| Conclusion Summary |
|
On September 23, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: There was an unknown staff member who was dozing off and had fallen asleep on September 17, 2025 with 8 children in the room. There were 8 children in the room with an 11-month-old and rest about 1 year of age. This staff member did have another staff member in the room, Carolann James, who has a video of her falling asleep and dozing off. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A): which states, "The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group."
On September 30, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed Nicci Rexroat and Whitney Whitebull. Whitney stated that she is not sure what the situation with the sleeping teacher was, but Nicci Rexroat could provide more information. Nicci stated that the situation has already been handled, and Nicole Blackburn had fallen asleep during naptime in the classroom and was terminated. Teacher Carolann James was in the room with her at the time and they had 8 infants and toddlers. Carolann was terminated as well.
On September 30, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea reviewed a photo of teacher Nicole Blackburn asleep in the classroom during naptime. CI Honea reviewed an email to Nicole Blackburn from Director Samantha Lacefield terminating Nicole Blackburn from the facility.
On October 01, 2025, CI Honea attempted to contact both teachers Nicole Blackburn and Carolann James to conduct interviews via phone but neither staff returned the call.
|