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On December 5, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that rats were observed at Elmer Hammond Child Development Center, on top of children's cots, and feces on a shelf in the kitchen. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9., which states the following: "The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests."
On December 10, 2024, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed multiple rodent feces on the floor of the facility's kitchen and pantry. CI O'Malley requested an emergency sanitation inspection from the Department of Health and Senior Services.
CI O'Malley conducted interviews with lead staff member Ebony Tucker, staff member Diana Marshall, and cook Joy McMillian. All staff denied ever observing any rodents in the facility. All staff denied ever observing any evidence of rodents in the facility. Ms. Tucker denied ever receiving any reports of rodents in the facility.
On December 18, 2024, CI O'Malley received a sanitation inspection report from inspector Robert Ayres with the Department of Heath and Senior Services. The report shows that rodent droppings were observed in three separate rooms at the facility, including the pantry on December 17, 2024.
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