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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
11/20/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
001655114
Facility Name
KEITH, CANDICE
Facility Address
514 PARK ST
City
ANDERSON
Zip Code
64831-9280
Phone
(417) 793-1134
County
MCDONALD
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-400.045 (18) The number and ages of children a family child care home is authorized to have in care at any one time shall be specified on the license and shall not be exceeded except as permitted within these rules.
5 CSR 25-400.210 (10) All records shall be available in the home for inspection by the department upon request.
5 CSR 25-400.210 (7) All enrollment records, medical examination records, and attendance records shall be filed in a place known to caregivers and shall be accessible at all times. Records shall not be in a locked area or removed from the home during the hours the home is open and operating.
Conclusion Summary
On November 20, 2023 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging "the reporter counted at least 13 kids at the home. They were there between 9:00 am -10:00 am today, 11/20/23." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations: 5 CSR 25-400.045(18) which states "The number and ages of children a family child care home is authorized to have in care at any one time shall be specified on the license and shall not be exceeded except as permitted within these rules." On November 28, 2023 CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. A walkthrough of the facility was conducted. CI Mertz observed 12 children at the facility. Caregiver Gina was not aware she could not have more than 10 children in attendance. Provider Candice Keith was not present at the time of inspection. She was interviewed via phone. She is aware that she can only have 10 children and indicated she needs to adjust her overlap schedule. On November 29, 2023 Provider Candice emailed CI Mertz stating that her 14 year old daughter was dropped off at the facility on November 20, 2023. Provider Candice is only approved to provide care to children up to age 12 years old. On December 8, 2023 CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. A walkthrough of the facility was conducted. CI Mertz observed 12 children at the facility. Provider Candice Keith was not present at the time of the inspection. She was interviewed via phone. She stated that two of the children in attendance should have been picked up some time ago. She could not articulate a plan to provide care for only 10 children. 5 CSR 25-400.210 (10) which states "All records shall be available in the home for inspection by the department upon request." AND 5 CSR 25-400.210 (7) which states "All enrollment records, medical examination records, and attendance records shall be filed in a place known to caregivers and shall be accessible at all times. Records shall not be in a locked area or removed from the home during the hours the home is open and operating." On November 28, 2023 CI Mertz requested copies of attendance records for November 20, 2023. Caregiver Gina indicated she could not provide those documents to CI Mertz as she was unsure where the documents were kept. Provider Candice Keith was not present.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility is placed on close supervision and will receive additional inspections to monitor compliance with capacity. Y 6/12/2024 12:00:00 AM
The provider shall ensure that the conditions and limitations specified on the license are adhered to at all times. The child care provider must provide the Office of Childhood with a statement, signed by the provider and all approved assistants, to indicate they understand and agree to follow the requirements. The statement must be submitted by 01/31/24.. Y 1/30/2024 12:00:00 AM
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 shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 1/30/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
12/26/2023 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA