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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
9/11/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002741555
Facility Name
CSS EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Facility Address
1401 W AUSTIN ST
City
WEBB CITY
Zip Code
64870-1617
Phone
(417) 673-4940
County
JASPER
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)4. The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage.
Conclusion Summary
On September 11, 2025 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "There is a toxic plant growing called Spotted Spurge." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violation: 5 CSR 25-500.082(6)(A)4 which states "The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage." On September 18, 2025 CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. CI Mertz interviewed Director Holly Conner. She indicated she is unaware of what spurge looks like and had maintenance spray for weeds when this concern was brought to her attention. CI Mertz observed a sanitation inspection dated October 28, 2025 indicating spurge was located on the playground.
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 licensing violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 12/31/2025 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
12/18/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA