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On January 26, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that the landlord of the facility has reported that the facility has no power. The landlord contacted Cuivre River Electric to get more information and was informed the power was shut off due to lack of payment. The landlord also reached out to the water company and was informed that water/sewer bill is also past due and is on the verge of being disconnected. Compliance Inspector (CI) Christy Hughes conducted an investigation and found the allegations to be substantiated based on the following information.
5 CSR 25-500.082(3)(A)3. which states: "Toilet and handwashing facilities shall be in working order and convenient for the children's use."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)5. which states: "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."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.082(3)(A)1. which states: "One (1) flush toilet and one (1) adjacent handwashing facility with running water shall be available for every twenty (20) children."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.082(5)(B). which states: "Kitchens used for meal preparation shall have sufficient equipment to accommodate the licensed capacity of the facility. The equipment shall include a stove, sink, hot and cold running water, a refrigerator and storage space for food, dishes and cooking utensils."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.032(4). which states: "The person(s) or legal entity who owns a child care facility shall be responsible for meeting all debts and obligations incurred by the facility and for maintaining compliance with all licensing rules for group child care homes and child care centers."
On January 27, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to conduct an inspection of the facility. The parking lot was not plowed and there were no footsteps in the snow leading up to the facility and no cars in the parking lot.
On January 28, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to contact the center at 3:34 p.m. CI Hughes left a voicemail with no return call.
On January 28, 2026, CI Hughes attempted again to conduct an inspection of the facility. The parking lot was still not plowed and there were still no footsteps in the snow leading up to the facility or any cars in the parking lot.
On January 29, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to place another phone call into the facility at 9:42 a.m. CI Hughes left another voicemail and did not receive a return call.
On February 4, 2026, CI Hughes conducted an interview via phone with landlord to the building Community Advocates operates out of, Michael Backers. Michael stated that the water and electricity to the building was shut off on January 20, 2026, due to the outstanding bills not paid. He has not heard from anyone from the facility. He also stated that the outstanding balance for the rent has not been paid as well.
On February 4, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to contact the facility leaving a voicemail. No return call was received.
On February 4, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to contact director Bryce Childress. CI Hughes was unable to leave a voicemail. No return call was received.
On February 5, 2026, CI Hughes attempted to conduct an inspection of the facility. The facility was not open.
On February 6, 2026, CI Hughes conducted an in-person interview with landlord Michael Backers at the facility, Community Advocates. Michael stated that the electric company informed him that the outstanding bill is over $12,000. He was not able to get into the office due to the tenants changing the locks and has not heard from the tenants. They have a court date in March 2026 for the outstanding rent the owner has not paid. He still has camera access on the outside of the building and has not seen anyone there since December 2025. Through these cameras, he saw the facility van being repossessed. He does not have access to the cameras inside the building.
On February 6, 2026, CI Hughes observed inside the facility at Community Advocates to be without electricity and water throughout the facility. CI Hughes observed the thermostat to read 44 degrees Fahrenheit in the facility.
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