View Investigation

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Facility Information
Date of Report
4/21/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
001814924
Facility Name
A STEP ABOVE, L.L.C.
Facility Address
303 N US HIGHWAY 169
City
SMITHVILLE
Zip Code
64089-9501
Phone
(816) 532-3104
County
CLAY
Assigned Specialist
GREER, JOHN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(A) The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children.
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)1. 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.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that the privacy fence at the facility is in need of repair. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(A) which states, "The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children." AND 5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)1. which 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." On April 26, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Assistant Director Laura Dixon who stated LLC Member Janet Worley first noticed the gap in the fence on April 24, 2023. On April 26, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Lisa Dixon who stated on April 25, 2023, Caregiver Dixon noticed a gap in the fence and reported it to Assistant Director Dixon. That was the first day Caregiver Dixon had noticed the gap in the fence. On April 26, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced walkthrough of the facility and observed on the west side of the fence on the outdoor playground there is a gap in the privacy fence. The fence is approximately 6 feet tall. The gap at the top of the fence measured at approximately 10 inches wide. The gap approximately 54 inches from the bottom of the fence measured at 2 inches wide. On the north side of the fence one post is leaning in and pulling the fence in towards the playground. The post is not secure and needs to be replaced or secured in the ground.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall ensure that the fence is repaired and/or replaced and is safe and suitable for the care of children. The fence shall be free of any hazards. Verification of repair/replacement shall be submitted via photos or video sent to the Office of Childhood for verification. Y 4/29/2023 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA