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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
Facility Information
Date of Report
1/7/2026 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002582852
Facility Name
LITTLE STEPS BIG DREAMS DAYCARE AND LEARNING CENTER, LLC
Facility Address
2405 W KEARNEY ST
City
SPRINGFIELD
Zip Code
65803-2032
Phone
(417) 718-8430
County
GREENE
Assigned Specialist
RADNEY, HEATHER E
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-600.020 (1) Prior to the employment or presence of a child care staff member in a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility not exempted by section 210.1080.13, RSMo, the child care provider shall request the results of a criminal background check for such child care staff member from the department.
Conclusion Summary
On January 7, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that the reporter is concerned that someone is living in this family home without a proper background check. The provider has admitted that they have been interacting with the children. Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information: 5 CSR 25-600.020 (1) - Prior to the employment or presence of a child care staff member in a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility not exempted by section 210.1080.13, RSMo, the child care provider shall request the results of a criminal background check for such child care staff member from the department. On January 13, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an interview with LLC Managing Member and Provider Jennifer Darling, who stated Cristi Braddock arrived and housesat for her over Christmas Break. She resumed child care on January 5, 2026. Cristi moved in indefinitely on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She requested fingerprinting today, and Cristi will complete the fingerprinting process today, January 13, 2026. On January 13, 2026, CI Radney conducted an unannounced inspection. Cristi Braddock was not present with the children but was reportedly asleep in her bedroom. Jennifer Darling did not have on file a qualifying background check for Cristi Braddock, who resides in the home.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The provider shall ensure that all child care staff have a comprehensive background screening completed prior to their employment or presence within the child care family home. The comprehensive background screening must include verification of fingerprinting of the individual and a requested screening via the Family Care Safety Registry. The facility shall submit a signed statement agreeing to ensure this requirement is followed to the Office of Childhood. The statement shall be submitted by March 19, 2026. Y 3/9/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
3/5/2026 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
FOX, ROMENA