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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
7/26/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002846004
Facility Name
TIGER TOTS LLC
Facility Address
1701 S 6TH AVE
City
OZARK
Zip Code
65721-8634
Phone
(417) 551-4440
County
CHRISTIAN
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9. The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Conclusion Summary
On June 26, 2023, the Office of Childhood received a report alleging the facility has mice, mice droppings, and other bugs and pests. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence: 5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9 which states "The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests." On August 1, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. A walkthrough of the facility was conducted. CI Mertz opened and looked under cabinets in the restrooms, infant/toddler classroom, and kitchen area. CI Mertz did observe sticky mouse traps behind the refrigerator in the infant/toddler classroom. CI Mertz did not observe mice, pests, or feces of any kind during the inspection. LLC Member Cheryl Carter was interviewed and stated they did have a mouse on July 12, 2023. Upon being notified of it, she immediately purchased and placed mouse traps and caught one mouse. She also contacted an exterminator. CI Mertz observed an invoice from Viper Pest Solutions LLC indicating they placed seven mouse traps in the facility. CI Mertz also interviewed Caregivers Erica Griffith, Tayce Nickel, Haley Erganian, and Gracie Coffer. Each denied ever seeing a mouse in the facility or that other pests are present. On September 11, 2023 CI Caylin Mertz requested an emergency sanitation inspection.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall provide verification of pest control services to the Office of Childhood. Y 8/1/2023 12:00:00 AM
The facility shall submit to the Office of Childhood an approved sanitation inspection. Y 10/18/2023 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
9/15/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA