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On September 5, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that facility staff members are not properly supervising the children after a child was able to unlock a gate and attempt to leave the toddler playground on August 31, 2023. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3., which states that: "Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises."
On September 12, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to La Petite Academy, Inc. and interviewed Director Jill Buzzell, Assistant Director Rae Andrews, and Preschool Caregiver Hailey Valentine. Ms. Buzzell and Ms. Valentine provided consistent information regarding the reported concerns. On August 31, 2023, Ms. Valentine was on the playground with ten children, including Child A (4-years-old). When the class was beginning to transition inside, Child A ran away from Ms. Valentine. Child A was able to push open a gate and run onto another playground. Ms. Valentine chased after and was able to catch Child A, but left the remaining nine children without adult supervision for a brief amount of time as a result. Ms. Buzzell and Ms. Andrews were able to assist Ms. Valentine after the incident. After the situation was under control, Parent A (parent of Child A) was contacted by Ms. Buzzell. Child A had their care terminated from the facility following the incident and has not returned to the facility since then.
On September 18, 2023, CI Fyfe attempted to interview Parent A via phone but was unsuccessful.
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