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Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation of the allegation that Child A (4 years old) was left in a classroom unobserved for approximately 30 minutes while her teacher and the rest of the children were outside. The allegation is substantiated based on the following information:
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 21, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Director Jennifer Dodd, who stated on March 14, 2024, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Caregiver Diamond Scott took her class of what should have been 10 children outside to the playground. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Caregiver Penny Wilson saw Child A in the classroom sitting on a small couch. Caregiver Wilson asked, "Why are you sitting here?" Child A stated, "My teacher told me to." Child A's teacher at the time was Caregiver Scott. Caregiver Wilson took Child A outside to Caregiver Scott. Caregiver Scott appeared surprised to see Child A with Caregiver Wilson. Caregiver Scott said, " I thought I counted her in the line." The facility uses face to name when moving children from the classroom to outside. There is also a room sweep that occurs, but Caregiver Scott said she did not complete this as she was alone. Caregiver Scott told Director Dodd that Child A was climbing on the cots when the class was lining up to go outside. Caregiver Scott told Child A to sit on the couch and that she would be the last one to line up. Caregiver Scott stated she called Child A twice to line up. Caregiver Scott said, "I didn't realize Child A had gone back in." Director Dodd believes that Caregiver Scott had conducted the count inside but did not count once outside with her class.
On March 21, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Penny Wilson, who stated on March 14, 2024, she was returning from a break at approximately 10:45 a.m. Her break started at approximately 10:10 a.m. and the children were getting ready to go outside with Caregiver Scott. She walked into Child A's classroom and saw Child A sitting on a couch near the exit door that leads to the playground. Caregiver Wilson asked Child A, "What are you doing?" Child A said, "Diamond (Scott) told me to wait." Caregiver Wilson took Child A outside to Caregiver Scott. Caregiver Wilson asked, "Did you leave her inside?" Caregiver Scott replied, "Oh no!" Caregiver Wilson believes that when Caregiver Scott pulled Child A out of line and had her sit on the couch that she did the inside count but did not count once outside on the playground.
On March 21, 2024, CI Greer reviewed an employee statement completed by Caregiver Wilson, which was consistent with Caregiver Wilsons' interview.
On March 21, 2024, CI Greer reviewed an employee statement completed by Caregiver Scott and observed Caregiver Scott stated while getting lined up to go outside she had a child who needed to be removed while they got ready. After taking attendance and counting, she had the child come with them, but the child was still upset for having to be removed. She did not intend for Child A to go back inside the classroom after coming outside.
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