| Conclusion Summary |
|
On May 5, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that on the morning of May 5,2025, at drop off, the preschool classroom was totally over ratio. Other teachers in the hallway were addressing their rooms being over ratio too. Another parent was at the front desk complaining to the manager about her kids' class having too many kids too. On May 7, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Christy Hughes conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and found the allegations to be substantiated based on the following information.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) which states: "Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times."
AND
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 May 7, 2025, (CI) Hughes conducted in person interviews with director Deanna Behrens and caregivers Jessica Tow, Nivedira Chaudhere, Whitney Arns, Ashley McNatt and Elizabeth Sniezak.
Deanna stated that she has had a lot of call offs, but she gets to the classrooms quickly when they call if they get over with children. She did not have any parents come to her concerned about ratios.
Jessica and Nivedira stated that they have had 12 to 13 children under the age of 2-years-old in their care for 40 to 50 minutes before someone comes in to move them and it has been happening a lot in the last of couple of weeks. They call up to the office to let them know. Their classroom is licensed for 8 children.
Whitney stated that by 7:45 a.m. most of the center is out of ratio until staff come on the clock and it happens a lot.
Ashley stated that the mornings have been rough. When she gets over, they communicate with the classroom across the hall and move the children appropriately.
Elizabeth stated that she is out of ratio most days by 8:45 a.m. She usually has 12 children ages 3-years-old by herself, and it is usually about 10 to 15 minutes until her co-teacher comes in at 9:00 a.m.
|