DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

A BETTER FUTURE LEARNING CENTER, LLC

002523835

(314) 495-0743

1442 CHAMBERS RD
ST LOUIS
MO  63135-2270

A BETTER FUTURE LEARNING CENTER, LLC



 

MOPKINS, JESSICA L

abetterfuture40@yahoo.com


BRITTNEY RALPH

1 MONTH - 12 YEARS

40

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

8 CHILDREN IN THE INFANT/TODDLER UNIT
 
Inspection Information

05/15/2025

12:33 PM

1:51 PM

UNANNOUNCED

CLOSE SUPERVISION

2493481226


DocumentDocument-Date
APPLICATION 12/06/2023
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 12/06/2023
STAFF SHEET 12/06/2023
POLICIES 11/29/2023
SAFE SLEEP POLICY 12/06/2023
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 11/30/2023
DAILY SCHEDULE 11/30/2023
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 10/16/2024
SANITATION INSPECTION 11/04/2024
EQUIPMENT LIST 01/15/2025
ANNUAL DECLARATION 01/15/2025
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING 01/15/2025
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 01/15/2025
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 01/15/2025




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 7
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 3
Total Children 9
StaffChildClass AgeNote
1 9 MIXED Teachers, Khadezia Manuel was present with nine children ages ranging between 7-months-old to 4-years-old.
2 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Approximately 15 minutes into the inspection, LLC member, Kimberly Brown and staff member, Ameris West arrived to correct the group size violation.

Compliance List
5 CSR 25-500.032 Organization and Administration
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Additional information is required to make a determination regarding licensure, specifically a LLC operating agreement was not submitted.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process (4) (Q) states: Other information required by the department to make a determination regarding licensure of the facility.
Correction Required
The facility shall submit information as requested by the department.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The infant/toddler space had no separation from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (B) 2. B. (V) states: In facilities initially licensed for infant/toddler care after the effective date of these rules or facilities adding new infant/toddler space, no more than twenty four (24) infants/toddlers and/or two (2)-year olds shall be in a room. A room shall be defined as an area separated from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls. Stable partitions a minimum of four feet (4') in height shall be used to separate the infant/toddler or two (2)-year old groups, or both, in a room;
Correction Required
The infant/toddler space shall be separated by floor-to-ceiling walls, have stable partitions, and care for no more than 24 children at one time.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located in the large preschool classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by there were 9 ceiling tiles with water damage.
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
Bathroom supplies were not available and accessible to children as evidenced by there was no soap.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (3) (A) 4. states: Paper towels, soap and toilet paper shall be provided and easily accessible so the children can reach them without assistance.
Correction Required
The facility shall provide paper towels, soap and toilet paper, accessible for children's use.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by there was a pile of brush that included tree limbs with pine needles .
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 there is a piece of stationary equipment that involves children to sit on a permanent bike and pedal in a circle. This piece of equipment did not have any resiliant material located underneath, and if children were to fall they would land on concrete.
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

5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The facility's list of emergency numbers are not posted in each room used for child care, specifically the smaller preschool classroom.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (2) (B) 1. B. states: A list of emergency numbers, including 911, if available, the fire department, police department, ambulance service, poison control center, and local radio station;
Correction Required
The facility must post all emergency numbers as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
Violation
The facility's evacuation route diagram was not posted in each room.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (2) (B) 2. states: A diagram of evacuation routes from the room;
Correction Required
Facility must post information as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The facility did not meet requirements for large muscle activities. The facility needed an additional 12 items in this category.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (2) (B) 2. D. states: Large muscle activities;
Correction Required
The facility shall provide appropriate equipment for children as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The requirements for first aid/CPR were not met as evidenced by there was no documentation on file showing completion of age-appropriate first aid certification for the requested/licensed capacity.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (1) (T) states: The licensee shall have documentation on file at the facility of current certification in age-appropriate first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for a sufficient number of child care staff to ensure that there is one (1) caregiver at the facility for every twenty (20) children in the licensed capacity. At least one (1) caregiver with current certification in age-appropriate first aid and CPR must be on site at all times when children are present. The training shall be certified by a nationally-recognized organization, such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an equivalent certification, include an in-person skills assessment, and be approved by the department.
Correction Required
Required age-appropriate certification in first aid/CPR shall be on file, with at least one caregiver with certification on site.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Group size requirements were not met as evidenced by 9 children, ages 7-months-old to 4-years-old, were cared for by 1 adult caregiver(s).
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios (1) (A) states: The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group.
Correction Required
Staff/child ratios and group sizes shall be maintained at all times.

Correction Verification
Return Inspection

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Requirements for infant-toddler/preschool child medical examination reports on file were not met as evidenced by there was no medical examination report on file within 30 days of admission - the admission date(s) was/were 11/18/24, 9/1/24, 9/1/24, and 8/6/24.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (2) (A) states: The provider, within thirty (30) days following the admission of each infant, toddler or preschool child, shall require a medical examination report signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician and completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to admission. The provider may use the department’s medical assessment form or the provider may use its own form if it contains all the information on the department’s form. The Child Medical Examination Report (Infant/Toddler/Pre-School)form, revised 2021, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and available by the department at https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/forms. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.
Correction Required
Child medical requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
5 CSR 25-500.132 Admission Policies and Procedures
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A child 3-years-old and 4-years-old years of age was in the I/T room with 9 children in attendance.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.132 Admission Policies and Procedures (5) (B) states: The infant/toddler unit shall not care for children older than two (2) years unless the total number of children in attendance at the time is four (4) or fewer.
Correction Required
A child older than 2 years shall not be in the I/T unless the total number of children in attendance is four or fewer.

Correction Verification
Return Inspection

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.142 Nighttime Care
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.162 Overlap Care of Children
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.172 Emergency School Closings
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program
Compliance
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
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
3 child(ren) records did not include address of another individual who might be reached in an emergency.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (C) states: Name, address and telephone number of another individual (friend or relative) who might be reached in an emergency when the parent(s), guardian or legal custodian cannot be reached;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
5/15/2025
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Khadezia Manuel and Kimberly Brown.
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
5/15/2025
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