1st Step To Greatness

AAC R9-5-501.B.5. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 5. For enrolled children 12-months and older, except as provided in subsection (C), prepares, posts, and implements in each indoor activity area, a current schedule of children’s age-appropriate activities, including the times the following are provided: a. Meals and snacks; b. Naps; c. Indoor activities; d. If weather and air quality permit, outdoor or large muscle development activities; e. Quiet and active activities; f. Teacher-directed activities; g. Self-directed activities; h. Activities for individuals, groups of five or fewer children, and groups of six or more children; and i. Activities that develop small muscles;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the postings in the Twos' Room lacked an activity schedule.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were accessible to children: *Ones' Room: There was an about 3" x 3" hole on the wall, behind the exit near the black fridge. *Twos' Room: The diaper changing cabinet door was broken, a child tried to open the cabinet, and the door fell off. *Fours' Room: There was a shelf with three protruding screws on the side.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the diaper changing area in the Infant Room was not maintained clear of items not required for diapering; there was a water pitcher and two picture frames in the diapering sink area.”

AAC R9-5-511.A.1.2.3.4.5. A. A licensee shall provide each enrolled child who naps or sleeps at the facility with a separate cot or mat or a crib that meets the requirements of R9-5-502(A)(8) and ensure that: 1. A cot, mat, or crib used by the enrolled child accommodates the enrolled child’s height and weight; 2. A staff member covers each cot, or mat with a clean sheet that is laundered when soiled, or at least once every seven days and before use by a different enrolled child; 3. A clean blanket or sheet is available for each enrolled child; 4. A rug, carpet, blanket, or towel is not used as a mat; 5. Each cot, mat, or crib is maintained in a clean and repaired condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance officers' observations, the napping cots were not maintained in a clean and repaired condition, there were brown smears on the plastic sides of the cots in the Threes' Room, and the mesh part of a cot was ripped in the Fours' Room.”

AAC R9-5-512.B. B. A licensee shall maintain facility premises and furnishings: 1. In a clean condition, and 2. Free from odor.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition: *Infant Room: The activity chair, the floor chair, and the feeding chairs' cloth and plastic areas had brown smears and food debris. *Threes' Room: There were food smears on the trash receptacle lid, and the adult chair had white smears on the cloth area. *Fours': There were food smears on the trash receptacle lid *All Restrooms: The wall near the light switches had dried water stains below the switch.”

AAC R9-5-512.C. C. A licensee shall ensure that floor coverings are: 1. Clean; and 2. Free from: a. Dampness, b. Odors, and c. Hazards.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following floor coverings were not maintained in a clean condition and free from hazards. Throughout the facility, there were brown smears and dirt build-up on floor tile, door frames, toy shelves, rugs, and cabinet corners.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following Restrooms were not maintained in a clean condition: *Fours' Girls' Restroom: There was an unflushed toilet, and it was in a non-working condition. *Fours' Boys' Restroom: There was an unflushed urinal.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.8.9. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 8. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a clean and working condition; and 9. Chipped or cracked sinks and toilets are replaced or repaired.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the restroom in the Fours' Girls' Restroom was not maintained in a working condition, there was a non-flushing toilet, and an urinal with standing water.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.7. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 7. If an activity in the lesson plan required in subsection (C)(5) includes screen time, include in the lesson plan the duration of the screen time in minutes;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the children in the Threes' Room were watching TV, and the lesson plan did not include screen time or the duration of the screen time.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.8. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 8. If the schedule in subsection (C)(4) or lesson plan in subsection (C)(5) is not implemented, writes on the schedule or the lesson plan the activity that is implemented;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, when COs' arrived in the classroom, the children in the Threes' Room were watching TV, and the activity schedule indicated Storytelling and/or Circle Time and/or Free Play; it did not indicate screen time. The schedule states "NO SCREEN TIME-WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRIDAY MOVIE DAY”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. As required by A.R.S. § 8-804, before an individual’s starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall comply with the submission requirements in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) for the individual.

“Findings: Based on the review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, four of four staff files reviewed lacked documentation of a background check for Staff #1 (DOE06.23.25), Staff #2 (08.09.21), Staff #3 (DOE04.15.25), and Staff #4 (DOE 04.23.25).”

AAC R9-5-302. A licensee shall prepare a written statement of child care services provided by the licensee that includes the following: 1. A description of the facility’s child care services classifications in R9-5-204; 2. Hours of operation; 3. The facility’s street address, city, state, zip code, mailing address, and telephone number; 4. Child enrollment and disenrollment procedures; 5. Charges, fees, and payment requirements for child care services; 6. Child admission and release requirements; 7. Guidelines for positive discipline reflective of age-appropriate methods for children that include clear, appropriate, consistent expectations; 8. Transportation procedures; 9. Field trip requirements and procedures; 10. Responsibilities and participation of parents in facility activities; 11. A general description of activities and programs; 12. A description of the liability insurance required by R9-5-308 that is carried by the licensee and a statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises; 13. Medication administration procedures; 14. Accident and emergency procedures; 15. A notice stating inspection reports are available on-site; 16. A provision stating that the facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services including the Department’s local street address, city, state, zip code, and local telephone number; 17. The procedures for notifying a parent at least 48 hours before a pesticide is applied on a facility’s premises; 18. A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services; and 19. Policies and procedures for suspension and expulsion of children to include clear, appropriate, consistent expectations, including suspension and expulsion prevention strategies.

“Findings: Based on the review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the statement of services lacked the following required items: *A description that liability insurance is carried by the licensee, and a statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises *The Department’s street address, city, state, zip code, and telephone number. *A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services”

AAC R9-5-603.B. B. Except as provided in subsection (D) a licensee shall ensure that an outdoor activity area: 1. Is enclosed by a fence: a. A minimum of 4 feet high; b. Secured to the ground; and c. With either vertical or horizontal open spaces on the fence or gate that do not exceed 4.0 inches; 2. Is maintained free from hazards, such as exposed concrete footings and broken toys; and 3. Has gates that are kept closed while an enrolled child is in the outdoor activity area

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were accessible to children in the Toddler playground, there was dusty rust on the back side of the red two-wheel cart, there was a 16" x 11" hole between the ground and the chain link fence, and in the bottom of the second door from the Fours' room was raw exposing particle wood.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the roster in the Twos' Room did not reflect the number of children present; there were 7 children present, and 9 were marked in the roster.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. All designated exits, corridors, and passageways that provide escape from the building are unobstructed and unlocked during hours of operation;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following designated emergency exits were obstructed: *Infant Room: There was a broom blocking the exit. *Ones' Room: Gymnastic foam play blocks were blocking the exit, and a chair was blocking the second exit. *Twos’ Room: Nap cots and a play couch were blocking the exit. *Fours': A toy shelf and a trash can were blocking the exit.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the health, safety, and welfare of children was placed at risk of harm when the following items were found in the facility's kitchen refrigerator: *Milk with expiration dates 10.22.25 and 10.28.25. *Cinnamon Rolls with expiration date 07.11.2024. *Salsa with expiration date 10.26.25.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 6. For enrolled children five-years or younger, and except as provided in subsection (C), prepares, posts, and implements a dated lesson plan in each indoor activity area for each calendar week, which is maintained on facility premises for 12 months after the lesson plan date and provides opportunities for each child to: a. Gain a positive self-concept; b. Develop and practice social skills; c. Think, reason, question, and experiment; d. Acquire language skills; e. Develop physical coordination skills; f. Participate in structured large muscle physical activity; g. Develop habits that meet health, safety, and nutritional needs; h. Express creativity; i. Learn to respect cultural diversity of children and staff; j. Learn self-help skills; and k. Develop a sense of responsibility and independence;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the Lesson plan in the Fours' Room was dated for the previous week, 10.20-24.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. Except for an enrolled school-age child, drinking water is provided sufficient for the needs of and accessible to each enrolled child in both indoor and outdoor activity areas;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, in the 1's room, drinking water was placed inside a refrigerator inaccessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, in the 4's room, carpet baseboard was unraveling at one end on the east wall, accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-512.B. B. A licensee shall maintain facility premises and furnishings:1. In a clean condition, and 2. Free from odor.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, a sensory table, plastic round containers, and a 3-drawer bin with miscellaneous cloth items were stored on the floor in the 2's/4's shared children's restroom.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, in the 4's north children's restroom, 1 of 2 toilets had a brown stain in the basin and 2 of 2 sinks had dark and gray build-up in and around the basins.”

AAC R9-5-512.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each toilet room in a facility contains, within easy reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue; and b. Except as provided in subsection (G): i. A sink with running water; ii. Soap contained in a dispenser; and iii. Disposable, single-use paper towels in a mounted dispenser, or a mechanical air hand dryer; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 4. Except for a cup or receptacle used only for water, food waste is stored in a covered container and the container is clean and lined with a plastic bag; 5. Food waste and other refuse is removed from the facility building at least once every 24 hours or more often as necessary to maintain a clean condition and avoid odors; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 8. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a clean and working condition; and 9. Chipped or cracked sinks and toilets are replaced or repaired.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, food waste was in an uncovered garbage can on the 1's/2's/3's playground.”

AAC R9-5-514. A. A. A licensee shall ensure that there is a first aid kit on facility premises that contains first aid supplies in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children including the following:1. Sterile bandages including: a. Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes, b. Sterile gauze pads, and c. Sterile gauze rolls; 2. Antiseptic solution or sealed antiseptic wipes; 3. A pair of scissors; 4. Adhesive tape; 5. Single-use, non-porous gloves; and 6. Reclosable plastic bags of at least one-gallon size.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations, the facility's first aid kit lacked gauze rolls, scissors, and reclosable plastic bags.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that:21. Except when used as part of an activity, the following are stored in an area inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. Garden tools, such as a rake, trowel, and shovel; and b. Cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a mop and mop bucket.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, a toilet plunger was on the floor in the 2's/4's shared children's restroom, and a vacuum was in the 1's room, accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.9. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:9. Does the following when a parent permits or asks a staff member to apply personal products on an enrolled child, such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sun screen or sun block preparations, toothpaste, and baby diapering preparations: a. Obtains the enrolled child’s personal products from the enrolled child’s parent or, if the licensee provides the personal products for use by the enrolled child, obtains written approval for use of the products from the enrolled child’s parent; b. Labels the personal products with the enrolled child’s name; and c. Keeps the personal products inaccessible to enrolled children;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, enrolled children's personal products in the 1's and 2's rooms were labeled with a first name only or with no name.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.3. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that:3. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, does not administer a medication to an enrolled child unless the facility receives written authorization signed by the enrolled child’s parent or health care provider that includes the: a. Name of the enrolled child; b. Type of the medication; c. Prescription number, if any; d. Instructions for administration specifying the: i. Dosage and route of administration; ii. If indicated, starting and ending dates of the dosage period; and iii. Times and frequency of administration; e. Reason for the medication; and f. Date of authorization; and

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the medication authorization for an enrolled child lacked the route of administration, the reason for the medication, and the times and frequency were noted as "as needed".”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that:10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the exhaust fan in the 2's/4's shared children's restroom was not operational.”

ARS § 36-883.02.C. C. Applicants, licensees and child care personnel shall attest on forms that are provided by the department that:1. They are not awaiting trial on or have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement committing any of the offenses listed in section 41-1758.07, subsection B in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction. 2. They are not parents or guardians of a child adjudicated to be a dependent child as defined in section 8-201. 3. They have not been denied or had revoked a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility in this or any other state or that they have not been denied or had revoked a certification to work in a child care facility or child care group home.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of 5 staff files, Staff #2's (DOE 06/24/2024) criminal history affidavit was incomplete. Question #2 was not answered.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. All designated exits, corridors, and passageways that provide escape from the building are unobstructed and unlocked during hours of operation;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the east exit door in the 2's room did not open.”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area:1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the fall zones (sand) in the outdoor playground areas were not maintained as required: **1's/2's/3's playground - 3-inches of 6-inches lacked at the black, metal climber; 4-inches of 6-inches lacked at the yellow, metal climber and toddler bucket swing. **4's/School-Age playground - 5-inches and 4-inches of the required 6-inches lacked at the swings”

AAC R9-5-503.A.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the soiled clothing containers in the Infant and 2's rooms lacked tight-fitting lids and waterproof liners. The soiled clothing container in the 1's room lacked a waterproof liner.”

AAC R9-5-603.C. C. Except as provided in subsection (D), a licensee shall ensure that an outdoor activity area:1. Is enclosed by a fence: a. A minimum of 4 feet high; b. Secured to the ground; and c. With either vertical or horizontal open spaces on the fence or gate that do not exceed 4.0 inches; 2. Is maintained free from hazards, such as exposed concrete footings and broken toys; and 3. Has gates that are kept closed while an enrolled child is in the outdoor activity area

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the 4's/School-Age playground was not maintained free from hazards and accessible to enrolled children: **Tunnel slide with a 6-inch crack at the end **Swing set poles with peeling and chipping paint **6-inch x 6-inch hole in the building at the water spigot exposing flaking foam **Shade cloth torn and hanging down to the ground”

AAC R9-5-518.A.1. A. A licensee providing a field trip for an enrolled child shall:1. Obtain written permission from a parent before the enrolled child participates in a field trip including: a. The date and description of the field trip; b. The times of departure from and return to the facility; and c. The name, street address, and telephone number, if any, of the field trip destination;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and staff interview, the facility lacked documentation of field trips taken in the past 12 months. Staff stated that the documentation was stored off-site.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.4. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that:4. A staff member : a. Administers a prescription medication provided by a parent only from a container dispensed by a pharmacy; b. Administers a nonprescription medication provided by a parent for an enrolled child only from a container prepackaged and labeled for use by the manufacturer and labeled with the enrolled child’s name; c. Does not administer any medication that has been transferred from one container to another; and d. Does not administer a nonprescription medication to an enrolled child inconsistent with the instructions on the nonprescription medication’s label, unless the facility receives written authorization from the enrolled child’s health care provider.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the medication for an enrolled child lacked a prescription number on the box.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:3. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled diapers; and

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the soiled diaper containers in the 1's and 2's rooms lacked waterproof liners. In the Infant room, the container lacked a tight-fitting lid.”

AAC R9-5-508.C. C. If a licensee provides food, a licensee shall prepare and serve food according to the meal pattern requirements found in Table 5.1, "Meal Pattern Requirements for Children."

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, enrolled children in the 4's room were served cheese pizza, fruit cocktail and milk for lunch, lacking a vegetable component.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete a Department-provided Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card that is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, city, state, zip code, home telephone number, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(9); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer (CO) #1's observations and a review of facility documentation, 5 of 10 Emergency Information and Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: **Child #1 - Child and both parent/guardians' city, state, zip code **Child #2 - Date of enrollment; child's city, state, zip code; individual to contact in case of sudden illness/injury **Child #3 - Date of enrollment; parent/guardian #1's city, state, zip code **Child #4, Child #5 - Date of enrollment”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of 5 staff files, Staff #1 (DOE 05/08/2023) lacked 14 of the required 18 hours of annual training based on the review period 05/08/2023 - 05/08/2024.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, there were 2 open holes on each side of one end of the diaper changing surface in the infant room. In the 2's room, a cleaning rag was placed on the diaper changing sink.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the exhaust fan was not operable in the 4-year-old toilet room.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 6. Except for a room used only for an enrolled school-age child, each unused electrical outlet is covered with a safety plug cover or insert;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, there were 2 unused outlets that lacked a safety plug located on the power strip in the Infant room.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.5. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 5. Electrical extension cords are not used;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the 1-year-old classroom, there was an electrical extension cord along the south wall next to the window.”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area: 1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: 1-year-old and 2-year-old outdoor activity area: *3 of the required 6 inches of sand beneath the fall zones of the swings. 3-year-old and up outdoor activity area: *4 of the required 6 inches of sand beneath the fall zones of the swings *3 of the required 6 inches of sand beneath the fall zones beneath the tube slide.”

AAC R9-5-603.C. C. Except as provided in subsection (D), a licensee shall ensure that an outdoor activity area: 1. Is enclosed by a fence: a. A minimum of 4 feet high; b. Secured to the ground; and c. With either vertical or horizontal open spaces on the fence or gate that do not exceed 4.0 inches; 2. Is maintained free from hazards, such as exposed concrete footings and broken toys; and 3. Has gates that are kept closed while an enrolled child is in the outdoor activity area

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the outdoor activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: 1-year-old/ 2-year-old outdoor activity area: *peeling paint with exposed rough wood located near the west main gate 3-year-old and up outdoor activity area: *9 cans of paint located on the North side *peeling paint at the base of two classroom doors located on the North side *a dismantled plastic playhouse located near the brick wall *a plastic board detached from the bridge on the climber *a loose privacy fence fabric hanging from the chain-length fence located on the South side and East side. Previously cited: 11/2/2022”

AAC R9-5-514. C. C. A licensee shall: 1. Prepare and date a written fire and emergency plan that contains: a. The location of the first aid kit; b. The names of staff members who have the first aid training required by R9-5-403(E); c. The names of staff members who have the CPR training required by R9-5-403(E); d. The directions for: i. Initiating verbal notification of an enrolled child’s parent by telephone or other equally expeditious means within 30 minutes of a fire or emergency; and ii. Providing written notification to the enrolled child’s parent within 24 hours; and e. The facility’s street address and the emergency telephone numbers for the local fire department, police department, ambulance service, and poison control center; 2. Maintain the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in a location on facility premises that has an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the facility with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone service; 3. Post the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in any indoor activity area that does not have an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the indoor activity area with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone services; and 4. Update the plan in subsection (C)(1) every 12 months after the date of initial preparation of the plan or when any information changes.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, the Infant room, the 1-year-old room, and the 2-year-old room lacked a posted current fire and emergency plan.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the 4-year-old toilet room was not maintained in a clean condition: *There were brown smudges located on the handwashing sink. *There was cracked caulking with one-inch gaps located at the base of toilet.”

AAC R9-5-512.B. B. A licensee shall maintain facility premises and furnishings: 1. In a clean condition, and 2. Free from odor.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition: *1's/2's Playground: There was trash debris (food wrappers, plastic bags) located throughout the outdoor activity area. *3's/4's Playground: There were cobwebs located at the base of the table located on the North side and trash debris (food wrappers, plastics, and styrofoam cups) located on the South side. *4's Classroom: There was loose debris located on the carpet.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.18. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. A staff member: a. Prepares a weekly menu at least one week in advance, b. Includes on the menu the specific foods to be served on each day, c. Dates each menu, d. Posts each menu at least one day before the first meal on the menu will be served, and e. Writes food substitutions on a posted menu no later than the morning of the day of meal service;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation and information provided by the staff, it was determined that the facility did not write the food substitutions on the posted food menu for the day. The Compliance Officers’ reviewed the lunch menu and it listed: chicken nuggets, taco hummus meal, side salad, baby carrots, sliced peaches, and craisins. The kitchen staff instead served french fries, mac n cheese, and hot dogs for lunch.”

AAC R9-5-504.5.c. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall: 5. Ensure that: c. If a child is fed with a bottle, a staff member complies with the requirements in R9-5-502(C)(3); and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the 1-year-old classroom. Seven 1-year-old children were sitting on a rug drinking from a bottle as the television was on.”

AAC R9-5-504.4. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall: 4. Prohibit screen time in an activity area where child care services are provided to a 1-year-old child; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the 1-year-old classroom, there was screen time (the television was on) in an activity area where childcare services are provided to 1-year-old-children.”

AAC R9-5-503.F.1. F. A licensee shall ensure that in an activity area with a diaper changing area: 1. The containers required in subsections (A)(3) and (4) are inaccessible, and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Infant room, 1-year-old classroom, and 2-year-old classroom, the soiled diaper container was accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-503.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (D) states that an enrolled child’s diaper is changed as soon as it is soiled, and that a staff member, when diapering: 1. Uses a separate washcloth and towel only once for each enrolled child; 2. Washes and dries the enrolled child using the enrolled child’s individual personal products labeled with the enrolled child’s name; 3. Uses single-use non-porous gloves; 4. Washes the staff member’s own hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F before and after each diaper change; 5. Washes each enrolled child’s hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F after each diaper change; 6. Cleans, sanitizes, and dries the diaper changing surface following each diaper change; and 7. Uses single-use paper towels from a dispenser to dry the diaper changing surface or the hands of the enrolled child or staff member.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the 1-year-old classroom, a staff member was changing a child's diaper without wearing gloves. The staff stated that they had the gloves in their pocket and they forgot to put them on.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Infant room, 1-year-old classroom, and 2-year-old classroom, the soiled clothes container lacked a waterproof liner.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 3. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled diapers; and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Infant room, 1-year-old classroom, and 2-year-old- classroom, the soiled diaper container lacked a waterproof liner.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.2.a. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 2. A hand-washing sink next to the diaper changing surface for staff use when changing diapers and for washing an enrolled child during or after diapering that provides: a. Running water between 86° F and 110° F, b. Soap from a dispenser, and c. Single-use paper hand towels from a dispenser;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the 1-year-old classroom, the diaper changing area lacked single-use paper towels from a dispenser.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the following non-diapering items were observed: *Infant room, a sticky residue located on the top of the diaper changing surface. *1-year-old classroom, a bottle of pink tempera paint, a white washcloth, and a clear drinking pitcher located on the diaper changing area *2-year-old classroom, a styrofoam cup with three paint brushes, a red solo cup, a maroon towel, and a gold plastic cup located on the diaper changing surface.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.m. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: m. Posts the current written dietary instructions in the infant room and the kitchen and maintains the instructions on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the instructions; and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, there were only 2 of the 5 infant feeding instructions posted in the kitchen.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.l. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: l. Obtains written, current, and dated dietary instructions from a parent or health care provider regarding the method of feeding and types of foods to be prepared or fed to an infant at the facility;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Infant room, there were 2 of 5 infant feeding instructions that lacked a date and parent signature. There was 1 infant feeding instruction that was not current (dated 1/9/23). There was one incomplete (the second page was blank) infant feeding instruction. The staff stated the infant was eating solid food.”

AAC R9-5-502.B.4. B. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall not: 4. Allow screen time in an infant room.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Infant room, there was screen time (the iPad was on) in an activity area where childcare services are provided to infants.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.11. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 11. Label each food container received from the parent with the infant's name.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Infant room, six containers of food lacked a label.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.8.c. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 8. Provide a crib for each infant that: c. Is furnished with clean, sanitized, crib-size bedding, including a fitted sheet and top sheet or a blanket;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Infant room, 4 crib sheets were loose and not tight fitting to the mattresses.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.9. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 9. Does the following when a parent permits or asks a staff member to apply personal products on an enrolled child, such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sun screen or sun block preparations, toothpaste, and baby diapering preparations: a. Obtains the enrolled child’s personal products from the enrolled child’s parent or, if the licensee provides the personal products for use by the enrolled child, obtains written approval for use of the products from the enrolled child’s parent; b. Labels the personal products with the enrolled child’s name; and c. Keeps the personal products inaccessible to enrolled children;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, the following personal products lacked a label: *Infant room: 2 diaper wipes *1-year-old classroom: 2 diaper wipes that lacked a label and a can of Similac with first name only. *2-year-old classroom: 3 diaper wipes, a container of baby powder.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.5. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 5. Except as provided in subsection (D), prepares and posts a dated lesson plan in each indoor activity area for each calendar week, which is maintained on facility premises for 12 months after the lesson plan date and provides opportunities for each child to: a. Gain a positive self-concept; b. Develop and practice social skills; c. Think, reason, question, and experiment; d. Acquire language skills; e. Develop physical coordination skills; f. Participate in structured large muscle physical activity; g. Develop habits that meet health, safety, and nutritional needs; h. Express creativity; i. Learn to respect cultural diversity of children and staff; j. Learn self-help skills; and k. Develop a sense of responsibility and independence;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1’s observation, the lesson plans posted in the 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old classrooms were noted for the week of 10/23/2023. Previously cited: 11/2/2022”

AAC R9-5-501.A.19. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 19. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, the following were observed: *1-year-old classroom, a container of hard surface sanitizer, spray disinfectant, and a can of Glade spray located in an unlocked low cabinet. *4-year-old classroom, a vacuum located on the east wall next to the chalkboard.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, the following hazards were observed: *Infant room, a power strip hanging loosely off the wall in between two cribs *4-year-old toilet room, 3 exposed rusted screws were protruding at the base of the toilets; a loose and missing baseboard located near the door”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. Except for an enrolled school-age child, drinking water is provided sufficient for the needs of and accessible to each enrolled child in both indoor and outdoor activity areas;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the 4-year-old classroom, there were no cups accessible for drinking water to the children.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children were placed at risk of harm in the Infant room *An Infant child was asleep in the crib with a bib on. *An Infant child was lying awake in the crib with a pacifier attached to a leash.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, the ratio in the 1-year-old classroom was 1:8 instead of 2:8 as required for 1-year-old-children.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that the roster in the 3-year-old classroom did not reflect the number of children present (11 children present, 9 children listed on the roster). The 4-year-old classroom lacked a roster (8 children present, 0 children listed on the roster). Previously cited: 11/2/2022”

AAC R9-5-306.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a dated attendance form containing an enrolled child’s name with the time of each admission and release of the enrolled child. 1. Except as provided in subsection (A)(2), a licensee shall ensure that the attendance form is signed with at least a first initial of an individual’s first name and the individual’s last name by each enrolled child’s parent or individual designated by the enrolled child’s parent, each time the enrolled child is admitted or released. 2. An electronic fingerprint verification or an electronic signature may be used in place of a signature of the enrolled child’s parent or designated individual to admit or release the enrolled child. 3. If an electronic signature is used to admit or release the enrolled child, the licensee shall adopt policies and procedures to ensure that the individual whose signature the electronic or digital method of identification represents is accountable for the use of the electronic or digital method; 4. A licensee shall develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the identity of an individual is known to the staff member or is verified with picture identification before releasing an enrolled child to the individual. 5. A licensee shall not release the enrolled child to an individual other than the enrolled child’s parent or other individual designated in writing by the enrolled child’s parent except when the enrolled child’s parent is unable to collect the enrolled child and authorizes the licensee by telephone to release the enrolled child to an individual not so designated. a. The licensee shall verify the telephone authorization using a means of verification that has been agreed upon between the licensee and the enrolled child’s parent at the time of enrollment. b. The licensee shall document the means of verification in subsection (A)(5)(a) on the enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card. 6. A licensee shall not permit the self-admission or self-release of an enrolled child unless the enrolled child is of school age and the licensee has obtained and verified written permission from the enrolled child’s parent. 7. A licensee shall maintain the attendance form on facility premises for 12 months after the date of attendance.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that 5 out of 10 enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: Child #1: A release time for 10/11/2023 and 10/12/2023 Child #2: An admission signature and time for 10/12/2023 Child #3: An admission signature and time for 10/2/2023, 10/3/2023, 10/4/2023, 10/5/2023, and 10/6/2023 Child #4: An admission signature and time for 10/6/2023 Child #5: A release signature and time for 10/16/2023 and 10/17/2023.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete a Department-provided Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card that is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, city, state, zip code, home telephone number, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(9); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Compliance Officer #1 reviewed 20 emergency cards and found the following: Child #5 lacked the information on the back of their card and a parent's signature. Child #6 lacked the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. Child #7 listed 911 as the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. previously cited: 11/2/2022”

AAC R9-5-501.C.4. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 4. Except as provided in subsection (D), prepares and posts in each indoor activity area, a current schedule of children’s age-appropriate activities, including the times the following are provided: a. Meals and snacks; b. Naps; c. Indoor activities; d. Outdoor or large muscle development activities; e. Quiet and active activities; f. Teacher-directed activities; g. Self-directed activities; h. Activities for individuals, groups of five or fewer children, and groups of six or more children; and i. Activities that develop small muscles;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, the activity schedules were not posted in the 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-year-old classrooms.”

AAC R9-5-301.I. I. At least once a month, and at different times of the day, a licensee shall ensure that an unannounced fire and emergency evacuation drill is conducted and each staff member and enrolled child at the facility participates in the fire and emergency evacuation drill. 1. If child care services for a child with special needs are provided at a facility, the licensee shall provide for the enrolled child’s participation in each fire and emergency evacuation drill according to the enrolled child’s individualized plan as specified in R9-5-507(A)(1). 2. A licensee shall document each fire and emergency evacuation drill and maintain the documentation on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the fire and emergency evacuation drill.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, it was determined that the licensee conducted the fire drills for the 2023 calendar year in the mornings only. The licensee failed to conduct the fire drills at different times of the day.”

AAC R9-5-203.G G. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, before an individual’s starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall comply with the submission requirements in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) for the individual.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that the files for Staff #1 (start date 8/7/2023), Staff #2 (start date 1/11/2023), Staff #3 (start date 5/8/2023), and Staff #4 (start date 8/1/2023) lacked documentation of the submitted DCS Registry form.”

AAC R9-5-203.E. E. If a staff member possesses a fingerprint clearance card that was issued before the staff member became a staff member at the facility, a licensee shall: 1. Contact the Department of Public Safety before the individual becomes a staff member to determine whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid; and 2. Document this determination, including the name of the staff member, the date of contact with the Department of Public Safety, and whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that the files for Staff #1 (start date 8/7/2023), Staff #2 (start date 1/11/2023), Staff #3 (start date 5/8/2023), and Staff #4 (start date 8/1/2023) lacked documentation of a validated fingerprint clearance card in their file.”

AAC R9-5-512.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. Each toilet room in a facility contains, within easy reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue; and b. Except as provided in subsection (G): i. A sink with running water; ii. Soap contained in a dispenser; and iii. Disposable, single-use paper towels in a mounted dispenser, or a mechanical air hand dryer; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 4. Except for a cup or receptacle used only for water, food waste is stored in a covered container and the container is clean and lined with a plastic bag; 5. Food waste and other refuse is removed from the facility building at least once every 24 hours or more often as necessary to maintain a clean condition and avoid odors; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 8. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a clean and working condition; and 9. Chipped or cracked sinks and toilets are replaced or repaired.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following cleaning and sanitation items were observed and accessible to enrolled children: *3-year-old and up outdoor activity area: a plastic shopping cart with brown build up, a blue chair with paint smudges and brown build up, a purple chair with red stains, and a plastic kitchen set with brown build up located near the West wall. *2-year-old toilet room: The toilet tissue was not mounted. There was a roll of toilet paper located on the top of the empty dispenser.”