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On September 13, 2024, Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint that the reporter is concerned that the facility is operating without a license. They employ approximately 6 teachers and have multiple children being cared for. Miss Lauren has 4 children of her own as well. Compliance Inspection Supervisor (CIS) Marla Chrisco and Compliance Inspector (CI) Christy Hughes conducted an investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
RSMo 210.211.1, which states: "It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a child-care facility for children, or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as being able to perform any of the services as defined in section 210.201, without having in effect a written license granted by the department of elementary and secondary education."
On September 13, 2024, CIS Chrisco and CI Hughes conducted an unannounced inspection to Lauren Boltas' home. Ms. Boltas came out into her driveway and refused entry into her home and stated the children were sleeping and there were less than 20 children in the home.
On September 16, 2024, CI Hughes conducted a phone interview with Nancy Wyatt. Ms. Wyatt stated that her granddaughter attends Ms Boltas' in home center and is in the 4-year-old classroom and that there are 10 children in her granddaughter's class. She knows there is an infant classroom as well and that Lauren Boltas has 4 children of her own.
On September 25, 2024, CIS Chrisco and CI Hughes returned and observed Lauren Boltas operating a childcare facility within her home, caring for 20 children without a license. The children ranged in age from infant to 4-years-old with 11 children being under age two-years-old. There were 4 other caregivers also present with Ms. Boltas.
Ms. Boltas stated that she did have children in her care and would walk CIS Chrisco and CI Hughes through her house. She is currently working with a business partner that is looking into building her a center and becoming licensed. She stated that her goal was to get the childcare out of her house.
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