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On April 2, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: Two mornings in the past month including April 02, 2024, at 7:30 AM, over six kids in the room and close to 10 kids or more with one teacher. The children were ages infants to preschoolers. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A): which states, "The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group."
On April 9, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Director Marrissa Smith, caregivers Allyson Eichholz and Samantha Lace Field. Marrissa stated that the facility has issues with ratio in the mornings. There are issues with staff showing up on time and with scheduling. They will work on the ratio issue. Caregiver Allyson stated that there is issues with ratio in the mornings all the time. The facility has issues with staff showing up on time and with scheduling. Samantha stated that there is staff that are late due to traffic along with other staff missing their alarm clocks.
On April 9, 2024, CI Honea observed Director Marrissa Smith and Allyson Eichholz were with nineteen children ages (nine children between) 5-weeks-old to 13-months-old to (ten children between) 2-years-old to 4-years-old with two children being 2-years-old in the infant/toddler room.
On April 23, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced re-inspection at the facility. CI Honea observed Allyson Eichholtz, Elizabeth Calton, and Robin surface with six children ages 7-weeks-old to 18-months-old in the infant/toddler room. CI Honea observed Director Marrissa Smith was in the preschool room with nine children ages 2-years-old to 4-years-old with one 2-year-old.
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