Platte City · Licensed center

Willow Woods Learning Center

A center in Platte City, licensed for 99 children. The state cited something at 13 of 13 routine visits (Kansas City-area centers: about 8 in 9).

How they teach

Not published

Who cares for your child

Not published

What it costs

Not published

Shortlist can ask Willow Woods Learning Center for what it has not published: how they teach, who is with the children and for how long, what it costs, hours and late pickup, a typical day and sick and biting policies. The answer will go on this page.

What the state has found

Routine visits: 13 of 13 cited something

Across Kansas City-area centers, the state cites something at about 8 in 9 routine visits (2,101 visits).

From Missouri DESE Office of Childhood’s published reports, last checked September 25, 2026.

Read every record and the state’s reports

State record — Missouri DESE Office of Childhood

Last visit: June 8, 2026
On file: 13 visits since November 2023 — all of them cited findings
Fixed?: The latest correction deadline was June 5, 2026. Missouri DESE Office of Childhood does not publish whether it was made.
Most serious: Missouri DESE Office of Childhood does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.

Missouri DESE marks every rule section of an inspection Compliance, Violation or Not Observed, and for each violation publishes the inspector’s observation, the rule quoted in full, the correction required and a deadline. A complaint investigation is published where the state substantiated a rule violation, with its disposition.

Jun 2026 Compliance verification visit 4 findings

Compliance verification visit · June 8, 2026

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (C) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 5, 2026

Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by unlocked kitchen and unlocked lounge space.

Required correction: Caregivers shall restrict children to approved space.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 5, 2026

The floors located in school age room by back windows was/were not in good condition as evidenced by missing/moved tiles.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 5, 2026

The walls located in school age boys bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipping paint and sticky residue.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (6) (A) 7. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 5, 2026

The fall-zone area under and around outdoor equipment where children might fall and be injured was not covered with impact-absorbing materials to cushion a fall as evidenced by resilient material was not uniformly spread over the fall-zone area.

Required correction: The facility shall maintain approved resilient material in all fall-zone areas.

State licensing record

Apr 2026 Compliance monitoring visit 5 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · April 29, 2026

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (C) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by unlocked kitchen and unlocked lounge space.

Required correction: Caregivers shall restrict children to approved space.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due April 29, 2026

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: bleach. The item(s) was/were located under an unlocked kitchen sink.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

The walls located in school age boys bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipping paint and sticky residue.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (6) (A) 7. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

Required correction: The facility shall maintain approved resilient material in all fall-zone areas.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

The floors located in school age room by back windows was/were not in good condition as evidenced by missing/moved tiles.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

State licensing record

Feb 2026 Compliance verification visit 6 findings

Compliance verification visit · February 19, 2026

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (A) · Annual Requirements · Correction due December 18, 2025

The annual fire safety inspection was not approved.

Required correction: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual fire safety requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (B) · Annual Requirements · Correction due February 17, 2026

The annual sanitation inspection was not conducted.

Required correction: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual sanitation requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (C) · Annual Requirements · Correction due December 15, 2025

The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for all staff within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Required correction: Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

5 CSR 25-500.102 (3) (C) · Personnel · Correction due February 10, 2026

A caregiver did not obtain one clock hour of training for each month of employment. The staff listed need the following information: J.A. needs 6 hours, L.B. needs 3.75 hours, M.B. needs 2 hours, E.J. needs 2 hours, Autumn O'Brien needs 5 hours and Layona Way needs 4 hours.

Required correction: Required training hours shall be documented for each employee.

5 CSR 25-500.122 (1) (A) · Medical Examination Reports · Correction due December 15, 2025

Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for C.H. as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.

Required correction: Medical reports shall be on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.122 · Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . · Correction due February 17, 2026

A medical examination report did not include either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) for the following staff: C.H.

Required correction: Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required.

Individual employees are shown by initials. The state’s report, linked above, names them in full.

State licensing record

Nov 2025 Compliance monitoring visit 6 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · November 13, 2025

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (A) · Annual Requirements

The annual fire safety inspection was not approved.

Required correction: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual fire safety requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (B) · Annual Requirements

The annual sanitation inspection was not conducted.

Required correction: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual sanitation requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.052 (2) (C) · Annual Requirements

The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for all staff within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Required correction: Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

5 CSR 25-500.102 (3) (C) · Personnel

Required correction: Required training hours shall be documented for each employee.

5 CSR 25-500.122 (1) (A) · Medical Examination Reports

Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for C.H. as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.

Required correction: Medical reports shall be on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.122 · Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) .

A medical examination report did not include either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) for the following staff: C.H.

Required correction: Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required.

Individual employees are shown by initials. The state’s report, linked above, names them in full.

State licensing record

Jun 2025 Reinspection visit 3 findings

Reinspection visit · June 2, 2025

5 CSR 25-500.092 (1) (A) 1. · Furniture, Equipment and Materials · Correction due June 2, 2025

Furniture/equipment, cabibet, in Pre K was not in good condition as evidenced by adhesive residue on door.

Required correction: The facility shall provide safe and clean furniture/equipment as required.

5 CSR 25-500.092 · Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (B) 2. H · Correction due June 2, 2025

Infant sleeping requirements were not met as evidenced by blankets or other soft or loose bedding was observed on the side of the crib.

Required correction: Infant sleeping requirements shall be met.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (3) (A) · Furniture, Equipment and Materials · Correction due June 2, 2025

Outdoor equipment, white molding around the play equipment, in younger playground was not in good condition as evidenced by hole in top of molding.

Required correction: Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

State licensing record

May 2025 Compliance monitoring visit 4 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · May 21, 2025

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due May 21, 2025

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: hand sanitizer. The item(s) was/were located Prek and School age on the top of shelves.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (1) (A) 1. · Furniture, Equipment and Materials

Furniture/equipment, cabibet, in Pre K was not in good condition as evidenced by adhesive residue on door.

Required correction: The facility shall provide safe and clean furniture/equipment as required.

5 CSR 25-500.092 · Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (B) 2. H

Infant sleeping requirements were not met as evidenced by blankets or other soft or loose bedding was observed on the side of the crib.

Required correction: Infant sleeping requirements shall be met.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (3) (A) · Furniture, Equipment and Materials

Outdoor equipment, white molding around the play equipment, in younger playground was not in good condition as evidenced by hole in top of molding.

Required correction: Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

State licensing record

Feb 2025 Compliance verification visit 5 findings

Compliance verification visit · February 10, 2025

5 CSR 25-500.102 (4) (A) 3. · Personnel · Correction due December 10, 2024

Chalin and Chaelee Harman did not complete safe sleep training within 30 days of employment or volunteering at the facility.

Required correction: The department-approved safe sleep training must be completed within 30 days of employment or volunteering.

5 CSR 25-500.102 · Personnel (4) (A) . · Correction due February 7, 2025

Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff T.L. and A.P.

Required correction: The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required.

5 CSR 25-500.122 (2) (A) · Medical Examination Reports · Correction due February 10, 2025

Requirements for infant-toddler/preschool child medical examination reports on file were not met as evidenced by there was no medical examination report on file within 30 days of admission - the admission date(s) was/were WM 11/30/23.

Required correction: Child medical requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.192 (4) (A) · Health Care · Correction due February 10, 2025

Requirements for immunization reports on file were not met as evidenced by one KG immunization record(s) was/were not on file.

Required correction: Child immunization requirements shall be on file as required.

5 CSR 25-600.020 (1) · General Requirements · Correction due February 4, 2025

Criminal background check results were not on file for Lavona Way,Lisa Steiner, Charlotte Smith, Emily Johnson, Megan Bales, Leslie Bales, and Jessica Albertson.

Required correction: Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Individual employees are shown by initials. The state’s report, linked above, names them in full.

State licensing record

Nov 2024 Compliance monitoring visit 8 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · November 25, 2024

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due November 25, 2024

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: adult scissors. The item(s) was/were located on top of desk in Three and Fours room.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due November 25, 2024

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: diaper creams. The item(s) was/were located drawer with broken lock in Toddler room.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.102 (4) (A) 3. · Personnel

Chalin and Chaelee Harman did not complete safe sleep training within 30 days of employment or volunteering at the facility.

Required correction: The department-approved safe sleep training must be completed within 30 days of employment or volunteering.

5 CSR 25-500.102 · Personnel (4) (A) .

Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff T.L. and A.P.

Required correction: The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required.

5 CSR 25-500.122 (2) (A) · Medical Examination Reports

Required correction: Child medical requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.192 (4) (A) · Health Care

Requirements for immunization reports on file were not met as evidenced by one KG immunization record(s) was/were not on file.

Required correction: Child immunization requirements shall be on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.222 (2) (B) · Records and Reports · Correction due November 25, 2024

One child(ren) records did not include work telephone number of parent(s), guardian or legal custodian.

Required correction: Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

5 CSR 25-600.020 (1) · General Requirements

Criminal background check results were not on file for Lavona Way,Lisa Steiner, Charlotte Smith, Emily Johnson, Megan Bales, Leslie Bales, and Jessica Albertson.

Required correction: Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Individual employees are shown by initials. The state’s report, linked above, names them in full.

State licensing record

Sep 2024 Compliance verification visit 1 finding

Compliance verification visit · September 12, 2024

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due July 3, 2024

The walls located in school age room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

State licensing record

Jun 2024 Reinspection visit 4 findings

Reinspection visit · June 24, 2024

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 24, 2024

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: screwdriver and staples. The item(s) was/were located unlocked drawer in twos room.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

The walls located in school age room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

5 CSR 25-500.092 · Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (B) 2. D. · Correction due June 24, 2024

Requirements for the crib mattress/playpen padding/bedding were not met as evidenced by a fitted sheet was not used.

Required correction: Sleeping equipment shall meet safety and sanitation requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (3) (A) · Furniture, Equipment and Materials · Correction due June 24, 2024

Outdoor equipment, tricycle, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by missing pedals.

Required correction: Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

State licensing record

Jun 2024 Compliance monitoring visit 5 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · June 18, 2024

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (C) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due June 18, 2024

Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by kitchen door was standing open.

Required correction: Caregivers shall restrict children to approved space.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (1) (I) · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: screwdriver and staples. The item(s) was/were located unlocked drawer in twos room.

Required correction: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (2) (A) 6. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

The walls located in school age room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint.

Required correction: Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

5 CSR 25-500.092 · Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (B) 2. D.

Requirements for the crib mattress/playpen padding/bedding were not met as evidenced by a fitted sheet was not used.

Required correction: Sleeping equipment shall meet safety and sanitation requirements.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (3) (A) · Furniture, Equipment and Materials

Outdoor equipment, tricycle, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by missing pedals.

Required correction: Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

State licensing record

Dec 2023 Compliance verification visit 5 findings

Compliance verification visit · December 15, 2023

5 CSR 25-500.082 (6) (A) 4. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers · Correction due December 15, 2023

The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by end caps on posts used for keeping fall zone in place are missing causing a tripping hazard.

Required correction: The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (1) (A) 1. · Furniture, Equipment and Materials · Correction due December 15, 2023

Furniture/equipment, shelf, in School age room was not in good condition as evidenced by adhesive residue on shelf.

Required correction: The facility shall provide safe and clean furniture/equipment as required.

5 CSR 25-500.092 (3) (A) · Furniture, Equipment and Materials · Correction due December 15, 2023

Outdoor equipment, Little Tykes red car, in the playground was not in good condition as evidenced by plastic eyes plate has come off leaving screws exposed.

Required correction: Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

5 CSR 25-500.102 (1) (Q) · Personnel · Correction due December 15, 2023

Background screening information was not kept confidential for Lavona Way, Megan Bales, Emily Johnson, Addisyn Page, Autumn O'Brien, Lisa Steiner, and Charlotte Smith.

Required correction: Background screening information shall be kept confidential.

5 CSR 25-500.102 · Personnel (1) (K) . · Correction due December 15, 2023

A facility orientation was not conducted for a caregiver(s) before being left alone with children. The following staff need a facility orientation: Autumn OBrien

Required correction: The facility shall ensure that a facility orientation occurs within 7 days of employment or volunteering and before caregivers are left alone with children.

State licensing record

Nov 2023 Compliance monitoring visit 9 findings

Compliance monitoring visit · November 17, 2023

5 CSR 25-500.222 (2) (C) · Records and Reports · Correction due November 17, 2023

One child(ren) records did not include address of another individual who might be reached in an emergency.

Required correction: Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

5 CSR 25-500.082 (6) (A) 4. · Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers