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Compliance Inspector (CI) Jessica Graham investigated the allegation that a coworker (Emily Leonard in the Hippo Class/ Toddlers) is on pills as she's falling asleep in classrooms. She has slurred speech and can barely keep her eyes open. She has also had a change in temperament to other co workers. This has been happening for about a week. This allegation is substantiated based on the following rule violation.
5 CSR 25-500.102(1)(G) which states: "Caregivers, directors, other personnel, or volunteers shall not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, while on the premises or in any vehicles used by the program. These individuals shall not be in a state of impaired ability due to use of medication while on the premises."
On June 30, 2025, Andria Barbieri, caregiver, said that caregivers had mentioned concerns to her about Emily Leonard, caregiver, appearing tired and slow moving. Emily had hurt her back and had said she was taking muscle relaxers. Emily was sent home due to concerns of her working abilities and then was ultimatley terminated.
MacKenzie Schuetz, caregiver, noticed Emily nodding off and looking tired recenlty. She noticed slurred speech and she had become short tempered with staff.
Savannah Schindler, caregiver, noticed that Emily would sit in the chair and nod off during nap time. She was showing weird behaviors; nodding off, glossy eyes, slurred speech. Emily did nod off while holding a child once.
Jaime Roberts, director, said that Emily was terminated after concerns of her providing safe care for the children was noticed.
On June 30, 2025, Alliya McCarty, caregiver, stated via phone that she was working with Emily and observed Emily sitting on floor against the wall and her eyes were rolling back in her head and her head was nodding back. One day she was sitting on the floor holding a child and falling asleep.
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