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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
5/19/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
003110056
Facility Name
IN HIS HANDS CHILDCARE CENTER, LLC
Facility Address
101 W NORMAL ST
City
IBERIA
Zip Code
65486-9338
Phone
(573) 662-4196
County
MILLER
Assigned Specialist
RADNEY, HEATHER E
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.
Conclusion Summary
On May 19, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that one morning at drop off, there was one staff member with 11 children, two of which were babies. Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information: 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. On May 20, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted interviews with Jeanine Blankenship and Trisha Wilson. Jeanine reported that between 6:30-7:00 a.m. there can be ratio issues. Trisha reported Emma was out of ratio with 11 children, including two infants. Emma texted her at 7:22 a.m. and said she had 11 children with two babies and Stella had not arrived yet. At 7:35 a.m. she (Trisha) texted Emma back that she was on her way there. She lives about five minutes away, so she estimates that Emma was out of ration with 11 children, including two infants, for approximately 20 minutes.
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 7/21/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
7/10/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA