A.E.S.D.#44 - Copper Trails School

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that Staff #1's (DOE 9/2/25) file lacked the following: DSC form was submitted on 9/9/2025, after their date of employment.”

AAC R9-5-305.A. A. A licensee shall not permit an enrolled child to attend a facility until the facility receives: 1. An immunization record for the enrolled child with the information required in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7, documenting that the enrolled child has received all current, age-appropriate immunizations required under 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7: a. Provided by a healthcare provider, or b. Generated from the Arizona State Immunization Information System, which is the Department’s child immunization reporting system established in A.R.S. § 36-135; or 2. An exemption affidavit for the enrolled child provided by the enrolled child’s parent that contains a statement, signed by the enrolled child's: a. Health care provider, that the immunizations required by 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7 would endanger the enrolled child’s health or medical condition; or b. Parent, that the enrolled child is being raised in a religion whose teachings are in opposition to immunization.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the files for Child #2, Child #3 and Child #4 lacked immunization records as required.”

AAC R9-5-309.C. C. A licensee shall maintain on facility premises: 1. A current fire inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the fire inspection report; and 2. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a current gas inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the gas inspection report.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the Licensee lacked a current fire inspection report. The report on file expired on 3/8/24.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.20. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 20. 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 the Compliance Officers' observations, there was a commercial floor cleaner at the entrance of the boys bathroom that was accessible to children.”

AAC R9-5-401.4. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility: 4. An assistant child educator is 16 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class; b. High school or high school equivalency diploma; c. Enrollment in vocational rehabilitation, as defined in A.R.S. § 23-501; or d. Employment or service as a volunteer in a licensed child care facility for 12 months;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that Staff #1 (DOE 9/2/2025), was an assistant child educator. Staff #1 was not qualified as an assistant educator, the file for Staff #1 lacked a high school or high school equivalency diploma.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.1. A. A staff member shall provide guidance to help children respond to difficult situations. To develop self-regulation, children should receive adult support that is individual to the child and adapts as the child develops internal controls. This process should include: 1. Forming a positive relationship with the child, which occurs when the adult spends time talking to the child, listening to the child, following the child’s lead, playing with the child, and responding to the child’s needs; 2. Base expectations on the child’s developmental level; 3. Establishing and being proactive in teaching and supporting children in learning simple rules; 4. Modifying the learning/play environment to support the child’s appropriate behavior; 5. Creating a predictable daily routine and schedule; 6. Modeling desired behavior; 7. Showing children positive alternatives; 8.Using deliberate redirection, the staff member should encourage the child to use appropriate behavior, and provide positive feedback when the child exhibits the behavior; 9. Individualized positive discipline strategies based on the individual needs of children, such as using a buddy system, individualized schedule, special break, or another applicable positive discipline strategy; and 10. If applicable, a licensee shall develop a written plan with the enrolled child's parent to provide individualized social and emotional intervention supports for the enrolled child that includes methods for understanding the enrolled child's behavior, and developing, adopting, and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations, it was observed that Staff #1 failed to form a positive relationship with enrolled children. Interaction 1: While passing out napkins at the table, a child stated that they wanted a snack. Staff #1 stated they were frustrated with the child, because they had already asked who wanted a snack earlier and child didn't say anything. Staff #1 then abruptly told the child to go get a napkin. The child got up from the table slowly and the child’s face appeared red, looked visibly upset as they got up to retrieve the napkin. Interaction 2: Two children approached Staff #1 to ask for something to do. Staff #1 responded in a firm, aggressive, and dismissive tone, instructing the children to go find a seat instead of asking for something from the teacher. Both children turned away with their heads down and walked away without further interaction or activity from the staff member.”

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, it was determined that the following restrooms were not maintained in a clean and working condition: Gym Boys’ Restroom: The handwashing sink was missing two faucet knobs. The last toilet in the row was leaking. The second-to-last stall was locked and inaccessible. A wad of toilet paper was in the urinal. Caulking around the base of all toilets was missing. Gym Girls’ Restroom: The handwashing sink was missing one faucet knob. Caulking around the base of all toilets was missing. Cafeteria Boys’ Restroom: The single restroom stall was locked and inaccessible to children. Cafeteria Girls’ Restroom: The toilet seat in the second stall was loose.”

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 Officer's observations, in the outdoor activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: There were multiple screws missing on all four panels of the rock wall. There was cracked plastic with sharp edges throughout all four panels of the rock wall.”

AAC R9-5-203.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member completes, signs, dates, and submits to the licensee, before the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service: 1. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); and 2. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, the form in A.R.S. § 8-804(I).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that Staff #1's (DOE 9/2/25) file lacked the following: The facilities name, address, and the back side of the Criminal History Affidavit form.”

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 an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record that is no more than a two-page written notice, and is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, email address, and 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 the nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(14); 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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 8 out of 10 enrolled children's Emergency Information and Immunization Record cards lacked the following required information: Child #1, Child #3, Child #5, Child #6, Child #7 and Child #8- The name and contact telephone number of one other individual 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. Child #2- The name and contact telephone number of one other individual 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. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. The back of the card had no date at the bottom of the card next to parent signature. Child #4- The name and contact telephone number of one other individual 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. The parent's printed and signed name, and date on the back of the card.”

AAC R9-5-509.A. A. A licensee that prepares food for enrolled children on facility premises shall, if required by 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, andthe local ordinances of the local health department where the facility is located, obtain a food establishment permit issued under 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, and: 1. Provide the Department with a copy of the facility’s food establishment permit before the Department issues a license to the facility, 2. Maintain the facility’s current food establishment permit on the facility’s premises, and 3 Provide a copy of the facility’s current food establishment permit to the Department upon request.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that the Licensee lacked documentation of a current Sanitation inspection report as required.”

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 Officer's observation, on the Preschool playground, there was rusted metal with exposed sharp edges in multiple places on the South fence measuring 1 to 8 inches. On the School-age playground, there were multiple cracks measuring 1 to 9 inches long on all 4 rock wall panels.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of the submitted DCS Registry form. (Date of employment: 9/23/2024)”

AAC R9-5-309.C. C. A licensee shall maintain on facility premises: 1. A current fire inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the fire inspection report; and 2. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a current gas inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the gas inspection report.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that the Licensee lacked documentation of a current violation-free fire and violation-free gas inspection reports as required.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:3. A teacher-caregiver is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that Staff #1 was not qualified as a teacher-caregiver because the staff file lacked documentation of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. (Date of employment- 9/23/2024)”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, the morning activity schedule was not posted in the Cafeteria (Before and Aftercare).”

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 Officer's observation, in the little playground, there was rusted metal with exposed sharp edges in multiple places on the South fence measuring 1 to 8 inches. On the big playground, there were multiple cracks measuring 1 to 9 inches long on all 4 rock wall panels.”

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 Officer’s observation, throughout the facility, the caulking around the base of the toilets had a brown and yellow build-up. In the Preschool bathroom, the 4th sink faucet was not in working condition.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:3. A teacher-caregiver is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that Staff #1 was a teacher-caregiver in the Preschool Classroom. Staff #1 was not qualified as a teacher-caregiver because the staff file lacked documentation of 6 college credits.”

AAC R9-5-309.C. C. A licensee shall maintain on facility premises: 1. A current fire inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the fire inspection report; and 2. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a current gas inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the gas inspection report.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that the Licensee lacked documentation of a current violation-free fire inspection report as required. (Fire inspection had violations)”

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 the Compliance Officer’s observation, staff were unable to pull up previous attendance records virtually for review.”

AAC R9-5-305.B. B. A licensee shall attach an enrolled child’s written immunization record or exemption affidavit, required in subsection(A), to the enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card, required in R9-5 304(B).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that Preschool Classroom children's immunization records were in a file cabinet in the teacher's desk and not attached to the Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card as required.”

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 the Compliance Officer’s observation, the ratio in the Preschool classroom was 1:18 instead of 2:18 as required for 3-year-old children.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.1. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that:1. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, is responsible for the administration of all medications in the facility, including storing, supervising an enrolled child’s ingestion of a medication, and documenting all medications administered to an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the licensee lacked in writing a designated staff member to administer all medications at the facility.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Cafeteria (Before and Aftercare), the main posting board lacked a current fire and emergency plan (dated 7-30-2020).”