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On June 25, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that there were approximately forty children in the care of one teacher on the afternoon of Monday, June 24, 2024. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jade Stewart-Martin 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 June 27, 2024, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jade Stewart-Martin conducted an unannounced inspection and interviewed owner Mica Lan Hampton, director Gwen Wrice, and teachers: Anijah Mcalister, Cassandra Carlisle, and Latoya Johnson. Ms. Wrice and Ms. Hampton stated that they are currently understaffed. Eight of their employees have quit because of backed-up state subsidy payments. The week of June 25th they were short an additional four employees due to a family death. All staff interviewed stated that they are very rarely out of ratio, and if they are it?s only by one or so children. They are closing the center from July 1, 2024, to July 5, 2024, due to staff shortages with children returning to the facility on July 8, 2024. Ms. Wrice and Ms. Hampton stated that they are taking this week break to interview staff. Ms. Wrice explained that they are out of ratio in the infant classroom due to a parent scheduling conflict.
On June 27, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin observed one of the infant classrooms with two teachers to nine children, the children were aged 2-months-old to 12-months-old. CI Stewart-Martin also observed and photographed a sign posted outside of the facility. The sign stated that the facility would be closed from July 1, 2024, to July 5, 2024, with children returning on July 8, 2024. This closure was due to staff shortages and an AC replacement on the second floor.
On August 22, 2024, CI Stewart-Martin conducted an unannounced inspection and observed the facility adhering to proper staff/child ratios.
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