| Conclusion Summary |
|
On September 28, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: Erika Huntsman stated that she was currently caring for 16 children who were variety of ages. Ms. Huntsman stated that she was also caring for 1 infant. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
RSMo 210.211.1: which states, "It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a child-care facility for children, or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as being able to perform any of the services as defined in section 210.201, without having in effect a written license granted by the department of health and senior services."
On October 3, 2023, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Erika Huntsman. Caregivers Jessica Dutton, and Shania Rickart were also present in the home. Erika Huntsman stated that she believed that the rule was six children per person not per facility. Erika Huntsman stated that she previously applied (for the current facility) back in May 2023 but no one reached out to her. Erika Huntsman stated that she is trying to open a daycare at a new location but needs the city and state to sign off before the building can be turned into a daycare. Erika Huntsman stated she will reapply today for licensing the daycare (new facility). Erika Huntsman will reduce to six children until the license can be obtained.
On October 3, 2023, CI Honea observed Erika Huntsman and two other caregivers were with sixteen children ages 1-years-old to 7-years-old with two 1-year-olds, three 2-year-olds, four 3-year-olds, three 4-years-old, then four children 5-years-old to 7-years-old.
On November 7, 2023, CI Honea conducted a follow-up investigation at the facility and interviewed Jessica Dutton. Jessica stated that they have separated and are no longer keeping more than six children. Erika rents the house for the daycare. Erika has filled out the application and submitted it.
On November 7, 2023, CI Honea observed five children in the home with one child being 14-months-old, one child being 2-years-old, one child being 3-years-old, and two children being 4-years-old. CI Honea also reviewed the application by Erika Huntsman that was emailed to CI Honea.
On November 7, 2023, CI Honea conducted a phone interview with Erika Huntsman. Erika stated that she has separated the facility until the new facility has been approved. She is only watching three children with one being her son, her nephew, and a friend's child. She has submitted the licensing application twice now, but it appears to have issues.
*CI Honea forwarded the application to CI Susan Douglas to assist Erika Huntsman in the process.
|