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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
Facility Information
Date of Report
8/8/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002259998
Facility Name
GRACEFUL BEGINNINGS DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
Facility Address
4116 HIGHWAY MM
City
HANNIBAL
Zip Code
63401
Phone
(573) 248-1911
County
MARION
Assigned Specialist
OMALLEY, PATRICK
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-300.050 (11) In case of an accident or injury to a child, the provider shall notify a parent immediately. If a child requires emergency medical care, a parent's prior written instructions shall be followed. A form shall be completed indicating the circumstances and the date and time of the injury. The form shall be signed by the caregiver and his/her supervisor. A copy of the form shall be given to the parent the day of the accident or injury and necessary explanations shall be given. The form shall be filed in the child's record.
5 CSR 25-300.090 (4)(G) Outdoor equipment shall be safely constructed, in good condition, and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Stationary equipment such as swings, slides and climbers shall be anchored securely; and
Conclusion Summary
On August 8, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an anonymous allegation that on July 11, 2025, a child at Graceful Beginnings Daycare and Preschool was struck in the face by another child, leaving a scratch, red mark, and bruise. Staff did not notify parent about the incident or provide an incident report. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence: On August 11, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility observed an incident report for Child E (19-months-old) dated July 11, 2025. The report shows that Child E was bitten on the left cheek hard enough to leave teeth marks. The report shows that staff Morgun Jones and Allyson Gibbs-Utterback were responsible for Child E at the time of the incident. The report only shows a signature for director Sarah Spurgeon. CI O'Malley conducted interviews with Sarah, Allyson, and Morgun. Staff Allyson Gibbs-Utterback stated that she did not recall contacting Parent E (parent of Child E) after the incident. Staff Morgun Jones also stated that she did not recall contacting Parent E after the incident. Director Sarah Spurgeon stated that there was only one incident report dated July 11, 2025. Sarah did not recall contacting Parent E after the incident. Parent E was told about the incident at pick-up at the end of the day. On September 25, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted a phone interview with Parent E, who stated that she did not recall being contacted by phone after the incident. Incidents were usually reported at the end of the day, during pick-up.
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 11/10/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
10/7/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L