View Investigation

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Back

Facility Information
Date of Report
9/14/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002736383
Facility Name
EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY
Facility Address
5440 GRAVOIS AVE
City
ST LOUIS
Zip Code
63116-2339
Phone
(314) 696-2516
County
ST LOUIS CITY
Assigned Specialist
FYFE, IAN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
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.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(E)4. Diapers and wet clothing shall be changed promptly.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3. Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises.
5 CSR 25-500.192(5)(A) In case of accident or injury to a child, the provider shall notify the parent(s) immediately. If the child requires emergency medical care, the provider shall follow the parent's(s') written instructions.
5 CSR 25-500.192(5)(B) Information regarding the date and circumstance of any accident or injury shall be noted in the child's record.
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.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care.
Conclusion Summary
On September 14, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that Ms. Brittany [Hedrick] has yelled at Child A (3-years-old). 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)(C)3., which states that: "Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8., which states that: "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." On September 15, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe interviewed Parent A (parent of Child A) and Child A. Parent A has heard Ms. Brittany yell at Child A before. Child A no longer attends the facility. On September 15, 2023, CI Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to Early Learning Academy and interviewed staff members Emily Daly and Linda Morrow. CI Fyfe also interviewed Child B (4-years-old), Child C (4-years-old), Child D (4-years-old), and Child E (4-years-old). Child A's caregivers at the facility were Brittany Hedrick, Ms. Morrow, and Robert Simmons. Ms. Morrow would care for Child A during the day. Mr. Simmons would then take over Ms. Morrow's classroom in the afternoons. Ms. Morrow has seen Mr. Simmons and Ms. Hedrick yell at Child A before. She has also seen Mr. Simmons become loud and aggressive with Child A whenever Child A does not listen to him. She has seen Mr. Simmons use profanity with the children when he is yelling. While Ms. Hedrick does not curse, she also would also yell at Child A. When interviewed by CI Fyfe, Child B stated that Mr. Robert [Simmons] does not like Child A because Mr. Robert yells at Child A. Child C was non-vocal and unable to answer any questions. Child D and Child E did not make any disclosures regarding staff members yelling at them or any other children. On September 29, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed staff member Brittany Hedrick. Ms. Hedrick denied the reported concerns and stated that she has never seen Mr. Simmons yell at the children. On September 15, 2023, and on September 29, 2023, CI Fyfe attempted to interview Mr. Simmons via phone call but was unsuccessful.
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 licensing violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda(s) shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 4/25/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
11/11/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L