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On June 6, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: On June 6, 2024, mold was found in the bathroom, and nothing was done about it; management stated that "It would be fine, it was cleaned 2 months ago and to let it go." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(9): which states, "The premises shall be safe and suitable for the care of children."
On June 11, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Assistant Director Amy Romero-Perez, Assistant Director Amanda Tulllock, caregivers Rosie Wyatt. Assistant Director Amy Romero-Perez stated that the owner knows about the mold in the toddler two bathroom but will not do anything about the mold issue. There has been an issue with mold in the toddler bathroom for months and this is a safety issue. Assistant Director Amanda Tullock stated that she also knew about the mold but at this point nothing has been done about the situation. Caregiver Rosie Wyatt stated that the mold is obvious and hopes something will be done about the problem.
On June 11, 2024, CI Honea observed the toddler two bathroom and noticed what appeared to be mold around the air vent, the vent hood, and behind the bathroom sick on the wall around the caulking. CI Honea did not observe mold to be any other location in the bathroom.
On June 13, CI Honea conducted a phone interview with Kara Bourne who stated the following.
She told the directors back around February about the mold situation in the bathroom. Nothing has been done about the problem. She was continually getting sick from the mold and that was one of the main reasons she stopped working there on May 28, 2024.
On June 13, 2024, CI Honea conducted a phone interview with Haley Stamper who stated the following. She also knew about the mold in the bathroom and believes that the directors know there was a problem. She still works there, and the mold has not been fixed.
On August 9, 2024, CI Honea reviewed the Sanitation Inspection Report that was completed on the facility. CI Honea reviewed that the facility did not pass inspection for clean and unsanitary conditions. CI Honea reviewed the following deficiencies that were noted: A. General Requirements: Clean and free of unsanitary conditions.
O: Air vents soiled with mildew/mold like substance. R: Facility shall be free of mold/mildew or like substances. Free and clear of unsanitary substances.
Well ventilated, no evidence of mold, noxious or harmful odors.
O: Mold/mildew like substance observed in and around air vents in bathroom and classroom, (toddler 2 room). R: Discussed with owner to have a professional company evaluate and provide recommendations on remediation of air vents and drywall surrounding vents. Facility shall be free of mold/mildew or like substances. O: Large buildup of dust and dirt in mechanical venting in bathroom. R: Well-ventilated and vent free of dirt and dust. Clean air ducts. I. BATHROOMS: Facilities approved AFTER October 31, 1998, have:
Mechanical venting to prevent molds and odors.
O: Mechanical vent and air duct soiled with large accumulation of dust and dirt. R: Vent in good working order to prevent mold and odors.
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