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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
9/12/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002540021
Facility Name
UNITY ACADEMY, LLC
Facility Address
1801 W MAUD ST
City
POPLAR BLUFF
Zip Code
63901-4005
Phone
(573) 840-5082
County
BUTLER
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision.
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 25-500.192(5)(A) In case of accident or injury to a child, the provider shall notify the parent(s) immediately. If the child requires emergency medical care, the provider shall follow the parent's(s') written instructions.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that Child A (age 3-years-old), was left outside by himself. He was crying, scared and started knocking on windows. When day care staff, Assistant Director, Krystina was contacted, she gave different accounts of what happened. Initially, she said the door closed and it was immediately noticed he wasn't inside and they grabbed him right away; next, he was only out there long enough for his entire class to get inside and sit down at their table. The next day, the Director, Breanna stated after she spoke to the 3 staff involved, she was told they eventually heard Child A when he was knocking on windows and that was the only way they knew he was left behind. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation: 5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. which states: "Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision." AND 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 25-500.192(5)(A) which states: "In case of accident or injury to a child, the provider shall notify the parent(s) immediately. If the child requires emergency medical care, the provider shall follow the parent's(s') written instructions." On September 16, 2024, caregivers Krystina Lawson and Annalise Degaris stated that Child A, age 3-years-old, was left on the playground for less than five minutes. The class had lined up outside and the caregivers stated that they saw Child A in the line when they called out names. They then got inside, had the children sit at the table and noticed that one of the chairs was empty. They realized that Child A was outside after seeing him at the window. Krystina made sure that Child A was okay and then messaged Parent A on Brightwheel, but later realized that message did not go through. On September 16, 2024, Parent A stated that she did not find out about the incident until Child A got in the car at pick up time and told her that his teacher locked him outside. Child A seemed very upset about the incident. Parent A had to message the center to find out about the incident but didn't feel like she was getting straight stories from the caregivers.
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 10/29/2024 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
10/28/2024 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L