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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
5/19/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002984981
Facility Name
HUCKLEBERRY'S EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC
Facility Address
707 S HEMPHILL ST
City
CRANE
Zip Code
65633-9161
Phone
(417) 983-5650
County
STONE
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
RSMo 210.211.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a child-care facility for children, or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as being able to perform any of the services as defined in section 210.201, without having in effect a written license granted by the department of elementary and secondary education.
Conclusion Summary
On May 19, 2023, the Office of Childhood received a report alleging that the facility is providing care for more than six children without a childcare license. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations: RSMo 210.211.1 which states "It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a child-care facility for children, or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as being able to perform any of the services as defined in section 210.201, without having in effect a written license granted by the department of health and senior services." On June 2, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection. Seven children were observed at the facility. LLC Member Nichol Woodward stated she is pursuing licensure and believes she will have an initial inspection soon. Nichol provided identifying information for the seven children observed in the facility. Based on the information provided, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Huckleberry Early Learning Center LLC is providing illegal childcare.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The provider must immediately reduce to six or fewer children with a maximum of three children under 24 months in care. Y 10/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/17/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA