| Conclusion Summary |
|
On October 16, 2024 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "There are mice everywhere in the Koala Room. There are mouse droppings all over sippy cups that are left on a drying mat. The kitchen has mice in it, with grease and dust everywhere. The kids were fed cold ramen noodles on Friday October 11, 2024." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found these allegations to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9 which states "The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests."
On October 22, 2024 CI Caylin Mertz and CIS Romena Fox conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough of the facility. CI Mertz and CIS Fox observed mice droppings in the pantry of the kitchen. CI Mertz and CIS Fox observed mice droppings in the lower cabinetry in the kitchen including on some dishes. Mice droppings were observed under the refrigerator. CI Mertz and CIS Fox interviewed Director Andrew Esguerra, Cook Dalal Al-Shuhab, LLC Member Gina Esguerra, Caregiver Jade Groot, Caregiver Karri Werner and Caregiver Macy Chapman. All caregivers interviewed indicated they have seen mice or mice droppings in one or more of the following areas: the warehouse, the kitchen, the Dinosaur room, the Koala room and the Elephant room. CI Mertz observed a sanitation inspection dated November 5, 2024. The report notes the following deficiencies: "Several dead mice on glue traps under refrigerator and a dead mouse in mop sink located in janitor closet. Mouse droppings throughout kitchen and in cabinet under mini refrigerator in Dinosaur room."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(G) which states "The acceptable food components and serving sizes for meals and snacks are outlined in the following chart for each age group. Menus and amounts served shall be based on this chart."
All caregivers interviewed indicated ramen noodles are served with a fruit and a vegetable and did not include a protein. CI Mertz observed the facility menu. The breakfast items do not list more than one component. Most of the lunch menu items meet all components but some are missing proteins. An example is: "alfredo, peas, mandarins, milk/water."
|