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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
Facility Information
Date of Report
12/11/2023 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002832788
Facility Name
SOUTHSIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Facility Address
3740 MARINE AVE
City
ST LOUIS
Zip Code
63118-4175
Phone
(314) 334-1502
County
ST LOUIS CITY
Assigned Specialist
OMALLEY, PATRICK
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9. The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Conclusion Summary
On December 11, 2023, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that there were rodents running around the classroom during the day and roaches were observed. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following infomration. 5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9., which states: "The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests." On December 18, 2023, director Morgan Hill stated that the facility had a mouse infestation. On December 18, 2023, caregiver Stania Flowers stated that she had observed mice in her classroom several times since March 2023, with the most recent sighting in November 2023, along with a roach. On December 18, 2023, caregiver Shelly Flemings stated that she had observed mice in her classroom several times since March 2023 as well as roaches in the staff breakroom and restrooms. On December 18, 2023, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed rodent droppings in the corners of one preschool classroom. On January 22, 2024, CI O'Malley received and reviewed a DHSS emergency sanitation report regarding the facility, dated December 15, 2023. The report notes, "Mouse droppings in corner behind kitchen fridge and along wall and just left of the entryway to the boiler room on first floor. No traps observed in Boiler room."
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 violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 2/14/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
2/5/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L