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On March 30, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that Parent A brought in special food for Child A. Some days they would give it to her and some days she would eat real food. Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-500.202(2)(B) - The written diet plan for each infant/toddler shall be followed. The parent(s) shall update the plan according to the individual needs of the child until they grant permission in writing for the child to eat table foods.
On April 6, 2026, CI Radney conducted interviews with Director Lori Hutchings, and Caregivers Whitney Ewaldt, Sara Iversen, Kayleigh Reid and Candice Branstetter. Lori reported Parent A brought in food and kept it in the kitchen in case Child A (1 year old) wouldn't eat what was served. They did not have any direction to provide the food Parent A brought to Child A. They would give it to Child A if Parent A gave it to them. Parent A would communicate her feeding preferences with Child A's teachers via text. She doesn't know what Child A's Infant/Toddler Feeding Plan said. Candice reported Child A's food is pureed and is brought from home. Child A's food is stored in the fridge. Parent A made it clear if Child A would eat what was being served, she was fine with Child A trying it. Parent A communicated to the teachers daily about what food was being served that day. She is not sure what Child A's Infant/toddler feeding plan says. Kayleigh reported Parent A said Child A needed to be on purees and was bringing in purees. They would serve what Parent A provided, when she provided it. She would ask Parent A if Child A can have other foods on a daily basis and Parent A would say yes or no. Child A did not have an Infant/toddler Feeding Plan that she is aware of. Parent A just verbally told them that Child A needed purees. Sara reported Parent A brought her own food in for Child A. They would offer the food from home. There were days that Child A wanted what they had been serving the other children, so they offered that first. She doesn't know what was on Child A's Infant/toddler Feeding Plan. They looked at it but they went by what Parent A told them to do. They would talk to Parent A in person or text her about what to feed Child A. Whitney reported they feed Child A what Parent A tells them to. Parent A brings food from home for Child A. She is not sure what is on Child A's Infant/toddler Feeding Plan.
On April 6, 2026, CI Radney received and reviewed the Infant/toddler Feeding and Care Plan for Child A. The following was observed: At the top of the form, it states "This child care facility is participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). In order to claim meals and reimbursement, the center must provide infant cereal and other foods when the child is developmentally ready for them." There is a "yes" and a "no" check box next to this statement, and the "no" is checked. Under Feeding Information, breastmilk and formula both have "0" for feeding time, kinds of food, and amount of food. Infant food has "Nap" for the feeding time; "Pedialyte (I will provide it)" for the kinds of food; and "8oz" for the amount of food. Table food has "Breakfast and lunch time" for the feeding time; "I will provide food" for the kinds of food; and "What I bring" for the amount of food. There is a question under the feeding information, "Does your child have any problems with feedings, such as choking or spitting up?" The "yes" box is checked with the explanation of "Has problems swallowing solid food". Under Toddler Feeding Preference, breastmilk has "0" for feeding time, kinds of food, and amount of food. Milk has "Breakfast and lunch" for the feeding time; "What I bring" for the kinds of food; and "What I bring" for the amount of food. Table food has "Breakfast and lunch" for the feeding time; "What I bring" for the kinds of food; and "What I bring" for the amount of food. Additionally, there is a note under supplies to be furnished by parent stating "Pediasure, yogurt for breakfast, pured food for lunch." The plan appears to be e-signed by Parent A on March 4, 2026.
On May 18, 2026, CI Radney conducted an interview with Parent A. She worked at the daycare, but not in Child A's classroom. She would bring her food in the morning. Most of the time she didn't eat what was offered; she is small and wouldn't eat well. They would offer her table food as well as the food provided from home.
Based on the information provided, the written diet plan for Child A (1 year old) was not being followed, and the plan was not updated according to the individual needs of the child until permission was granted in writing for the child to eat table foods.
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