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On November 3, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an anonymous allegation that on August 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., the reporter was left alone with six infants for five minutes when the Goddard School staff Norshell "Norii" Willis left the room. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Patrick O'Malley has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1), which states that: "Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A), which states that: "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 November 7, 2025, CI O'Malley conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and conducted interviews with director Hope Huels, staff Jakyia Nurkic, Judy Bates, Norshell "Norii" Willis, and Victoria Fulton.
Staff Norshell "Norii" Willis affirmed that she was the primary teacher in the infant classroom. The infant classroom usually had eight infants and two teachers. Norii was diabetic and needed to use the restroom frequently. Norii always called the front office to let them know she needed a floater to relieve her for a restroom break. If a floater was not available or did not arrive to the infant classroom in time, she would leave the classroom with just one teacher. Norii was not sure how often this occurred, but it was at least a couple of times per month. Norii did not recall if she left the infant classroom with only one teacher on August 27, 2025.
Staff Jakyia Nurkic affirmed that she regularly worked in the infant classroom with Norii. Jakyia affirmed that Norii had left the infant classroom out-of-ratio on more than one occasion by going to the restroom without waiting for relief.
Staff Judy Bates affirmed that she regularly worked in the infant classroom with Norii. Judy affirmed that Norii had left the infant classroom out-of-ratio on more than one occasion by going to the restroom without waiting for relief.
Staff Victoria Fulton affirmed that she regularly worked in the infant classroom with Norii. Victoria affirmed that Norii had left the infant classroom out-of-ratio on more than one occasion by going to the restroom without waiting for relief.
Director Hope Huels denied ever receiving any complaints regarding Norii or her ability to work with children. Hope denied having any concerns about Norii's ability to work with children. Hope stated that the facility did not have cameras. Norii would be retrained on ratios and procedures on being relieved.
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