DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

THE EXPLORATION STATION HIGH RIDGE LODGE

002471025

(636) 253-8040

3100 HIGH RIDGE BLVD
HIGH RIDGE
MO  63049-2217

THE EXPLORATION STATION



 


explorationstation15@gmail.com

Incorporated

BRITTANY HECHT

6 WEEKS - 12 YEARS

39

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

16 CHILDREN IN THE INFANT/TODDLER UNIT
 
Inspection Information

08/21/2026

8:55 AM

11:29 AM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2518576087


DocumentDocument-Date
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 03/24/2025
SAFE SLEEP POLICY 03/24/2025
REGISTERING FICTITIOUS NAMES 04/29/2025
POLICIES 07/29/2025
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 07/01/2026
LINES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY 03/24/2025
LICENSING ORIENTATION 05/31/2022
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 03/24/2025
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 05/21/2026
EQUIPMENT LIST 07/01/2026
DISCIPLINE POLICIES 03/24/2025
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 03/24/2025
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 04/29/2025
DIAGRAM/INDOOR 07/29/2025
DAILY SCHEDULE 05/06/2025
CHILD CARE PRACTICES 03/24/2025
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 07/29/2025
APPLICATION 07/29/2025
CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING 04/29/2025
SANITATION INSPECTION 04/24/2026
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 07/29/2025
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 07/29/2025
DIRECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS 02/05/2021
ANNUAL DECLARATION 07/01/2026




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 10
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 8
Total Children 36
StaffChildClass AgeNote
2 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Alexandria (Ally) Smith & Chloe Neel, Caregivers 3 - 15-20 Month Olds 5 - 2 Year Olds
1 4 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Jessica Prater, Caregiver 4 - 3-15 Month Olds
1 8 MIXED Grace Anderson, Caregiver 2 - 2 Year Olds 6 - 3 Year Olds
3 16 MIXED Paige Arnold & Hailey Ruiz-Nuve, Caregivers Brooklynn Schneider, Volunteer 7 - 3 & 4 Year Olds 9 - 5-7 Year Olds
1 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Margaret (Maggie) Doster, Cook

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
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 the TV was not secured to the wall or shelf in the Andes Room.
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
8/21/2026
Violation
Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by the Mop Closet was not locked & was accessible to children.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: Lysol Wipes & Toilet Bowl Cleaner. The item(s) was/were located under the sink in the Preschool 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
8/21/2026
Violation
Bathroom supplies were not available and accessible to children as evidenced by paper towels were not within children's reach.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The use of potty chairs/junior commode/adaptor seat did not meet requirements as evidenced by the potty chair was not emptied.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (3) (C) 2. states: One (1) potty chair, junior commode or toilet with an adapter seat shall be provided for every four (4) children being toilet trained. Potty chairs shall be located in the bathroom and shall be emptied, cleaned and disinfected after each use.
Correction Required
The facility shall provide, clean, and disinfect potty training equipment as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
8/21/2026
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 no resilient material was present.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 5. states: The fall-zone area under and around outdoor equipment where children might fall and be injured shall be covered with impact absorbing materials which will effectively cushion the fall of a child. This material may include sand, pea gravel, tanbark, shredded tires, wood chips, rubber matting or other approved resilient material.
Correction Required
The facility shall maintain approved resilient material in all fall-zone areas.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
3/20/2026
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
8/21/2026
Violation
The observed surface area under the Dome, on the Preschool Playground, from which a child might fall consists of grass.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
3/20/2026
Violation
The observed surface area under the Climber, specifically the pastel colored climber on the I/T Playground, from which a child might fall consists of grass.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
3/20/2026
Violation
The observed surface area under the Slide, on the I/T Playground, from which a child might fall consists of grass.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/21/2026
Violation
The observed surface area under the Climber, specifically the primary colored climber on the I/T Playground, from which a child might fall consists of grass.
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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
3/20/2026
Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: Sunscreen, approximately 20+ bottles of various brands. The item(s) was/were located in a basket in the Andes 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
8/21/2026
Violation
The observed surface area under the Slide, on the Preschool Playground, from which a child might fall consists of grass.
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
8/21/2026
5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Requirements of 19 CSR 30-62.087 Fire Safety were not met as evidenced by the disaster and tornado drill was not held at least one time every three months.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety (2) (F) states: Child care staff shall conduct at least one (1) fire drill each month and a disaster drill at least every three (3) months. The disaster drills shall include tornado drills. The provider shall maintain a written record at the facility of the date, type of drill, time required to evacuate the building, and number of children present during the drill.
Correction Required
Fire, tornado, and other disaster drills shall be completed and recorded as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Compliance
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: Mary Ruiz-Nuve.
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 2025, the staff listed need the following information: Grace Anderson - .5 Clock Hour, Alexandria Smith - 2 Clock Hours & Ava Tucker - 2 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

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 either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) for the following staff: Chloe Neel.
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
The requirements for administering medication were not met as follows: medication was available for administering to a child, however there was no written permission on file.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (3) (B) states: All medication shall be given to a child only with the dated, written permission of the parent(s) stating the length of time medication may be given.
Correction Required
All medication shall be administered and recorded as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The requirements for prescription medications were not met as evidenced by a medication was not labeled with the physician's name.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (3) (C) states: Prescription medication shall be in the original container and labeled with the child's name, instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages and the physician's name. This may include sample medication provided by a physician.
Correction Required
Medications shall be stored and labeled as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Facility did not submit the 2025-2026 annual summary report showing immunization status of each child enrolled by January 15.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (4) (D) states: The administrator of each day care facility shall prepare a record of immunization of each child enrolled in or attending the facility. An annual summary report shall be made by January 15 showing the immunization status of each child enrolled, using forms provided by the department (see 19 CSR 40-61.185). The immunization records shall be available for review by department personnel upon request.
Correction Required
Facility shall submit an annual summary report by January 15 showing the immunization status of each child enrolled.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The requirements for prescription medications were not met as evidenced by a medication was not labeled with instructions for administration including times and dosage amounts.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (3) (C) states: Prescription medication shall be in the original container and labeled with the child's name, instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages and the physician's name. This may include sample medication provided by a physician.
Correction Required
Medications shall be stored and labeled 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
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