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On February 28, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that Teachers/ personnel smoking vapes in classroom/building with children present. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jade Stewart-Martin has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(K)., which states: "No person shall smoke or otherwise use tobacco products in any area of the child care facility during the period of time when children cared for under the license are present."
On March 5, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin conducted interviews with director Katelyn Huddleston, and teachers: Danielle Shank, Joy Barbaglia, and Lily Coghill-Smeltz. Ms. Huddleston stated that she had never vaped on the premises or seen any staff vaping on the premise and there is a no smoking sign at entrance. Ms. Shank admitted to vaping in her classroom as of last week. Ms. Shank also stated that Chelsea Boyd also vapes in the building. Ms. Barbaglia stated that teacher Jasmine Curtwright vapes in the bathroom and hallways of the facility. Ms. Coghill- Smeltz stated that Katelyn Huddleston, Chelsea Boyd, and Danielle Shank vape on premise.
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