area creating a tripping hazard.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: diaper cream. The item(s) was/were located in the outside pocket of a bag on the floor of the infant room.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (I) states: All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.
Correction Required
Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
11/29/2021
Violation
The walls located in the hallway bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by holes in the drywall behind and next to the toilet.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The walls located in the hallway bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located in the hallway bathroom was/were not clean as evidenced by dirty vent register and exhaust fan.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located in the three year old room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by two ceiling tiles were stained and need to be replaced.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located in the three year old room was/were not clean as evidenced by dirty air vents.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The walls located four and fives classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by the baseboard trim was peeling and no longer secured to the wall.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The floors located fours and fives classroom was/were not clean as evidenced by dirty floor around the refrigerator and counter.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located two year old classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by 3 ceiling tiles were damaged and stained and need to be replaced.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The walls located two year old classroom was/were not clean as evidenced by dirty air register on the wall.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The premises were not safe and suitable as evidenced by door and door jam in the four and five year old classroom was rotted and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (A) states: The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.
Correction Required
The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The premises were not safe and suitable as evidenced by a broken cabinet door above the cubby on the west wall in the four and five year old classroom.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (A) states: The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.
Correction Required
The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility did not have a fenced outdoor play area that was on or adjoining the day care property and was accessible without hazard as evidenced by the fence had openings that were between 3.5 and 9 inches and allow entrapment - the openings measured were 4.5 inches near the fence gate.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 1. states: A fenced outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. For facilities initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. An outdoor play area used exclusively for school-age children shall not be required to have a fence. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be accessible without hazard.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Infant sleeping requirements were not met as evidenced by soft materials or objects were placed under a sleeping infant in that child was using a pillow while sleeping in crib.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (B) 2. F. states: Soft materials or objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, or sheepskins, even if covered by a sheet, shall not be placed under a sleeping infant. If a mattress cover to protect against wetness is used, it shall be tightly fitting and thin.
Correction Required
Infant sleeping requirements shall be met.

Correction Verification
Return Inspection

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The facility did not conduct a Family Care Safety Registry screening for Krysta Atkin, who was hired on 9/23/21.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (1) (P) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry screening prior to employment for any newly hired child care staff member who has a qualifying criminal background check result.
Correction Required
Required results of the Family Care Safety Registry screening shall be on file.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Background screening information was not available for review for Krysta Atkin.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (1) (Q) states: Background screening information received by the provider shall be retained in the individual’s file in a confidential manner and available for review.
Correction Required
Background screening information shall be available and kept confidential.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A medical examination report did not include a completed Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form for Krysta Atkin and Sam Drury.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include a “Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis” form, included herein, completed and signed by a health care professional, as provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur.
Correction Required
TB reports shall be on file as required

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.132 Admission Policies and Procedures
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.142 Nighttime Care
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.152 Hourly Care Facilities
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.162 Overlap Care of Children
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.172 Emergency School Closings
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A pacifier was observed attached to an infant’s clothing while the infant was sleeping.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program (2) (C) 4. F. states: Pacifiers, if used, shall not be hung around the infant’s neck. Pacifier mechanisms or pacifiers that attach to infant clothing shall not be used with sleeping infants.
Correction Required
Pacifiers shall not be hung around an infant’s neck or attached to clothing while the infant is sleeping.

Correction Verification
Return Inspection

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.202 Nutrition and Food Service
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.212 Transportation and Field Trips
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports
Compliance
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements
Compliance
5 CSR 25-600.040 Background Screening Findings
Compliance
RSMo 210.115. Reports of abuse, neglect, and under age eighteen deaths — persons required to report — supervisors and administrators not to impede reporting — deaths required to be reported to the division or child fatality review panel, when — report made to another state, when. —
Compliance
RSMo 210.211.  License required - exceptions - written notice of licensure status, when.
Compliance