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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
5/12/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002931779
Facility Name
TALENTED TOTS - SMITHVILLE, LLC
Facility Address
205 RICHARDSON ST
City
SMITHVILLE
Zip Code
64089-9124
Phone
(816) 873-1718
County
CLAY
Assigned Specialist
GREER, JOHN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that Caregiver Tara Anderson walked up to Child A (3 years old) and picked him up by one arm and one leg and sat him down aggressively on the floor. Child A was crying in the video. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. which states, "Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions." On May 17, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Director Shawnah Bardot, who stated on May 12, 2023, Director Bardot became aware of an issue with Caregiver Tara Anderson. Parent C (Parent of Child C) came to Director Bardot and Assistant Director Nicole Payton and stated on May 8, 2023, Caregiver Anderson was being rough with a child in the classroom. Parent C asked Director Bardot and Assistant Director Payton to look at footage from May 8, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m. Director Bardot and Assistant Director Payton reviewed footage from May 8, 2023. Caregiver Anderson was seen on camera picking up Child A (3 years old) by the arm and leg and placing Child A aggressively onto the ground. On May 17, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Assistant Director Nicole Payton, who stated on May 12, 2023, Parent C came to her and Director Bardot with a concern about Caregiver Anderson. Parent C stated on May 8, 2023, she saw Caregiver Anderson being rough with a child in the corner of the room. Assistant Director Payton stated she would look at video footage with Director Bardot. Assistant Director Payton and Director Bardot reviewed video footage from May 8, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m. Caregiver Anderson was shown on camera picking up Child A by one arm and one leg and placing Child A forcefully onto the ground in the corner of the room. On May 17, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Parent C (Parent of Child C), who stated on May 8, 2023, she walked into Child C's (3 years old) classroom. She observed Caregiver Tara Anderson in the corner of the room speaking aggressively with a child. On May 17, 2023, CI Greer reviewed video footage from May 8, 2023, in Child A's classroom. It should be noted the time on the camera is off by approximately one hour. At approximately 6:14 p.m., Caregiver Tara Anderson is visible wearing black shorts and a dark grey tie dye t shirt. Caregiver Madison Conyers is visible wearing a blue t shirt. Child A (3 years old) is wearing black shorts, a grey t shirt, and sandals. At approximately 6:14 p.m. Caregiver Anderson walks across the room, bends down and picks up Child A by his right arm and right leg. Caregiver Anderson turns and places Child A in the corner of the room. Child A appears to graze the wall and lands forcefully on his bottom. A door at the back of the classroom opens and Parent C enters the classroom. Caregiver Anderson squats down and appears to be speaking very close to Child A's face. Caregiver Anderson stands up and throws a tissue at Child A. At approximately 6:14 p.m., Child A appears to be crying.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 1/4/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
12/19/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA