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On June 26, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging a teacher employed at school named Cheyenne is coming into work and working around the kids while intoxicated. The symptoms of intoxication included smell of alcohol while talking, slurring her words, rapid and erratic speech, and scattered thoughts. This happens about two to three times a week and appears to be ongoing since at least the beginning of summer school period. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an unannounced investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
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 July 1, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer interviewed Director Megan Griffin, Teacher Gabrielle Spears, Teacher Jacelyn Villazon, Parent B, and Parent C. Parents B and C are teachers at the facility.
Megan stated a staff member has come to her with concerns about Teacher Cheyann Ryder being intoxicated at work. On May 30, 2025, Parent B came to her and stated that Cheyann was drunk. Her patience with the children was shorter, and her tone was not as kind. On June 6, 2025, Parent B informed Megan that another teacher was concerned that Cheyann was drunk. Parent B stated on June 11, 2025, Cheyann told her that she had a couple shots of alcohol before work. A few weeks ago, she could smell alcohol on Cheyann. Cheyann seemed irritable that day. Parent C stated on May 30, 2025, Cheyann coughed on her, and she could smell alcohol. Cheyann said, "Get my sickness." She was slurring her words that day. Gabrielle stated on June 6, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Cheyann came up to her. Cheyann said, "This is what happens when you drink before work." Gabrielle could smell alcohol on Cheyann. Jacelyn stated a couple weeks ago, Cheyann was loud and slurring her words. Last week, she smelled alcohol on Cheyann's breath. She was being very loud and not acting like her normal self.
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