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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
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Facility Information
Date of Report
5/12/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002983973
Facility Name
CAMERON'S COTTAGE
Facility Address
733 DUNN RD
City
HAZELWOOD
Zip Code
63042-1740
Phone
(314) 528-8009
County
ST LOUIS
Assigned Specialist
FYFE, IAN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)2. Open windows and doors shall be screened securely. Barriers to prevent children from falling against windows or falling from windows shall be provided when windows are less than twenty-four inches (24") from the floor and not constructed of safety glass or other nonbreakable material.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent adult supervision.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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;
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(R) Any person present at the facility during the hours in which child care is provided shall not present a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the children.
5 CSR 25-600.020 (1) Prior to the employment or presence of a child care staff member in a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility not exempted by section 210.1080.13, RSMo, the child care provider shall request the results of a criminal background check for such child care staff member from the department.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(P) The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry screening prior to employment for any newly hired child care staff member who has a qualifying criminal background check result.
Conclusion Summary
On May 12, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that Child A's (7-months-old) caregiver, Ms. Natalie, had the classroom door propped open. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence: 5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)2., which states the following: "Open windows and doors shall be screened securely. Barriers to prevent children from falling against windows or falling from windows shall be provided when windows are less than twenty-four inches (24") from the floor and not constructed of safety glass or other nonbreakable material." On May 18, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to Cameron's Cottage and interviewed Director Carmen McBride, staff member Natalie McBride, and staff member Tina Hines. All staff members interviewed by CI Fyfe were familiar with the reported concerns and provided similar information. On either May 8, 2023, or May 9, 2023, Ms. Natalie propped the infant and toddler door open while the children were present in the room. The door leads outside to the facility playground. Ms. Natalie did so in an attempt to "air out" the room after changing diapers. Ms. Carmen observed this happening and instructed Ms. Natalie and Ms. Hines not to do it again. This was a one-time incident. On May 22, 2023, CI Fyfe conducted an interview with Parent A (Parent of Child A). On either May 9, 2023, or May 10, 2023, Parent A was picking up Child A when they saw the reported concerns. Ms. Natalie stated that she had the door propped open to air out the room. Child A was in a bouncer while the other two children were in their cribs.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall ensure that all employees have a comprehensive background screening completed prior to a person's employment and/or presence within the child care facility. The comprehensive background screening must include verification of fingerprinting of the individual and a requested screening via the Family Care Safety Registry. The facility shall submit a signed statement agreeing to ensure this requirement is followed. A copy of the signed statement shall be provided to the Child Care Compliance Section. Y 7/19/2023 12:00:00 AM
The facility shall notify all staff members of the violations which were substantiated, and specify the actions to be taken by all staff in order to comply with all licensing violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda(s) shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood Y 7/19/2023 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/11/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L