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On June 12, 2026, the Office of Childhood received an allegation that Child A has their own food being brought into the center for medical reasons. After completing an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Jackie Ruth found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following rule violation:
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(A) which states, "The provider shall supply and serve nourishing food according to the Meal and Snack Food Chart provided in this rule."
On June 16, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and held in-person interviews with the director, Ebony Rayford, and caregiver, Parent A (parent of Child A and a caregiver at the facility). They stated that Child A sometimes brings his meals from home, and he has a doctor's note to allow it. Parent A stated that Child A has a lot of food preferences so she brings him food from home in case he does not like the school food. Ebony stated that they do not have a variance on file that permits outside food, but she would submit one right away.
While present at the facility, CI Ruth observed a letter that was dated February 24, 2026. It states that due to Child A being a selective eater who requires specific food options, he should be permitted to bring meals and snacks from home. CI Ruth observed that the note has a doctor's name on it, but there is no signature, and it is not on letterhead from a medical entity.
On June 22, 2026, CI Ruth received an email from Ebony with Child A's doctor's note attached. CI Ruth asked Ebony if she submitted the variance request to her Compliance Inspector, CI Jon Bradley. CI Ruth did not receive a response.
On June 22, 2026, CI Ruth observed Child A's medical note via email. The letter is dated February 24, 2026, and is from a Mercy pediatric clinic. The note states that due to Child A being a selective eater who requires specific food options, he should be permitted to bring meals and snacks from home.
On July 1, 2026, CI Ruth conducted an interview with CI Bradley, who stated that a variance request was not submitted to him.
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