| Conclusion Summary |
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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Glover conducted an investigation regarding the allegation that three children, ages 2-years-old to 3-years-old, were left without adult supervision for approximately two to three minutes by Caregiver LaChandra Lowe. After conducting the investigation, CI Glover finds this allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. which states: "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent adult supervision."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3. which states: "Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises."
On December 19, 2022, CI Glover interviewed Director Mary Mulkey and Caregiver Heather McCool whom both stated that Caregiver LaChandra Lowe left the classroom, leaving four preschool children unattended for approximately three to four minutes.
CI Glover reviewed video footage from December 12, 2022, and observed Licensing Specialist Joni Beem appear at classroom Green 3A at 3:39:25 p.m. CI Glover observed a parent at the door, speaking to Caregiver LaChandra Lowe on the other side. CI Glover observed Ms. Beem walk into the classroom at 3:39:48 p.m., closing the door behind her. CI Glover observed Ms. Beem approach Caregiver Heather McCool as she was cleaning a table. CI Glover then observed Ms. McCool start walking away from the classroom door, with Ms. Beem following behind her. CI Glover observed at 3:40:04 p.m., Ms. Lowe walked out of the classroom as she was carrying a child and speaking with the parent. CI Glover observed Ms. Lowe walk out of the classroom with her back towards the classroom and then the door was shut by another caregiver behind her. CI Glover then observed Ms. Lowe sit at the bench as she continued to speak with the parent. CI Glover observed children near the glass window of the classroom, some looking out into the hallway where Ms. Lowe was. However, CI Glover did not observe Ms. Lowe or the other caregiver look at the children or face towards the classroom until 3:40:54 p.m. CI Glover observed the other caregiver walk towards the classroom and peek inside for three seconds before turning back around and continuing the conversation with the parent and Ms. Lowe. CI Glover observed Ms. Lowe continue to sit at the bench without looking into the classroom where the children were until Ms. McCool and Ms. Beem approached at 3:41:21 p.m. CI Glover observed Ms. Beem open the classroom door and point to inside of the classroom as she was looking at Ms. Lowe. CI Glover then observed Ms. Lowe immediately stand up and walk back inside of the classroom at 3:41:34 p.m.
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