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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
12/4/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002297474
Facility Name
THE LEARNING TREE
Facility Address
101 PLAZA DR
City
JOPLIN
Zip Code
64804-3864
Phone
(417) 627-9112
County
NEWTON
Assigned Specialist
GREER, JOHN
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.087(13)(A) Unvented fuel-fired room heaters, portable electrical space heaters,or floor furnaces shall not be used during child care hours. The provider shall sign a compliance letter verifying that such equipment will not be used.
5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(I) All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)5. The facility shall be dry, temperature controlled, well-ventilated and free of drafts. Children shall not be overheated or chilled. The temperature of the rooms shall be no less than sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit (68F) and no more than eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit (85F) when measured two feet (2') from the floor.
Conclusion Summary
On December 4, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging they are using space heaters to heat the building. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-500.082(1)(I) which states "All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children." AND 5 CSR 25-500.087(13)(A) which states, "Unvented fuel-fired room heaters, portable electrical space heaters, or floor furnaces shall not be used during child care hours. The provider shall sign a compliance letter verifying that such equipment will not be used." On December 5, 2025, CI Caylin Mertz conducted an unannounced walkthrough of the facility and observed the large classroom had a running space heater sitting on the floor. The infant room had a running space heater sitting on the floor. Both space heaters were easily accessible by the children. On December 5, 2025, CI Mertz interviewed Teacher Kaydn Carrico and Director Terra Smith. Kaydn stated the heat has not been working properly since Wednesday December 3, 2025. Space heaters were being used to supplement. Terra stated the heat has been out since Wednesday. Space heaters were being used to help with the cold.
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 violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 3/25/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
3/18/2026 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA