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Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that on Friday, October 27, 2023, Child A (2 years old) was found alone at Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch in Liberty. An unknown person found Child A by himself and he had a nametag on that said the name of the daycare. The unknown person took Child A to the daycare group that was about 100 feet away from him. The daycare staff did seem to know Child A was not with the group. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. which states, "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent adult supervision."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3. which states, "Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.212(1)(A) which states, "The provider shall be responsible for the care, safety and supervision of children on field trips or at any time they transport children away from the facility."
On November 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Donisha Taylor, who stated she does not think that Child A was gone more than a few seconds. Child A was approximately 15 feet away from where the group was standing.
On November 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Pam Williams, who stated as she was doing a head count of children Caregiver Taylor said someone called her and found a child from Willow Woods. Caregiver Williams believes Child A was missing for 5-10 minutes.
On November 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Lauren Moppin, who stated on October 27, 2023, she was at the pumpkin patch and found Child A upset and crying. She was with Child A for approximately 3-5 minutes while they looked for his group. The daycare group was approximately 50-60 yards away from Child A. The staff seemed shocked that he was missing. It seemed like they didn't realize he was missing. When the caregiver walked up, she said, "Oh, it's Child A."
On November 1, 2023, CI Greer interviewed Alison Vantill, who stated she was at the pumpkin patch on October 27, 2023, with her sister. She saw Child A was crying near the games area. A gentleman asked her if Child A was her child. Child A was wearing a laminated tag with the name of the daycare. When she called the number no one answered the phone. She was with Child A for approximately 5-10 minutes. Child A was very upset and crying the whole time. When she and her sister were able to find the daycare, they seemed surprised. The daycare worker said, "Oh it's Child A." The daycare worker's name started with the letter D. The daycare group was on the other side of the pumpkin patch.
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