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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
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Facility Information
Date of Report
11/16/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002941115
Facility Name
CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, BEAGLE
Facility Address
13444 BEAGLE LN
City
ST LOUIS
Zip Code
63141-6056
Phone
(636) 748-0033
County
ST LOUIS
Assigned Specialist
FYFE, IAN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(J) All staff shall acquaint themselves with the child abuse and neglect law and shall make a report of any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Children's Division at the toll-free number 1-800-392-3738 or online at https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited.
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 25-500.102(1)(J) All staff shall acquaint themselves with the child abuse and neglect law and shall make a report of any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Children's Division at the toll-free number 1-800-392-3738 or online at https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx.
5 CSR 25-500.222(2) An individual file shall be kept to identify each child and enable the provider to communicate with the parent(s) , guardian or legal custodian of the child in an emergency. Records shall include:
Conclusion Summary
On November 16, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that caregiver Katina intentionally stepped on Child A's (3-years-old) leg, leaving a bruise. The parents were not notified and the child abuse and neglect hotline was not called. 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)7., which states that: "Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited." AND 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(J), which states that: "All staff shall acquaint themselves with the child abuse and neglect law and shall make a report of any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Children's Division at the toll-free number 1-800-392-3738 or online at https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx." On November 17, 2023, Compliance Inspector (CI) Ian Fyfe conducted an unannounced inspection to Cadence Academy Preschool, Beagle and interviewed Director Alicia Wilson and staff member Olivia Chomin-Windal. On November 9, 2023, staff member Stacey Parker informed Ms. Wilson that she had seen Katina Rogers kick and stomp on Child A's leg. The incident happened at 11:29 AM on November 9, 2024. Ms. Wilson and Regional Director Ben Engle reviewed camera footage and observed the incident. Ms. Wilson was unable to provide camera footage to CI Fyfe due to a system error. Ms. Wilson immediately removed Ms. Rogers from the classroom and suspended her. Child A did not appear to have any injuries following the incident. Ms. Wilson contacted Parent A (parent of Child A) and informed her of the incident. Ms. Wilson completed an accident report. No staff members called the child abuse and neglect hotline to report the incident. On November 30, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed staff member Stacey Parker. On the day of the reported concerns, prior to the incident, Child A was not being nice to another child. Ms. Rogers began addressing Child A's behaviors when Child A began kicking Ms. Rogers. Ms. Rogers responded by stomping on Child A's leg. Child A was upset and said "ouch". She informed Alicia Wilson about what she had seen. Ms. Wilson handled the incident appropriately. On December 5, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed Parent A (parent of Child A) via phone call. Parent A did not wish to provide any information regarding the reported concerns, Child A, the facility, or the facility staff members. On December 14, 2023, CI Fyfe interviewed Regional Director Ben Engle. Alicia Wilson informed him of the reported concerns. He reviewed the incident through the facility's camera system. He directed staff members to create written statements regarding what they had seen and relayed the information to the facility's human resources department. He did not contact the child abuse and neglect hotline to report the incident. Ms. Rogers ultimately had her employment terminated.
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 6/13/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
1/13/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L