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On September 4, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging that approximately two months ago, Child A (approximately 2 years old and Caucasian) got out of the facility and was seen by an unknown person. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. which states, "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision."
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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 September 5, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Reporter Jessica Mack, who stated approximately two months ago, she heard a staff member tell a parent about a child being left outside unattended.
On September 10, 2024, CI Greer interviewed Early Head Start Manager Kathy Moore, Designee Susan Huffman, Director Isabella Davis, and Caregiver Olivia Ware. Early Head Start Manager Kathy stated that Caregiver Olivia was responsible for Child A (22 months old) at the time of the incident. Designee Susan stated she reviewed the camera footage after Child A was found. Caregiver Olivia was getting children ready for nap. She laid down with another child and was patting their back during nap time. Child A was walking around in the hallway and then went outside. Child A was outside his room unsupervised for approximately 10 minutes. Director Isabella stated on August 6, 2024, she was coming back from lunch at approximately 1:15 p.m. She saw Child A sitting on a bench. She did not see any caregivers outside with Child A. She picked up Child A and carried him inside to Caregiver Olivia's room. She told Olivia that she found Child A outside. Another caregiver returned from lunch at approximately 1:05 p.m. and Child A was not outside. It is believed Child A was left unattended for approximately 10 minutes or less. Caregiver Olivia said she was lying on the ground and didn't realize Child A had left the room. Caregiver Olivia stated on August 6, 2024, she returned from her lunch break to Child A's room. All of the children were laying down as it was nap time. There was a new student in the class who was having trouble falling asleep. She laid down next to the child and was patting their back. She heard what she thought was the bathroom door open and close. Teachers often come in to use the bathroom and she assumed that it who it was. She did not turn over to look to see if someone was in the room. She did not do a good job supervising the classroom.
On September 10, 2024, CI Greer reviewed an incident report for Child A from September 6, 2024 and observed the report was written by Director Isabella. The staff member responsible for the child at the time of the incident was Olivia. The person in charge of the facility at the time of the incident was Isabella, who stated she came back from lunch and parked her car. She noticed and child sitting on the front bench. She didn't notice anyone else around. She realized it was Child A and picked him up and walked back into the building. She went to Olivia's door and saw Olivia lying on the floor. She knocked on the door and Olivia answered. She asked Olivia why Child A was out of the room. Child A was found in front of the building sitting on the bench. Olivia said she didn't hear him escape.
On September 10, 2024, CI Greer reviewed a written warning for Caregiver Olivia and observed that on August 6, 2024, at approximately 12:58 p.m. it appeared Olivia was laying on the floor next to a child and sleeping. Another child (Child A), woke up, got up off his cot and left the classroom. Olivia did not hear the child leave the classroom. The child ended up outside the building and was found sitting on the bench in front of the building by another staff member.
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