| Conclusion Summary |
|
On September 18, 2024 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "On September 18, 2024 about 9:45 a.m., classroom six (3-year-old classroom) went outside with Caregiver Cloe Brattin. Caregiver Misty Johnston walked into classroom six about five minutes later and heard Child A say "can you help me" from the bathroom." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
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 25-500.082(3)(A)6. which states "Children shall be monitored while in the bathroom."
On September 23, 2024, CI Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. Over the course of this investigation, CI Mertz interviewed Director Lara Denney, Caregiver Cloe Brattin, Caregiver Misty Johnson and Parent A. Cloe indicated she miscounted 10 children prior to going to out to the playground and Child A was left inside in the bathroom. She did not realize she had left Child A in the bathroom until Misty brought Child A outside to her. Misty stated she went in Child A's classroom to refill bleach bottles when she heard a child's voice say "help." She then located Child A in the bathroom. Lara reviewed video footage and determined Child A was alone for approximately seven minutes. CI Mertz observed an incident report dated September 18, 2024. It states "[Child A] was in the bathroom when his class went outside to play. He was left unattended for 5 minutes." The report is signed by Lara and Parent A. Parent A indicated she was contacted by the facility. She was told that Child A was left alone inside for no more than 10 minutes.
CI Mertz observed video footage dated September 18, 2024 at 9:37 a.m. Child A walks in the bathroom at 9:37 a.m. Cloe and the remaining children in Child A's class leave the classroom for the playground at 9:44 a.m. Child A is located by Misty at 9:49 a.m.
|