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On February 17, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, the Early Preschool teacher was out of ratio with 11 kids in total, including one 2-year-old, with 10 other kids ranging from ages 3 to 5. At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, another parent was standing in the classroom waiting to drop off her children, which would make the 12th and 13th kids. Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer conducted an investigation and found the allegation to be substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) which states, "The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group."
On February 19, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) JD Greer interviewed Teacher Lillian Haynes, Teacher Kirsti Crowder, Parent A, and Parent B. Lillian stated she has seen ratio issues in the Early Preschool classroom a few weeks ago. Kirsti stated there have been times where she has had 11 kids in her classroom and she is the only teacher. The ratio in her classroom is 1:10. She believes her classroom, the Early Preschool room, was out of ratio on February 17, 2026. Her classroom was out of ratio for more than 15 minutes. Parent A stated on February 17, 2026, the Early Preschool classroom was out of ratio. Kirsti was the only teacher with 11 children present. The classroom was out of ratio from approximately 7:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. Parent B stated on February 17, 2026, Kirsti was in the Early Preschool classroom with 11 children and no other teachers. Kirsti was out of ratio for more than 10 minutes.
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