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On August 25, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that this week (8/21-8/25), there has been a heat advisory. Children have been outside every day. Today, 8/25, children have been outside for over 30 minutes. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Liz Hudson has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
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."
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5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(B)4., which states: "A total of at least one (1) hour of outdoor play for children in attendance a full day unless prevented by weather or special medical reasons. (Based on wind chill factor or heat index, children shall not be exposed to either extreme element. ) ;"
On August 28, 2023, CI Hudson conducted an unannounced inspection at Cuddles Day Care Center Corp.. CI Hudson conducted interviews with Director Trina Johnson as well as Teachers Lakisha Dean, Tara Cook, Roxanne Carr, Eugene Carr and Teresa Ngari. It was confirmed with all staff members that they were aware of the heat advisory between August 21, 2023 and August 25, 2023. Daily heat indexes averaged between 113 F and 115 F. All staff stated that children had been outside during this particular week. Staff stated that Ms. Cassandra's class specifically had been outside for more than fifteen minutes at a time. Ms. Trina reported that Ms. Cassandra's class had been outside in the mornings at 10:30am for ten or fifteen minutes at the most, referencing Friday, August 25, 2023 as the most recent day, while Ms. Cassandra reported having taken the one-year-olds out that same day for approximately twenty minutes or so at 9am. Ms. Lakisha, Ms. Roxanne and Mr. Eugene all stated that Ms. Cassandra had the toddlers outside during what is usually still naptime for them at approximately 2:30pm, Wednesday, August 23, 2023. The high temperature reported that day was 99 F. Staff stated that they did not see water bottles or cups outside at that time. Ms. Cassandra stated that Ms. Trina brought out juice boxes for the toddlers after they went outside on Friday 25, 2023. Ms. Dean stated that at approximately 10am on Friday August 25, 2023 she took her 2-year-olds outside for ten minutes with their water bottles, turned around and went back inside because it was too hot for the children. Ms. Dean stated that Ms. Cassandra was outside with her class at the same time with her cell phone ear pods in/ talking and did not come back inside for at least an hour. Ms. Dean stated that Ms. Cassandra came back in the building and told her and Ms. Cook how hot it was outside and that they are just now coming back inside after 11am. Staff stated that this has occurred during the whole week with Ms. Cassandra and the one-year-olds. Ms. Teresa stated that she will not take her infant/toddlers outside if it's over 80 F. Ms. Cook stated that she did not take the preschoolers outside all week due to the advisories and extreme heat being dangerous. Ms. Roxanne and Mr. Eugene stated the same for their preschoolers.
CI Hudson was unable to make direct contact with the reporter due to no phone number or email address. CI Hudson confirmed that there is no employee or parent associated with the facility with the reporter's name.
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