Bartlett Center leaders address investigation circulating on social media
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Leaders of a local childcare facility are speaking out after a February investigation recirculated on social media this week.
Bartlett Center leadership told KQ2 Wednesday that they were aware the investigation report from February was re-circulating and said in part, “First and foremost, the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care is our highest priority. We understand that any report involving children is concerning to parents and our community, and we believe those concerns deserve thoughtful, factual, and transparent responses.”
Bartlett Center leaders said they accepted the feedback from the investigation and “responded immediately by strengthening staff training and reinforcing expectations regarding active supervision, de-escalation strategies, care for children with varying communication needs, and appropriate use and monitoring of sensory regulation spaces.”
Missouri’s Office of Childhood – Child Care Compliance investigated a report filed on Feb. 10, 2026, against the Bartlett Center stemming from an alleged incident that happened around 4 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2025.
According to DESE’s conclusion summary, a six-year-old was being bullied by “approximately two other children”. The summary stated the bullying incident was recorded on the child’s tablet that he was holding at the time and the tablet was damaged.
The specialist assigned to the report said a licensing rule violation occurred at the facility. The violation was for “caregivers shall provide frequent, direct contact so children are not left unobserved on the premises.”
The document adds, the specialist made an unannounced visit to the Bartlett Center on Feb. 13, after receiving the video of the incident from the parent’s child. Bartlett Center leaders and caregivers were interviewed on that day, so were two children (6 and 11 years old).
The specialist also noted that the fight occurred in the “calming box,” which is located inside the classroom and that there are a few spots in the classroom where the caregiver isn’t able to see inside the calming box. The calming box consisted of “soft throw pillows and blankets.”
The report states that Bartlett leaders and caregivers provided consistent information during the investigation, and so did the children. The specialist said, “kids will fight or play fight while at the daycare.”
On Wednesday evening, Bartlett Center leaders sent a full statement to KQ2 which included accountability and new expectations for staff. Childcare leaders also pointed to the idea of the report is being re-circulated during a time when the center is facing significant public attention.
“We are aware that a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services childcare investigation from earlier this year is currently being shared on social media.
First and foremost, the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care is our highest priority. We understand that any report involving children is concerning to parents and our community, and we believe those concerns deserve thoughtful, factual, and transparent responses.
The report currently being circulated is not a new incident. The matter occurred approximately four and a half months ago and was reviewed through the State of Missouri’s licensing and investigative process. As a licensed childcare provider, Bartlett Center welcomes oversight and accountability. State inspections and investigations exist to ensure children receive safe, quality care, and we fully cooperated throughout that process.
The incident involved a child utilizing one of our sensory regulation spaces, a common practice used to help children who need a quieter environment to self-regulate. During that time, other children entered the room, and a disagreement occurred. The state determined that staff should have recognized and intervened in the situation more quickly.
We accepted that feedback and responded immediately by strengthening staff training and reinforcing expectations regarding active supervision, de-escalation strategies, care for children with varying communication needs, and appropriate use and monitoring of sensory regulation spaces. Continuous improvement is an expectation we hold for ourselves, and we take every opportunity to learn and strengthen our practices.
Childcare is both meaningful and challenging work. Every day, our staff cares for children with a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and communication needs. We are proud of the compassion, professionalism, and dedication they demonstrate while supporting children and families throughout our community.
We also recognize that this report is being recirculated months after the investigation concluded and during a period in which Bartlett Center has faced significant public attention. While we cannot control what others choose to share, we can ensure that our response remains rooted in facts, transparency, and our unwavering commitment to children.
We encourage our community to evaluate Bartlett Center based on our complete record, not a single incident viewed without context. We remain committed to maintaining the trust of the families we serve through openness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
We appreciate the continued confidence of our families, staff, community partners, and supporters. We appreciate the trust our families place in us every day, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability while constantly working to provide the highest level of quality childcare and family support possible.
Sincerely,
Jayne Roberts
President, Bartlett Center Board of Directors
LaTonya Williams
Executive Director, Bartlett Center”
The Bartlett Center is currently facing funding issues because of ongoing changes to the state budget involving childcare services.
