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On August 24, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that staff members are diapering children on the floor. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.082(4)(A)., which states that: "A safe diapering table with a waterproof washable surface shall be used for changing diapers. The diapering table shall be located within or adjacent to the group space so the caregiver using the diapering table can maintain supervision of his/her group of children at all times."
On August 29, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to Little Learners of O'Fallon, LLC and interviewed Director Angela Manganelli, Assistant Director Chelsey Lopez, Preschool Caregiver Jessica Barnhart, and Preschool Caregiver Nathan Yeager. Ms. Manganelli, Ms. Barnhart, and Mr. Yeager provided similar information. Mr. Yeager and Ms. Barnhart were two of the staff members that were diapering children on the floor. They were unaware that they were not supposed to be doing this. Ms. Manganelli reinforced the facility's diaper changing procedures with the staff members as a result.
On September 20, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed Stephanie Vilbert. Ms. Vilbert worked at the facility up until September 11, 2023, and worked in the classroom with Mr. Yeager and Ms. Barnhart. The issue regarding staff members changing children's diapers on the floor was an issue that was occurring across the entire facility and in multiple classrooms. The issue stopped happening after Ms. Manganelli addressed the issue with all of the staff members.
On August 29, 2023, and on September 20, 2023, CI Fyfe attempted to interview the reporter of this complaint but was unsuccessful.
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