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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
5/22/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002565371
Facility Name
KIDS R KIDS - WENTZVILLE
Facility Address
1020 MEYER RD
City
WENTZVILLE
Zip Code
63385-3694
Phone
(636) 327-0788
County
ST CHARLES
Assigned Specialist
HUDSON, ELIZABETH
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(B)2. Staff/child ratios for infant/toddlers and two (2) -year olds shall be maintained at all times.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) The following staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(E) Mixed Age Groups Two Years (2) and Up. Groups composed of mixed ages of children two (2) years of age and older shall have no less than one (1) adult to ten (10) children with a maximum of four (4) two (2) -year olds. When there are more than four (4) two (2) -year olds in a mixed group, the staff/child ratio shall be no less than one (1) adult to eight (8) children.
Conclusion Summary
On May 22, 2023, the (OOC) Office Of Childcare received an allegation that they are always off on Staff/Child Ratios. Mrs. Emily had 21 children to herself and Mrs. Emily had 17 children to herself, they are both 2 Year Old Teachers. They even had 35 children with 1 caregiver before in the back. The Baby Room had 12 children with only 2 teachers before and is always like this from 8:00-9:00 AM. After conducting an investigation, (CI) Compliance Inspector Liz Hudson has found the allegations to be substantiated based on the following evidence: 5 CSR 25-500.112(1)., which states: "The following staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times:" AND 5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(E)., which states: "Mixed Age Groups Two Years (2) and Up. Groups composed of mixed ages of children two (2) years of age and older shall have no less than one (1) adult to ten (10) children with a maximum of four (4) two (2) -year olds. When there are more than four (4) two (2) -year olds in a mixed group, the staff/child ratio shall be no less than one (1) adult to eight (8) children." AND 5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(B)2., which states: "Staff/child ratios for infant/toddlers and two (2) -year olds shall be maintained at all times." On May 22, 2023, CI Hudson conducted an unannounced inspection at Kids R Kids Wentzville. CI Hudson interviewed Linh Hoffner, Director Aliza Padberg as well as Teachers Theresa Dobelmann, Janet Brown, Cassandra Harris and Samantha Brooks. Staff gave consistent statements, indicating that the facility is currently and has been out of ratio for some time. Staff stated that this occurs mostly in the mornings and later in the afternoons close to pick up time. Ms. Linh and Ms. Aliza showed CI Hudson a list of nine employees who had called in sick within the last twenty four hours. They stated that they were both covering for teachers in classrooms and doing the best they could. Ms. Linh also stated that staff turn over has been an issue and they are in the midst of interviewing and hiring new employees. CI Hudson observed 31 children, 4-years-old to 11-years-old being supervised by two individuals: the Cook Ms. Janet and Staff Neil Hoffner. On May 26, 2023 CI Hudson conducted a re-inspection and observed the following classroom not maintaining correct staff/child ratio: Staff Emma Berens and Director Aliza Padberg were with 22 children ages 4-years-old to 5-years-old.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
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 violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 8/4/2023 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/25/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L