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
7/26/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
001631569
Facility Name
TENDERCARE LEARNING CENTER #4
Facility Address
1804 BOONE'S LICK RD
City
ST CHARLES
Zip Code
63301
Phone
(636) 946-8440
County
ST CHARLES
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)3. Caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that Child A was left outside in the heat for about 15 mins. The other children were brought in, he was forgotten until his parents came to pick him up. He was red faced, very sweaty, his hair was soaked and he was crying. The outside temp was 92 degrees. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violations: 5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) which states: "Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care." On July 30, 2024, caregiver Mary Schmidt stated that Child A does not listen well and is known to run away. On August 5, 2024, caregiver Aubrey Belcher stated that it was typical for Child A to run and hide from the caregivers during line up time. Knowing this information, the caregivers did not double check that Child A was with them when lining up and going inside the building from the playground. 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 July 30, 2024, caregivers Mary Schmidt and Tara Braddy both stated that Child A had been left unattended on the playground for an undetermined amount of time. Caregiver Aubrey Belcher was in charge of Child A but failed to bring him inside with her class. Child A was left on the playground until Parent A had come to the center to pick him up. When Parent A entered the building Aubrey was looking for Child A and realized he was not with her. During this same time, another parent saw Child A on the playground and was trying to communicate with the caregivers that he was outside. Aubrey went to the playground and found Child A sitting on the steps by the door.
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 10/21/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
9/24/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L