View Investigation

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
6/30/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
000454575
Facility Name
LA PETITE ACADEMY, INC.
Facility Address
3607 RICHARDSON SQUARE DR
City
ARNOLD
Zip Code
63010-6003
Phone
(636) 464-8111
County
JEFFERSON
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(D)1. 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.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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;
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that four children were left unattended in a classroom due to miscommunication between 2 teachers, Alexis Courtney & Britney Herbert at approximately 7:55 AM this morning (June 30th). The children were left unattended for about 1 minute. The children left alone were Child A (21- months- old), Child B (19 -months- old), Child C (18- months- old) and Child D (16-months-old). This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation. 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." 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 7, 2023, Karley Berner, caregiver stated that Lexi Courtney, caregiver, stepped out the classroom for approximately one minute leaving four children, ages 16-months-old to 21-months-old unattended. Lexi said that she was in the classroom with four children and caregiver Britney Herbert. Lexi saw a parent walk in the front door and was going to step out and talk with her. She told Britney that she was stepping out but Britney did not respond. Once Lexi was in the office, caregiver Leona Hill came in asked who was in Lexi's room with the toddlers because Britney was in the infant room. The two caregivers stepped out of the room without the other knowing, leaving the toddlers unattended. Karley said that training will be conducted for all caregivers on supervision and ratios and well as face to name counting.
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 licensing violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda(s) shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood." Y 3/12/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L