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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
12/18/2025 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002738818
Facility Name
COVENANT ACADEMY CENTER L.L.C.
Facility Address
8364 MIDLAND BLVD
City
ST LOUIS
Zip Code
63114-5925
Phone
(314) 427-1119
County
ST LOUIS
Assigned Specialist
HUGHES, CHRISTINE D
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(B)1. Developmentally appropriate play experiences and activities planned to meet the interests, needs, and desires of the children;
5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(B)3. Indoor and outdoor play periods which provide a balance of quiet and active play, and individual and small group activities. Activities shall provide some free choice experiences;
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(C)1.A. Individual chairs and table space for the licensed capacity of the facility shall be available for children twelve (12) months of age and older. Chairs shall be proportioned so children's feet are firm on the floor when they are sitting back as far as possible on the chair.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)3. Only constructive, age-appropriate methods of discipline shall be used to help children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions.
5 CSR 25-500.182(1)(C)8. No discipline technique which is humiliating, threatening, or frightening to children shall be used. Children shall not be shamed, ridiculed, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity.
Conclusion Summary
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation of on December 17, 2025, when CACFP staff were present, two children ages one-years-old and 3-years-old were observed sitting in highchairs from the time the CACFP staff arrived at 9:15 a.m., until around 11:45 a.m. watching TV. On December 19, 2025, Compliance Inspector (CI) Christy Hughes conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information. 5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(B)3. which states: "Indoor and outdoor play periods which provide a balance of quiet and active play, and individual and small group activities. Activities shall provide some free choice experiences;" AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(2)(B)1. which states: "Developmentally appropriate play experiences and activities planned to meet the interests, needs, and desires of the children;" AND 5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(C)1.A. which states: "Individual chairs and table space for the licensed capacity of the facility shall be available for children twelve (12) months of age and older. Chairs shall be proportioned so children's feet are firm on the floor when they are sitting back as far as possible on the chair." On December 19, 2025, CI Hughes conducted an in-person interview with director Suzette Victorian and Child A. Suzette stated that Child A (3-years-old), was hard to handle and she puts her in the highchair to keep her away from the other children. She did not agree that Child A or Child B were in the highchair for approximately 3 hours on December 17, 2025 when the CACFP staff was at the facility. Child A has special needs but has not had an official diagnosis and she is working with Parent A to get her help. Child A has to be either on her lap or in the highchair at all times. Child B (15-months-old) uses the highchair for meals and that is all. There are no cameras in the facility. Child A was not able to communicate any relevant information to the investigation. On December 19, 2025, CI Hughes observed Child A (3-years-old) located in a highchair that was approximately 12 inches off the floor. Child A was able to stand and move around the room in it. Child A remained in the highchair watching videos until CI Hughes explained the danger and that it was developmentally inappropriate and instructed director Suzette Victorian to remove her. Child B (15-months-old) was in her crib getting ready for her nap. On January 8, 2026, CI Hughes conducted an interview via phone with Parent A. Parent A stated that she was told that Child A like to climb in the highchair so she told Suzette that she could put Child A in it so she would not try to climb in and injure herself. She was not aware of the length of time Child A and Child B were sitting in the highchair and was not aware of the investigation involving her children. The children are leaving the center due to her concerns.
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 3/12/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
2/13/2026 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L