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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Facility Information
Date of Report
12/16/2024 12:00:00 AM
DVN
001456857
Facility Name
CHILDTIME LEARNING CENTERS
Facility Address
2130 MICHIGAN AVE
City
ARNOLD
Zip Code
63010
Phone
(636) 282-2600
County
JEFFERSON
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)2.H. Blankets or other soft or loose bedding shall not be hung on the sides of cribs or put under the fitted sheet. Only sleep clothing that is designed to keep an infant warm without the possible hazard of covering the head or face may be used during sleep or nap time.
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)2.I. Sitting devices such as car safety seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, infant slings, and other sitting devices shall not be used for sleep/nap time. Infants who fall asleep anywhere other than a crib, portable crib, or playpen shall be placed in the crib or playpen for the remainder of their sleep or nap time.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that employees at the facility placed Child A (age six-months-old) in a bouncer with a blanket to sleep for every nap she took during the week of December 9, 2024. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violations. 5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)2.I. which states: "Sitting devices such as car safety seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, infant slings, and other sitting devices shall not be used for sleep/nap time. Infants who fall asleep anywhere other than a crib, portable crib, or playpen shall be placed in the crib or playpen for the remainder of their sleep or nap time." AND 5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)2.H. which states: "Blankets or other soft or loose bedding shall not be hung on the sides of cribs or put under the fitted sheet. Only sleep clothing that is designed to keep an infant warm without the possible hazard of covering the head or face may be used during sleep or nap time." On December 18, 2024, CI Graham spoke with Parent A via phone. Parent A said that she was told by Elizabeth Bauer, caregiver, that Child A (age 6-months-old) had been sleeping in a bouncer so she could have her blanket. Parent A asked why Child A did not have a crib and she was told it was so Child A could sleep with her blanket. On December 18, 2024. CI Graham reviewed a text message between Parent A and Elizabeth Bauer, caregiver. The message read as follows: Parent A: "She's still coughing and congested and throwing up every night and also i address my concern to Rachel the other day. I spoke to her that my baby was sleeping on the bouncer so hopefully when she gets back, she will sleep in the crib. Thank you so much." Elizabeth: "I'm sorry she still isn't feeling the best! I hope it gets better soon. And yes we only let her nap in the bouncer so that she could have her blanket. We aren't allowed to let her have it in her crib here but when she is back we will start transitioning her to the crib!" On December 18, 2024, CI Graham spoke with Rachel Martens, director at the center. Rachel stated that all caregivers know the rules for safe sleep and have all had trainings. She said that Child A does have a crib in the classroom. On January 2, 2024, CI Graham spoke with Elizbeth Bauer, caregiver, via phone and she stated that Child A was napping in a bouncer because Parent A told them to. She said that she showed Parent A the crib that Child A would be using. She knows that the infants are supposed to be sleeping in the cribs with nothing in the beds with them.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 3/11/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
2/6/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L