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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
5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
000212497
Facility Name
COLUMBIA MONTESSORI SOCIETY, INC.
Facility Address
3 ANDERSON AVE
City
COLUMBIA
Zip Code
65203-2674
Phone
(573) 449-5418
County
BOONE
Assigned Specialist
HONEA, MICHELLE J
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times.
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 25-500.112(1)(C) During naptime, groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain staff/child ratio within the napping area, but shall not exceed group size limitations. The required staff/child ratio shall be maintained on the premises during naptime.
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)1.A. An individual cot or bed shall be provided for each child who naps or sleeps. An individually assigned sheet and blanket shall be provided for each child twelve (12) months and older who naps or sleeps. Upper levels of bunk beds shall not be used.
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)1.D. Sleeping equipment shall be arranged to provide at least a two foot (2') aisle on one (1) long side of the equipment.
Conclusion Summary
On May 9, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: In the 2-year-old classroom they have 21 children in a classroom that can only hold 16 students, the classroom is often out of ratio. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence: 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). "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." AND 5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(C). which states: "During naptime, groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain staff/child ratio within the napping area, but shall not exceed group size limitations. The required staff/child ratio shall be maintained on the premises during naptime." On May 16, 2025, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Director Melaina Drissell, teachers Bridget Weeks, Morgan White, Bri Roller, and Abby McCullough. Melania stated that the preprimary classroom has twenty-one children total but in two separate rooms. She has told the teachers that if they are low on ratio, then it is okay to combine the rooms. She was not aware the teachers were combining the classrooms during naptime causing a ratio and group size issue until the other day and she has stopped the teachers from combining the classrooms now. Bridget stated that they all leave at naptime except for one teacher to cover both groups. No one talked to the director about this they just did it. The director did not know this was an issue until this week. Morgan stated that she did not know about ratio or that there was a cap on sixteen in a room with 2-years-old. They will have all the 2-year-olds during naptime in one room. Bri stated the children are not split and there are typically eighteen children ages 2-years-old in the room at one time. There is always an issue with ratio during naptime because the children are combined. The director just found out about the ratio issue. Abby stated that she has read all the licensing rules and knew there was an issue with ratio but did not say anything.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all staff members of the violations which were substantiated, and specify the actions to be taken by all staff in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 11/5/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/8/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L