|
On June 1, 2026, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging that it is regular practice that babies sleep swaddled in bouncer seats and swings there. This happens to almost all kids, almost all the time. Parent A saw a baby sleep in a crib/bassinet before, but they were sleeping with loose blankets and toys/clutter in there. Parent A had a baby there from April 14-May 21, and during that time, Parent A requested many times that they follow safe sleep practices/licensing standards. They said they would, but when Parent A would show up at times they weren't expecting pick-up, Child A was consistently still sleeping in them while swaddled. After conducting the investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Curtis West finds the allegation is substantiated. This conclusion is based on the following evidence of a licensing rule violation that occurred at the facility:
5 CSR 25-500.092(1)(B)2. I., which states "Sitting devices such as car safety seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, infant slings, and other sitting devices shall not be used for sleep/nap time. Infants who fall asleep anywhere other than a crib, portable crib, or playpen shall be placed in the crib or playpen for the remainder of their sleep or nap time."
On June 2, 2026, Compliance Inspector (CI) Curtis West interviewed Parent A (Parent of Child A), who stated that Child A (5 months old) began going to the daycare on April 14, 2026. On the first day at pick-up Child A was sleeping on a baby bouncer. Again, on May 18, 2026, at pick-up Child A was sleeping in a swing. Then on May 21, 2026, at pick up Child A was on a bouncer seat swaddled and asleep.
On June 2, 2026, CI West received an email communication with a picture taken of Child A while at daycare swaddled and sleeping on a bounce swing, not in a crib was observed. Picture was taken May 21, 2026.
On June 2, 2026, CI West received the email Parent A sent to the daycare on May 18, 2026. Parent A wrote "Today, 5/18, at pickup (1:50 p.m.), Cameron was again sleeping tightly swaddled in a swing, where it would appear he had been for hours (according to his daily log). We have asked on at least five occasions now for Cameron to only sleep flat on his back in a crib, in accordance with safe sleep practices and state of Missouri licensing standards. We've relayed this to the director, to Rekeshia, and to every teacher in the room. Do we know why this continues to happen? His respite provider said he was sleeping in a swing last Wednesday, 5/13, when she picked up as well."
On May 19, 2026, Director Rekeshia Simmons responded with "I have spoken with the teachers again and clearly reiterated that he is not to be placed in the swings. They sincerely apologize for this oversight. With seven infants in the classroom, it can be challenging for staff to hold one child throughout the entire day while still meeting the needs of the other children in their care. However, we will ensure that he is no longer placed in the swings moving forward. Please know that he is regularly moved throughout the day and is not kept in one spot for extended periods of time. We have also learned that he really enjoys floor time, so he spends a great deal of time on the mat engaging and exploring."
CI West received the email Parent A sent to the daycare on May 22, 2026. Parent A wrote "Yesterday, May 21, when I picked up Cameron at 1:45 p.m., he was again tightly swaddled sleeping in a bouncer chair, despite numerous requests to administration, each teacher in the room, and the sign that you put on the door to follow safe sleep guidelines for him. We have observed that it is standard practice that Rising Sun swaddles infants for sleep in bouncers and swings, but unfortunately, it is not something that will be workable for our family. As such, we've decided to move him to another daycare effective immediately. We appreciate the opportunity to be served by Rising Sun over the past month and wish you the best."
On June 4, 2026, CI West conducted an unannounced inspection and interviewed Caregiver Ramonda Howard, who stated that she was working on May 21, 2026. Child A was asleep on a bouncer seat when Parent A came to pick him up.
|