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On April 19, 2024 the Office of Childhood received a report alleging "On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Child A, a non-verbal 4-year-old, was left on the playground for approximately two to five minutes. Three staff members were on the playground: Mehkia Wilson, Marsha Ring, and Lydia Pryor. A staff member found him outside on the playground as they were leaving to go home and took him back inside the facility." 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 25-500.182(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 April 22, 2024, CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. CI Caylin Mertz interviewed Director Kelly Day, Supervisor Jennifer Ray, Caregiver Mehkia Wilson, Caregiver Lydia Pryor, Caregiver Marsha Ring, Caregiver Shaina Wiggins, Child A (4 years old), Child B (3 years old), and Child C (5 years old). Director Kelly indicated Child A was left alone on the playground for approximately five minutes on April 17, 2024. Caregiver Mehkia indicated Caregiver Marsha came out to the playground around 4:00 p.m. and took 10 children in the building. When Mehkia entered the building she brought one additional child, leaving Child A alone on the playground. Caregiver Lydia indicated they came inside around 4:00 p.m. She believes Child A was alone outside for approximately five minutes. Caregiver Shaina stated she clocked out at approximately 4:02 p.m. and upon getting to her car, noticed Child A alone on the playground and immediately ran back into the building. She indicated Child A did not seem upset or hurt in anyway. Caregiver Marsha stated she was unaware a child was left outside until after the incident had occurred as she clocked out after assisting Mehkia with bringing the children inside. Child A, Child B, and Child C provided no relevant information. Caregivers failed to provide frequent, direct contact when Child A was left outside without competent supervision for approximately five minutes.
On June 11, 2024, CI Caylin Mertz interviewed Parent A. She indicated she was told about the incident by Director Kelly. She is not sure how long Child A was left outside. She indicated this occurred with her older child at the facility 10 years ago as well.
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