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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Ibbotson conducted an investigation regarding the allegation that on May 15, 2023, Child A ran from Caregiver Nicole David, who was not supervising the children well while playing near a construction site with a total of six children present. 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 25-500.082(1)(C) which states: "Children shall have no access to areas not approved for child care."
On May 16, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Director King, Caregiver Vaught, Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt. All staff confirmed that the area utilized on May 15, 2023, was not licensed space for the children to play at. Staff also stated that parents were not notified before taking a walk to the unlicensed space and was not aware that their children were participating in an activity outside of the licensed space.
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(A) which states: "The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children."
On May 16, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Caregiver Vaught, Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt. Caregiver Vaught stated she was in charge during the time of the incident and was aware that Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt were taking their class on a walk on May 15, 2023. She stated that Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt decided to go inside of the campus fieldhouse once it started to rain while on their walk, but she was not aware of this until they came back to the facility and informed her that a bystander complained about them being present while construction was active.
Caregiver David stated that she and Caregiver Reinhardt planned to play on the facility playground but due to the rain, they decided to go inside of the campus fieldhouse instead. Caregiver David stated that children often utilized that space because there were balls the children could play with, as well as having enough space to encourage the children's gross motor skills. Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt both stated that they were aware construction was present because one of the large forklifts was driving through the open garage door, inside of the campus fieldhouse where they were at. Caregiver David stated that Child A was very intrigued by the machinery and started to run towards it. She stated that she immediately ran after Child A and was able to successfully retrieve him before he got too close to the equipment.
Caregiver David and Caregiver Reinhardt both stated that they were standing on the opposite side of the track field from where the construction was occurring and did not believe any of the children's safety were in danger. Both staff also stated that they did not have any supervision concerns because they were both active with the children and responded immediately to ensure Child A did not get too close to the construction zone.
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