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On February 13, 2026, the Office of Childhood received allegations that the reporter has concerns of the overall cleanliness of the infant room. Babies are crawling on the floor, which is caked with dirt. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found these allegations to be substantiated based on the following rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(A)9. which states, "The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests."
AND
5 CSR 25-500.082(2)(B)2.B.(VI) which states, "Floors shall be tile, linoleum or wood and shall be mopped and sanitized daily. Washable area rugs that are laundered daily may be used. Centers initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or facilities adding new infant/toddler space shall not use carpet;"
On February 19, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and held in person interviews with the director, Susanna (Sue) McConnell, and caregivers Sherry Knox, Becky Parrett, Jacqueline Sphinx, and Nya Baylor. Sue stated that the floors in the infant/toddler rooms were looking pretty dirty, but they are cleaner now. She said it is harder to keep them clean during the winter with the snow, mud, and salt that gets tracked in. She is communicating with a new cleaning crew and she is looking for a better cleaning solution because nothing seems to get the floors clean. She thinks the floors need to be stripped and waxed. Becky and Sherry are on the toddler side of the space and said they sweep and mop every day. Sherry said the floors are dirtier right now because it has been muddy outside. Jacqueline and Nya are on the infant side. They acknowledged that the floors in the space are dirty and that none of their products are getting them clean. Jacqueline said it is their responsibility to clean the floors, but Sue is working to get a cleaning crew. She said she does not get a chance to mop the floors every day. Nya said that they try to mop the floors in the morning before kids arrive, but they do not always get to it. She said they sweep every day. All parties stated that there have been no parent complaints about the cleanliness of the floors.
On February 19, 2026. CI Ruth observed the floors in the infant and toddler unit. CI Ruth observed various areas of the floor that appeared dirty and saw some visible shoe prints. CI Ruth observed areas of the floor that were darker than others seemingly due to dirt build up. These areas were by the gate separating the two classrooms, in the entry area of the space, and along the edges of the floor by cabinets and shelves. CI Ruth observed two areas on the infant floor that had visible rust stains.
On February 20, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an interview via phone with caregiver, Al'amin Willey. Al'Amin stated that she does not think the floors are that dirty and they mop two times a day. After parents come in it can be slippery, so they will mop after parents leave and when kids go down for nap. She said they just got more cleaning supplies like Swiffer and Clorox.
On February 23, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an interview with Parent A (Parent of Child A). She stated that there is a buildup of dirt around the edges of the room, and she thinks the floors are dirty around and under furniture. The teachers told her that Child A (15-months-old) grabbed a piece of lint off the floors and put it in her mouth. She thinks they try to clean the main area, but the floors need a deep clean. She has not talked to the director about the floors and the teachers have not told her about their cleaning routine.
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