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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
8/14/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002970370
Facility Name
LITTLE BLACKCATS DAYCARE LLC
Facility Address
400 S CHAMBER DR
City
FREDERICKTOWN
Zip Code
63645-1727
Phone
(573) 561-1144
County
MADISON
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.
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(B)1. Outdoor play space for infants and toddlers shall be separate from that used for older children or the same space shall be used at different times. (This rule does not apply to group day care homes with a maximum of four (4) infant/toddlers or to day care centers licensed for a maximum of twenty (20) children, including no more than four (4) infant/toddlers. )
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI ) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that on August 14, 2024, Child A (age 4-years-old), walked into the building from the playground and was inside for about 5 minutes, unsupervised. Staff didn't know she was missing until another staff member brought her back outside. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation. 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." AND. 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 August 20, 2024, Parent A(parent of Child A and director of the facility), and caregivers Caytlin Weaver and Kara Allen. All caregivers agreed that Child A was alone inside the building without the knowledge of her caregiver. April Meyers was the caregiver in charge of Child A on August 14, 2024. It is unclear if she was aware that Child A went inside and it can not be determined how long Child A was inside. Carissa, caregiver, found Child A when she came into her classroom while she was changing a diaper. Carissa asked if anyone knew that Child A was inside and April gasped like she forgot. Parent A said that April had been issued a warning in July, 2024, for being on her cell phone and not supervising children effectively. On August 21, 2024, Carissa stated that she saw Child A inside when she walked into her classroom. She asked Child A if she was by herself and she said yes. April Meyers, caregiver, said that Child A must have snuck inside without her knowing. She said Child A tried going inside by herself all the time. Knowing that Child A tries to go inside all the time, caregivers said that April, would still sit on her phone both inside and outside and not provide adequate supervision.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all staff members of the violations which were substantiated, and specify the actions to be taken by all staff in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 10/29/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
10/9/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L