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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
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Facility Information
Date of Report
9/22/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002953139
Facility Name
THE HEIGHTS CHURCH, INC.
Facility Address
4787 S 135TH RD
City
BOLIVAR
Zip Code
65613-8161
Phone
(417) 501-7332
County
POLK
Assigned Specialist
MERTZ, CAYLIN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-300.070 (5) Fire and tornado drills shall be conducted at least every three (3) months and shall include all children in care. Unscheduled drills shall be held at the discretion of the state fire marshal or department. Each fire drill shall include a complete evacuation of all persons from the building.
5 CSR 25-300.090 (3)(C) Locks or latches shall not be used on bathroom or bathroom stall doors used by children below the first grade;
Conclusion Summary
On September 22, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "Drills are not being done in accordance with state law. A drill has not been done since June 2026." 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 25-300.070 (5) which states "Fire and tornado drills shall be conducted at least every three (3) months and shall include all children in care. Unscheduled drills shall be held at the discretion of the state fire marshal or department. Each fire drill shall include a complete evacuation of all persons from the building." On September 23, 2025, CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. CI Mertz interviewed Director Kirstin Beckham. She indicates no emergency drills have been conducted since school started last month. On October 7, 2025 CI Mertz observed the facility's fire/tornado drill record. The record indicates no disaster drills have been conducted.
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 4/14/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
11/21/2025 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA