| Conclusion Summary |
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On September 9, 2025, the Office of Childhood received an allegation that AJ drives the daycare van but is unlicensed and doesn't work at the daycare. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following rule violation:
5 CSR 25-400.200 (2)(A) which states, "The driver of any vehicle used to transport children shall be no less than eighteen (18) years of age and shall have a valid driver's license as required by Missouri law."
On September 11, 2025, CI Ruth and CI Christy Hughes conducted an unannounced inspection of the family home at 3:10 p.m. and observed Ahjha (AJ) Williams leave in the transportation van. CI Ruth and CI Hughes observed AJ return with six children in her care.
On September 11, 2025, CI Ruth and CI Hughes conducted interviews with Chassidy Miller, Tammie Sargent, and Child B (9-years-old). Chassidy was interviewed via phone but arrived at the home and continued her interview in person. Tammie and Child B were interviewed in person. Chassidy and Tammie stated that Casi is the person who drives the van, but she is out with a medical emergency. While Casi is unable to drive, AJ transports the children and has worked for Cuddle Love Daycare for almost two years. Child B stated that Casi usually drives the van, but sometimes it is Chassidy or AJ.
On September 11, 2025, CI Ruth observed AJ's driver's license, her eligibility letter, and her FCSR. AJ's driver's license lists her full name, Ahjah Marie Williams, and is a class F. Her eligibility letter is dated October 16, 2023, and states that she is eligible to be employed or be present at a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility. AJ's FCSR is dated September 3, 2025, and reports no findings on her background screening.
On September 15, 2025, CI Ruth observed Chassidy's driver's license. The license lists her full name, Chassidy V Miller, and it is a class F.
On September 24, 2025, CI Ruth and Compliance Inspection Supervisor (CIS) Marla Chrisco conducted an interview via phone with Parent A. She stated that AJ used to work there a long time ago, but she does not think she does anymore. She said that AJ drives the van when Casi cannot.
On September 25, 2025, CI Ruth conducted interviews via phone with Casionia (Casi) Peebles-Miller and Ahjah (AJ) Williams. Casi stated that she is the primary driver of the van used to transport children. AJ only drove when she was unable to work due to a medical emergency. She stated that they were told another staff member could drive the van in the event of an emergency as long as they were over the age of 18-years-old.
AJ stated that Casi is the van driver, and she was only driving because Casi had a medical emergency. She said she was unaware that she did not have the right license to transport children. She is no longer driving the van because Casi has returned to work.
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