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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
2/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
003037725
Facility Name
GIGGLES-N-GRACE PRESCHOOL LLC
Facility Address
815 N LINCOLN AVE
City
MONETT
Zip Code
65708-1641
Phone
(417) 476-1010
County
BARRY
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(4)(A) A safe diapering table with a waterproof washable surface shall be used for changing diapers. The diapering table shall be located within or adjacent to the group space so the caregiver using the diapering table can maintain supervision of his/her group of children at all times.
Conclusion Summary
On February 16, 2024 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging "On February 16, 2024, Child A (3 years old) pulled down his pants and Child B (2 years old) touched Child A's private parts. Child C (2 years old) then pulled down her pants and Child B also touched her private parts. Emily, the caregiver in the classroom, was changing another child's diaper. She could only see the top part of the children because there was a kitchenette placed in front of the children. There were a couple of minutes when she was able to see fully what was happening. Emily separated the children and called the front office." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violation: 5 CSR 25-500.082(4)(A) which states "A safe diapering table with a waterproof washable surface shall be used for changing diapers. The diapering table shall be located within or adjacent to the group space so the caregiver using the diapering table can maintain supervision of his/her group of children at all times." On February 20, 2024 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. A walkthrough was conducted. CI Mertz interviewed Director Lara Denny and Caregiver Emily Turner. Video footage was also reviewed. Video footage observed indicates Emily was at the diaper changing table and during that time Child A pulled down his own pants as well as Child C's pants. Child B touched Child A's penis and Child C and Child D were shown Child A's penis. Lara and Emily both indicated the position of the play kitchen in the classroom obstructed her view from the diaper changing station. CI Mertz also observed the classroom where the incident occurred. CI Mertz arranged the furniture as it was on the date of the incident and stood at the changing table. The area where the incident occurred is completely obstructed from view at the table.
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 shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 5/9/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
4/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA