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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
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Facility Information
Date of Report
7/28/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002644973
Facility Name
KIDZONE CREATIONS, LLC
Facility Address
1001 MIDDLEBROOK DR STE A
City
LIBERTY
Zip Code
64068-1987
Phone
(816) 429-5521
County
CLAY
Assigned Specialist
IBBOTSON, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(E) One (1) serving of fluid milk shall be served with each meal.
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(L) Drinking water shall be located conveniently near playrooms and the playground so children may be free to drink as they wish. Water fountains or individual cups shall be used.
5 CSR 25-500.102(2)(A)2. Center directors and group child care home providers routinely shall be on duty during the hours of highest attendance a minimum of forty (40) hours per week. If the facility operates less than forty (40) hours per week, the center director or group child care home provider shall be on duty at least fifty percent (50%) of the operating hours.
5 CSR 25-500.092(3)(D) Stationary equipment such as swings, slides and climbers shall be securely anchored, have no exposed footings and be placed to avoid accidents or collisions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8. No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Ibbotson conducted an investigation regarding the allegation that Caregiver Samantha Smith would not provide water or milk throughout the day because she did not like to clean up the mess. After conducting the investigation, CI Ibbotson finds this allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility: 5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(E) which states: "One (1) serving of fluid milk shall be served with each meal." AND 5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(L) which states: "Drinking water shall be located conveniently near playrooms and the playground so children may be free to drink as they wish. Water fountains or individual cups shall be used." On July 31, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Assistant Director Lam, Child C and Child D. Assistant Director Lam stated that she was informed by former Caregiver Callahan that Caregiver Smith was not providing water and milk to the children because she did not like to clean up the mess. She stated that she spoke to Caregiver Smith about the concerns and Caregiver Smith admitted that it was true. Child C and Child D both stated that Caregiver Smith was their teacher and that sometimes they were told no by her when they asked for a drink. They both stated that they did not have milk or water sometimes when they ate at school. [CI Ibbotson did not arrive at the facility until later in the day and was unable to interview more staff due to it being the end of their shift]. On August 22, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed Caregiver McClelland and Caregiver Wilkinson who both stated that they observed Caregiver Smith deny children water and milk at times because she did not like to clean up the mess when they spilt it. On November 17, 2023, CI Ibbotson interviewed former Caregiver Roberts who stated that she was told by Caregiver McClelland, Caregiver Wilkinson and former Caregiver Callahan that Caregiver Smith did not provide water or milk to her class. She stated that when she walked into the Caregiver Smith's classroom, children were always thirsty and would ask for a drink of water.
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 1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
12/6/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA