View Investigation

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Facility Information
Date of Report
4/25/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002892633
Facility Name
LA PETITE ACADEMY, INC.
Facility Address
1004 WILSHIRE BLVD
City
LIBERTY
Zip Code
64068-2835
Phone
(816) 781-3223
County
CLAY
Assigned Specialist
GREER, JOHN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)6. Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited.
Conclusion Summary
On April 25, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging Caregiver Chelsi "Connor" Hunsaker hit another child on his bottom twice with an open hand. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. which states, "Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)7. which states, "Physical punishment including, but not limited to, spanking, slapping, shaking, biting, or pulling hair shall be prohibited." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)6. which states, "Firm, positive statements or redirection of behavior shall be used with infants and toddlers." On April 25, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Tiffany Adkins, who stated she has seen Caregiver Chelsi "Connor" Hunsaker slap children on the bottom. She believes it was about two weeks ago. She does not recall which children. On April 25, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Caregiver Connor, who stated if children are misbehaving, he will give them a little swat and say, "stop that." The little swat is usually on their bottom or hand. He has not swatted any children this week. He cannot recall the last time he did this.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 7/31/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/19/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA