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On July 14, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an anonymous allegation that one of the playgrounds at Inspire Early Education LTD. had a hole in the wall large enough for children to crawl through, and a baby did crawl through one day in recent months. The playground was also covered in choking hazards such as leaves, sticks, and rocks. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be unsubstantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)1., which states that: "A fenced outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. For facilities initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. An outdoor play area used exclusively for school-age children shall not be required to have a fence. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped."
On July 24, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed a nine-inch by nine-inch square hole at the base of the infant/toddler playground's wall. CI O'Malley did not observe any rocks, sticks, or leaves. CI O'Malley conducted interviews with director Patricia "Tricia" Wilson, staff Andrea MacFarland, Ashley Kuhlman, Karen Stewart, Olivia Degalvez, and Stacey Knobe.
Tricia stated that the infant/toddler playground was enclosed by a seven-foot tall, half-moon wall. The wall had a small, square hole at its base to allow drainage. Tricia denied that any infants had ever crawled through the hole. The hole was located behind a bench where staff usually sit. The hole had been there since she became director. Tricia had already contacted maintenance about covering the hole with a grate. Tricia denied that there was any debris on the playground.
All other staff denied witnessing any infants crawl through the hole in the playground wall.
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