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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
11/17/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
000853385
Facility Name
A TOUCH OF NATURE QUALITY CHILD CARE, INC.
Facility Address
1446 E LARK ST
City
SPRINGFIELD
Zip Code
65804-7315
Phone
(417) 881-1111
County
GREENE
Assigned Specialist
RADNEY, HEATHER E
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.092(3)(A) All outdoor equipment shall be constructed safely, in good condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Only lead-free paint shall be used.
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(G) The acceptable food components and serving sizes for meals and snacks are outlined in the following chart for each age group. Menus and amounts served shall be based on this chart.
Conclusion Summary
On November 17, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that there are metal bolts sticking out from outside the free-standing dome-shaped climbing bar equipment. Compliance Inspectors (CI) Caylin Mertz and Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-500.092(3)(A) - All outdoor equipment shall be constructed safely, in good condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Only lead-free paint shall be used. On November 24, 2025, CI Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection of the playground and observed two exposed bolts. One bolt is approximately one inch and the other is approximately one-fourth of an inch. On February 2, 2026, CI Radney interviewed Cook Cassie Wolf. She reported they have already repaired the bolts that were sticking out. On February 3, 2026, CI Radney conducted an interview with Director Danielle Stauffer. She reported replacement bolts were ordered and replaced on the climber. On February 4, 2026, CI Radney conducted an interview with Caregiver Jessie Zheng. There were loose bolts but they have been fixed.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all caregivers (paid employees and paid or unpaid volunteers) of the violations which were substantiated and specify the actions to be taken by all caregivers, in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 4/25/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
3/18/2026 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA