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On June 29, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that infant caregiver, Metika Simpson, walks out of the classroom multiple times a day, leaving the children unattended. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.112(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;"
AND
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(D)1., which states: "Infants and toddlers shall have constant care and supervision. Home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) shall not be used in place of supervision while children are napping or sleeping."
On July 5, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe interviewed Joahanna Harris. Ms. Harris is a previous staff member of TilSunUp24hr Daycare LLC and has observed the reported concerns firsthand. The reported concerns involving Ms. Simpson occur on a daily basis, approximately two to three times a day.
On July 6, 2023, CI Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to TilSunUp24hr Daycare LLC and observed Ms. Simpson leave four children, 4-months-old to 11-months-old, unattended. While present at the facility, CI Fyfe interviewed staff members Jessica Townsend, Metika Simpson, Karla Hodges, Jade Hodges, Ciara Byrd, and Jasmine Valiant. While all staff members interviewed by CI Fyfe denied the reported concerns, Ms. Karla informed CI Fyfe that she will stand in between the toddler classroom and infant classroom when Ms. Simpson leaves the classroom. Ms. Karla attempts to supervise both classrooms at the same time when this happens.
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