| Conclusion Summary |
|
On July 10, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: June 28, 2024, around 3:45 PM, there were children on the playground while Hessel went and opened both gates to the parking lot. Teachers were not asked to bring students inside before the gates were opened. 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(6)(A)1., which states: "A fenced outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. For facilities initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. An outdoor play area used exclusively for school-age children shall not be required to have a fence. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped."
On July 10, 2024, CI Honea conducted a phone interview with Samantha Forward who stated that she was outside in the playground with the children when the main gate to the parking lot was left open by another caregiver Hessel. She knows there is a variance that the gate must stay closed while the children are outside.
On July 16, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed President Anna Stine, Vise President Nick Griswold, and caregiver Madison Balvanz. Board President Anna Stine stated that there has been an ongoing issue with the gate being left open. She stated that there will be more training with all caregivers about leaving the gate open and all parents will be instructed to use the walk-through gate and not the vehicle gate. Madison Balvanz stated that it had been an issue with the gate being left open, but she understands the gate needs to remain closed.
On July 10, 2024, CI Honea observed a video (provided by Samantha Forward) that shows the gate to be open while the children were outside on the playground.
On July 16, 2024, CI Honea observed the main gate to be closed while children were outside playing. CI Honea reviewed the variance that stated the parking lot gate must be closed from the time the children transition to the playground until they return to the building.
|