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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
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Facility Information
Date of Report
4/18/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002978050
Facility Name
KIDZ AND CO LLC
Facility Address
905 MAPLE ST
City
FARMINGTON
Zip Code
63640-1929
Phone
(573) 664-1009
County
ST FRANCOIS
Assigned Specialist
GRAHAM, JESSICA
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(A)1. Caregivers shall not leave any child without competent supervision.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(E) Caregivers shall have knowledge of the needs of children and shall be sensitive to the capabilities, interests, and problems of children in care.
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(C) Children shall have no access to areas not approved for child care.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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.
Conclusion Summary
Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that everyday staff is left being over ratio, when bringing a child in and picking up the reporter has seen 20+ kids with one teacher. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violations. 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 April 24, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham made an unannounced visit to the facility at 8:00am. The following ratios were observed upon arrival: Rebecca Baron and Tammy Orrick, caregivers, with nine children ages 3-years-old to 4-years-old Rachel Hankins, caregiver, with seven children ages 2-years-old and one child age 3-years-old Ava Kemp, caregiver, with ten children age 3-years-old Nicole Postor and Sydney Sanchez, caregivers, with thirteen children ages 4-months-old to 24-months-old On April 24, 2025, director Rebecca Barron and caregivers Nicoel Postor, Sydney Sanchez and Megan Moyers all confirmed that the facility has been understaffed for a while. People will call in or not show up and it causes issues. There have been times that there may have been one caregiver with twenty children. There are usually thirteen preschoolers with one caregiver. There are also times that there are more than sixteen children back in the infant and toddler unit. Rebecca is trying to get more staff hired but has had three caregivers quit.
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 11/5/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
6/16/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L