View Investigation

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD - CHILD CARE COMPLIANCE

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTANTIATED STATUTE OR RULE VIOLATIONS
Back

Facility Information
Date of Report
4/27/2026 12:00:00 AM
DVN
002950089
Facility Name
GROWING MINDS PRESCHOOL
Facility Address
500 COUNTY ROAD 401
City
LINN
Zip Code
65051-2734
Phone
(573) 897-5795
County
OSAGE
Assigned Specialist
HONEA, MICHELLE J
Rule/Statute Violation(s)
ViolationViolation Description
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1) Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times.
5 CSR 25-500.112(1)(A) 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.
Conclusion Summary
On April 27, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received an allegation that: On April 27, 2026, at 8:15 am, the pre-k room had more than 20 with one staff, Danielle. After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence: 5 CSR 25-500.112(1), which states: "Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times." AND 5 CSR 25-500.182(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 May 5, 2026, CI Honea conducted an unannounced inspection to the facility and interviewed director Danielle Rhoads who stated they are out of ratio today and on April 27, 2026 and have been for a while. She understands that if this continues to be an issue then they need to turn the overflow of children away. On May 5, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea observed Director Danielle Rhoads to be with sixteen children ages 3-years-old to 5-years-old. On May 14, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea conducted an unannounced reinspection at the facility and interviewed Director Danielle Rhoads who stated that she is not out of ratio today and has plenty of teachers to cover throughout the day. On May 14, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Michelle Honea observed Director Danielle Rhoads and Allison Boes to be with sixteen children ages 3-years-old to 5-years-old.
Corrective Measures
Corrective MeasureCompleted (Y/N)Completed Date
The facility shall notify all staff members of the violations which were substantiated, and specify the actions to be taken by all staff in order to comply with all violations cited. A copy of the memo, letter, or staff meeting agenda shall be submitted to the Office of Childhood. Y 7/10/2026 12:00:00 AM
Disposition
SUBSTANTIATED
Disposition Date
6/26/2026 12:00:00 AM
Approving Supervisor
CHRISCO, MARLA L