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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
2/5/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002978050
Facility Name
KIDZ AND CO LLC
Facility Address
905 MAPLE ST
City
FARMINGTON
Zip Code
63640-1929
Phone
(573) 664-1009
County
ST FRANCOIS
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8. No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that the owner puts vinegar in kids' mouth who bite. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation. 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. which states: "Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions." AND 5 CSR 25.500.182(1)(C)8. which states: "No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity." On Febraury 8, 2024, Becky Barron, director, stated that she did give Child A, age 2-years-old, vinegar when he was going through a biting phase. She had spoke to Parent A about it before giving it to him and Parent A had given permission. Parent A used this technique at home. Becky was friends with Parent A and said that she would not have given the vinegar to a child that she was not personally friends with. No other child has ever received vinegar. She thinks she gave it to Child A two times. Bethany Starke, caregiver, said that she was aware that Child A was given vinegar for biting. Parent A had told them that it is what she did at home and they could do it there. Becky was the caregiver to give him vinegar. No other child has ever been given vinegar. Caregivers Leigha Hayward and Katie Slone were not aware of any children getting vinegar. On March 26, 2024, Parent A said that she spoke to Becky about giving Child A vinegar. He had been biting for a while and she gave Becky permission to give him vinegar.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 4/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
The facility is here by notified that they are being placed on close supervision for 6 months. Y 4/5/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
4/5/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L