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On October 15, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: Infant room had seven kids to one teacher. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A)., which states: "The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group."
On October 17, 2024, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Director Andrea Orwig, and caregivers Thelma Barker and Amber Mosley.
While on premises, CI Honea interviewed Director Andria Orwig who stated that there are only six children enrolled in the infant room. There might be a short time early in the morning that the toddlers could be combined with the infants until ratio is met. She will work on scheduling to make sure there are no issues with ratio at any time of the day.
While on premises CI Honea interviewed Thelma Barker who stated that she is out of ratio almost every morning between 7:00 am to 8:00 am when the co-teacher comes in. During this time, she typically has all six children by herself in the mornings. It has been mentioned to Andrea, but nothing is ever done.
While on premises CI Honea interviewed Amber Mosley who stated that she does not come in until 8:00 am and all six children are in the infant room with one teacher. This is something that happens all the time and nothing is done to change the ratio issue.
On October 17, 2024, CI Honea observed each classroom to be within ratio. CI Honea reviewed caregivers sign in/out sheet from October 15, 2024, that shows one caregiver in the infant room from 7:05 am until 8:07 am with five children.
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