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Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that the facility is often out of ratio. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.112(2) which states, "If a center has an attendance of more than fifty (50) children, the center director or individual in charge shall not be included in staff/child ratios except during naptime or on an emergency substitute basis."
On July 5, 2023, CI Greer conducted an unannounced walkthrough of the facility and observed Board Chairperson/ Director Leigh Ann Williams was present in a classroom. The whole facility had an attendance of 59 children. It was not naptime and there was not an emergency at that time.
AND
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) which states, "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;"
On July 5, 2023, CI Greer conducted an unannounced walkthrough of the facility and observed Caregiver Dakota Foster was present with five children, one 2 years old and four 12 months old to 23 months old.
On July 5, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer interviewed Board Chairperson Leigh Ann Williams, who stated there have been ratios issues lately.
On July 5, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Dakota Foster, who stated there are staffing issues daily in the toddler and infant rooms. The ratio in the toddler and infant rooms is 1:4. They are often over their ratio by one to two children. When they are out of ratio it is for at least a few hours if not all day.
On July 5, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Kyla Johnson, who stated there are ratio issues daily in the toddler and infant rooms. The ratio in the infant and toddler rooms is 1:4. Those rooms are out of ratio often. When they are out of ratio it is by one or two children and for most of the day.
On July 5, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Samantha Lewis, who stated she usually works in the toddler unit. The ratio in the 2's room is 1:8 and the ratio in the toddler unit is 1:4. Board Chairperson Leigh Ann Williams has asked her to take more children than her ratio allows. Board Chairperson Williams has asked her to take one additional child beyond her ratio.
On July 6, 2023, CI Greer reviewed attendance records for staff and children for July 5, 2023, and observed Caregiver Kila was present with five infants and toddlers from approximately 7:37 a.m. to 8:03 a.m.
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