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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
3/6/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002891830
Facility Name
ALPHA TOTS LEARNING CENTERS II
Facility Address
718 S SCENIC AVE
City
SPRINGFIELD
Zip Code
65802-5043
Phone
(417) 771-5707
County
GREENE
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3. Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises.
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)3. Adult supervision shall be provided at all times when children are outside. For children three (3) years of age and above, staff/child ratios may be one and one-half (1 1/2) times the indoor staff/child ratios. The required indoor staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times.
Conclusion Summary
On March 6, 2024 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging "On March 5, 2024, Brooke Boice left Child A (3 years old) outside unsupervised for around 30 minutes. Child A was found cold and crying." 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 25-500.082(6)(A)3 which states "Adult supervision shall be provided at all times when children are outside. For children three (3) years of age and above, staff/child ratios may be one and one-half (1 1/2) times the indoor staff/child ratios. The required indoor staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1 which states "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3 which states "Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises." On March 7, 2024 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility. LLC Member Neena GIll, Director Stephanie Edwards, Caregiver Shavon Shaffer, Cook Susanna Parker, Caregiver Sierra Mobley, and Child A (3 years old) were interviewed. Each stated the incident occurred on March 5, 2024. Susanna stated it was shortly before 5:00 p.m. when she heard Violette open the door to the 1-year-old classroom and say "Brooke, I just found [Child A] outside." She immediately stopped what she was doing and went to look over Child A. Child A had red puffy eyes with tear streaks and her hands were extremely cold. Susanna directed both Brooke and Violette to clock out, write a statement and leave the facility. Stephanie reviewed video footage and determined Child A was outside unsupervised for 36 minutes. Shavon stated Child A was brought to her classroom after being found outside. She stated Child A's arms and legs were very cold. Child A was asked about being outside and stated "It was cold." CI Mertz observed video footage showing that Child A's class returned inside at 4:19 p.m. and Child A was found at 4:55 p.m. On March 7, 2024 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz interviewed Caregiver Brooke Boyce and Caregiver Violette McClellan. Brooke believes Child A was only outside for five to 10 minutes. Violette stated she heard crying from the back door, and she thought the other classroom had gone outside to play for a little bit. She opened the door and Child A was crying. Child A did not say anything. On March 13, 2024 Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz interviewed Parent A (Child A's Mother). Child A told Parent A she was outside alone and she was crying. Caregivers failed to provide competent adult supervision that is direct and frequent outside as evidenced by Child A being left alone on the facility playground for 36 minutes.
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 4/2/2024 12:00:00 AM
The facility is hereby placed on close supervision for a period of six months. Y 7/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
The facility shall conduct a meeting with all caregivers to review the policies and all licensing rules and regulations regarding supervision of children. The facility must provide the Office of Childhood with a statement, signed by all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers), to indicate they understand and agree to follow those rules and regulations. Y 5/17/2024 12:00:00 AM
All caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) shall take the online training course titled, "Supervision in Child Care" available at https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care/training-info. Verification of completion shall be documented in the Missouri Professional Development (MOPD) System Y 7/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
3/21/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA