| Conclusion Summary |
|
On May 7, 2026, the Office of Childhood received an allegation that around 8:30 a.m. on May 07, 2026, it was one classroom was witnessed to be housing at least 25 children all under the age of two with the youngest being 6 weeks old. Reporter stated that there was only one teacher in the class. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following rule violation:
RSMo 210.254.2.(3) which states: "The staff/child ratios for enrolled children under two years of age, for children ages two to four and for those five years of age and older as required by the department of health and senior services regulations in licensed facilities, the standard ratio of staff to number of children for each age level maintained in the exempt facility, and the total number of children to be enrolled by the facility;"
On May 14, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and held in-person interviews with the director, Jessica Cobb, and caregiver, Shantel Cook. After speaking with Jessica, CI Ruth learned that this incident occurred on May 6, 2026. Jessica stated that some employees called off work that morning and the van came early along with parents dropping off early. Shantel said that she was alone with all the kids until around 8:30 when Jessica came in. Jessica and Shantel stated that this was not typical, and they generally do not have issues with the ratio.
CI Ruth observed a copy of the facility's Notice of Parental Responsibility (NPR). The NPR outlines the staff to child ratios as follows: One staff member for every four children under the age of 2-years-old, one staff member for every eight children age 2-years-old, one staff member for every ten children age 3- to 4-years-old, and one staff member for every 16 children age 5-years-old and older.
CI Ruth observed that at the time of this inspection, the facility was maintaining the correct staff to child ratios based on their NPR.
CI Ruth observed video footage that was recorded on the morning of May 6, 2026. On May 14, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and observed video footage that was recorded on the morning of May 6, 2026. At 7:15 a.m., CI Ruth observed staff member, Justin Goodrich, present with six children including one infant, one toddler and the rest approximately preschool age. At 7:22:15 a.m. he was observed with eight children. By 7:40 a.m. he was observed with 12 children. At 7:50 a.m. he was observed with approximately 15 children, ranging from infants and toddlers to preschool age. CI Ruth observed staff member, Shantel Cook, arrive to the classroom at approximately 7:53 a.m., and approximately 17 children were observed in the space. Justin and Shantel remained together until approximately 8:04 a.m., when Justin was observed to leave the room. Shantel was observed to be the sole caregiver of approximately 18 to 20 children at that time. At approximately 8:44 a.m. Shantel transported approximately five to seven children to a smaller classroom across the hall. CI Ruth observed the director, Jessica Cobb, arrive at approximately 8:51:50 a.m. CI Ruth observed Jessica close the door at 8:54:42 a.m. and remain in the smaller room. Shantel was left with the remaining children in the larger classroom.
|