| Conclusion Summary |
|
On October 8, 2025, the Office of Childhood received an allegation that in the morning during the drop off there is only one teacher with more than 10 children in the preschool classroom. The age range of the children is from 2-years-old to school age. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) which states: "Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times."
AND
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 October 17, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth conduced an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed caregiver, Kim Jones, present with nine children, ages 2-years-old to 3-years-old, with seven of the children being 2-years-old. Kim stated that the ninth child had just arrived, and they were getting ready to transfer a child to another classroom. The assistant director, Colleen Kaelin, took a child, age 3-years-old, to join another classroom. Upon entering this room, CI Ruth observed caregiver, Shelby Viehmeyer, had 14 children, ages 3-years-old to 10-years-old, and transferring the child from Kim's class brought her to 15 children. She was the only caregiver, but Brianna Eskridge had stepped in to hand out breakfast and Colleen said that Brianna would stay with Shelby until another teacher arrived. Brianna stated that she needed to finish passing out breakfast to everyone before she could stay. Colleen stayed in the room to correct the ratio until Brianna was done and was able to come into the classroom.
On October 17, 2025, CI Ruth held in person interviews with the assistant director, Colleen Kealin, and caregivers, Shelby Viehmeyer and Brianna Eskridge. Colleen and Brianna said that they generally only have an issue if a teacher calls out. Brianna said that she is the cook but she fills in for ratio about 3-4 times a month. Shelby stated that she finds herself out of ratio in the mornings around 7:45 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. She said that she usually does not ask for assistance because she is busy with the kids.
On October 20, 2025, CI Ruth conducted an interview via phone with the director, Wianda (Marie) Sims. Marie stated that they do not have a regular issue with the ratios, but drop off times have gotten busier and some children's drop off times had changed without the parents letting them know. She stated that she has talked to the staff and parents to make sure that they have accurate drop off times for each child, and she got a list together so she can move teachers as needed and maintain the correct ratios. She stated that they have good communication with the staff and the protocol is to call upfront for assistance when a child arrives and puts them over ratio. The preschool/school age classroom does not ever have 2-year-olds because they do not mix 2-year-olds with the school age children.
On October 27, 2025, CI Ruth conducted an unannounced re-inspection of the facility and observed that the correct staff to child ratios were being maintained.
On October 27, 2025, CI Ruth conducted an in person interview with Colleen Kaelin. She stated that the issues with ratio have improved. They talked with parents to get more accurate drop off times and have adjusted the schedule to ensure enough staff are present when needed.
|