DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

THE EXPLORATION STATION

002471025

(636) 253-8040

3774 HESS RD
BYRNES MILL
MO  63051-1109

THE EXPLORATION STATION



 

WELCH, ALISON NICOLE; LORENTZ, MELINDA

explorationstation15@gmail.com

Incorporated

BRITTANY HECHT

6 WEEKS - 5 YEARS

44

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

20 CHILDREN IN THE INFANT/TODDLER UNIT; 8 CHILDREN UNDER 12 MONTHS
 
Inspection Information

05/23/2024

11:35 AM

2:52 PM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2471358332


DocumentDocument-Date
DIAGRAM/INDOOR 04/14/2016
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 04/14/2016
LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION 04/07/2016
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 04/14/2016
DIRECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS 04/14/2016
DAILY SCHEDULE 04/14/2016
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 04/14/2016
CHILD CARE PRACTICES 04/14/2016
DISCIPLINE POLICIES 04/14/2016
POLICIES 04/14/2016
SAMPLE FORMS 04/14/2016
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 04/14/2016
SAFE SLEEP POLICY 04/14/2016
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 04/24/2019
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 07/01/2018
LINES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY 05/29/2019
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 02/25/2020
APPLICATION 01/27/2020
STAFF SHEET 03/13/2020
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 02/08/2024
EQUIPMENT LIST 05/23/2024
SANITATION INSPECTION 02/23/2024
ANNUAL DECLARATION 05/23/2024
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 05/23/2024

Overlap Start TimeOverlap End TimeOverlap Submit Date
  11:00AM   1:00PM   3/2/2017



Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 13
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 9
Total Children 43
StaffChildClass AgeNote
1 4 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Grace Wiggins, Caregiver 4 - 17-21 Month Olds
2 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Jessica Prater & Xan Schuh, Caregivers 8 - 6-18 Month Olds
2 7 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Emily Newman & Gweneth Schultheis, Caregivers 1 - 23 Month Old 6 - 2 Year Olds
2 12 MIXED Paige Thomas & Abby Smith, Caregivers 2 - 2 Year Olds 10 - 3 & 4 Year Olds
1 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Melinda Lorentz, Director
1 12 PRESCHOOL Becca Ritter & Claire Porter, Caregivers 12 - 3-5 Year Olds

Compliance List
5 CSR 25-500.032 Organization and Administration
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Allyson Hilton within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements (2) (C) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry check for all child care staff members within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date as printed on the license.
Correction Required
Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

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 the second stair tread from the top of the steps in the stairway to the basement is coming unattached from the tread, causing a trip hazard.
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
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
Violation
Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by the door to the Furnace Room was not locked/latched.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (C) states: Children shall have no access to areas not approved for child care.
Correction Required
Caregivers shall restrict children to approved space.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. The item(s) was/were located under the sink in the Boys Bathroom.
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
5/23/2024
Violation
There was evidence of dirt/debris in the Andes Room on the floor to the right of the Basement Playground Door near the Locker Cubbies.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 9. states: The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Correction Required
The facility shall be clean and pest free.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
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 it was not attached to either gate (double 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

Violation
The fall-zone area under and around outdoor equipment where children might fall and be injured was not covered with impact-absorbing materials to cushion a fall as evidenced by resilient material was not uniformly spread over the fall-zone area.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 7. states: Areas under and around outdoor equipment shall have continuous maintenance to ensure that the material remains in place and retains its cushioning properties. The resilient material shall be supplemented immediately or replaced as needed.
Correction Required
The facility shall maintain approved resilient material in all fall-zone areas.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
Violation
The observed surface area under the Little Tykes Slide, from which a child might fall consists of bare soil.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 8. states: Concrete, asphalt, carpet, grass or bare soil is not an acceptable surface under outdoor equipment from which children might fall and be injured.
Correction Required
The facility shall not use concrete, asphalt, carpet, grass or bare soil under equipment from which a child might fall.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
Violation
There was evidence of dirt/debris in the Storage Closet under the steps on the wall & floor.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 9. states: The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Correction Required
The facility shall be clean and pest free.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
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
Requirements for feeding equipment for infants and toddlers who are unable to sit at a table were not met as evidenced by no restraints are used.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (C) 2. states: Infants and toddlers. Infants and toddlers who are unable to sit at a table shall have one (1) piece of mealtime feeding equipment for every four (4) infant/toddlers which may include feeding tables, high chairs, infant seats or other safely designed infant seating equipment. Equipment shall be provided which will allow the child to sit comfortably and securely while being fed. Appropriate restraints shall be used.
Correction Required
Safe and secure feeding equipment shall be provided as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/23/2024
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A facility orientation was not conducted for a caregiver(s) before being left alone with children. The following staff need a facility orientation: Alexandra Schuh, Margaret Doster, Paige Thomas, Tasha Bowman & Emily Newman.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (1) (K) . states: The child care provider shall ensure that within seven (7) days of employment or volunteering, and before being left alone with children, that caregivers employed on or after August 30, 2019, receive a facility orientation. The facility orientation shall include--
Correction Required
The facility shall ensure that a facility orientation occurs within 7 days of employment or volunteering and before caregivers are left alone with children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2023, the staff listed need the following information: Rebecca Ritter - 7 Clock Hours & Abigail Smith - 8 Clock Hours.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (3) (A) states: The center director, group child care home provider, all other caregivers, and those volunteers who are counted in staff/child ratios shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child-care related training during each calendar year. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.
Correction Required
Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Paige Thomas.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (4) (A) . states: Every three (3) years, the child care provider, group child care home provider, child care staff members, and volunteers in a group child care home or child care center licensed to provide care for infants less than one (1) year of age shall successfully complete department-approved training regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations contained in the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sleep-related infant deaths. The Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, July 2022, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and available at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 or as published in PEDIATRICS Volume 150, Issue 1, July 2022. A copy can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/deseadministrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.
Correction Required
The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Allyson Hilton, Claire Porter, Rebecca Ritter & Abigail Smith did not complete safe sleep training within 30 days of employment or volunteering at the facility.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (4) (A) 3. states: The child care provider, group child care home provider, child care staff members, and volunteers shall complete safe sleep training described in subsection (4)(A) of this rule within thirty (30) days of employment or volunteering at the facility.
Correction Required
The department-approved safe sleep training must be completed within 30 days of employment or volunteering.

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
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Alexandra Schuh, Claire Porter & Abigail Smith as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (A) states: All persons working in a child care facility in any capacity during child care hours, including volunteers counted in staff/child ratios, shall be in good physical and emotional health with no physical or mental conditions which would interfere with child care responsibilities. These persons shall have a medical examination report, signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician, on file at the facility at the time of initial licensure or within thirty (30) days following employment.
Correction Required
Medical reports shall be on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The medical examination report on file was older than 12 months before the individual's begin date at the facility.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (C) states: Medical examination reports shall be completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to beginning work in the facility and may be transferable to another child care facility for subsequent employment.
Correction Required
Medical reports shall be on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
A medical examination report did not include either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) for the following staff: Alexandra Schuh & Abigail Smith.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include either a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, completed and signed by a health care professional, or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) completed not more than twelve (12) months before beginning work in the facility. The Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, revised March 2014, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tuberculosis/tbmanual/pdf/RiskAssessmentform.pdf. If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur.
Correction Required
Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
A medical examination report included either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) which was completed more than 12 months before beginning work in the facility for the following staff: Margaret Doster, Paige Thomas & Mary Moore.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include either a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, completed and signed by a health care professional, or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) completed not more than twelve (12) months before beginning work in the facility. The Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, revised March 2014, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tuberculosis/tbmanual/pdf/RiskAssessmentform.pdf. If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur.
Correction Required
Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) 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 25-500.162 Overlap Care of Children
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.172 Emergency School Closings
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
There was no parental written objection to immunizations on file for 1 child(ren).
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (4) (B) 2. B. states: A parent or guardian exemption, by which a child shall be exempted from immunization requirements if one (1) parent or guardian files a written objection to immunization with the day care administrator. Exemptions shall be accepted by the day care administrator when the necessary information as determined by the department is filed with the day care administrator by the parent or guardian. Exemption forms shall be provided by the department (see 19 CSR 40-61.185).
Correction Required
Child immunization requirements shall be on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

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
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Jessica Prater & Katelyn Sims.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (5) states: Criminal background checks shall be completed for each child care staff member every five (5) years.
Correction Required
Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Criminal background check results were not on file for Alexandra Schuh, Rebecca Ritter, Margaret Doster, Claire Porter, Allyson Hilton, Gweneth Schultheis & Gabriel Hupfeld.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (1) states: Prior to the employment or presence of a child care staff member in a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility not exempted by section 210.1080.13, RSMo, the child care provider shall request the results of a criminal background check for such child care staff member from the department.
Correction Required
Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

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