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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Ibbotson (Glover) conducted an investigation regarding the allegation that there were more than eight children total on a regular basis in the toddler classroom. After conducting the investigation, CI Ibbotson finds this allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) which states: "Birth Through Two (2) Years. Groups composed of mixed ages through two (2) years shall have no less than one (1) adult to four (4) children, with no more than eight (8) children in a group;"
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5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(b)2.B.(IV) which states: "No more than eight (8) infant/toddlers or sixteen (16) two (2) - year olds shall be in a group.
On March 20, 2023, CI Ibbotson conducted a walkthrough of the facility to observe staff and child attendance. During the walkthrough, CI Ibbotson observed two caregivers with nine children in one classroom, ages 18 months to 2 years. CI Ibbotson interviewed Director Shelby Sloan and Caregivers Krystle Pennington and Tammy Mondy who all stated that they were unaware that a group size could not be larger than eight children total when 1-year-olds were included and stated that there were more than eight in the classroom each day. Mrs. Sloan stated that the toddler classroom was originally licensed as two rooms but had an understanding that it could be combined as one bigger room, but still maintain a group size of no more than 16 children.
On March 29, 2023, CI Ibbotson conducted an unannounced re-inspection to observe staff and children attendance. CI Ibbotson observed the toddler classroom as two with a divider put back into place with two caregivers and seven children, ages 18 months to 2 years on one side and two caregivers with five children, ages 13 months to 17 months on the other side.
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