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On May 4, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report that on multiple occasions, the reporter witnessed staff giving cow's milk to children under 1 year, despite parental instructions to the contrary. After conducting the investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Rebecca Muckelrath finds the allegation to be substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of licensing rule violations which occurred at the facility:
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 May 12, 2026, CI Muckelrath and CIS Fox interviewed Director and Managing Member Susan Wilkins, Teacher Alysha Thompson, and Teacher Hailey Vandergrift. Susan reported Former Teacher and Reporter Mikala was the one who gave Child A cow's milk. Alysha and Hailey reported they give children what the parents tell them during pick up and drop off. They are unsure where the infant feeding plans are located.
On May 28, 2026, CI Muckelrath interviewed Former Teacher and Reporter Mikala Cox, Former Teacher Karlee Wallace, and Parent A. Mikala stated she gave cow's milk to Child A and Child B. Karlee stated she was told during training that all kids at the big kids' table got cow's milk. Child A and Child B were at the big kids' table, so she gave them milk. Parent A (Parent of Child A) reported she was told by Mikala that Child A was receiving cow's milk.
On June 8, 2026, CI Muckelrath observed the Infant Feeding Plans for Child A and Child B. The statement "I will provide infant formula for my infant" is checked on both plans. The plans state the parent will provide Similac Sensitive. The feeding plans did not give permission for the facility to provide cow's milk to Child A or Child B.
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