Amici Trilingual Montessori

AAC R9-5-605.B.9. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 9. Fans are mounted and inaccessible to an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, in the 2/3's room there was an unmounted white fan sitting on a shelf.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the file for Staff #1 (start date: 5/14/26) lacked documentation of a centralized background check completed prior to the starting date of employment. The document had a completed date as 6/11/26.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.17. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 17. Each enrolled child’s pacifier is labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child and maintained in a clean condition;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, there was a child in the Infant room with a pacifier that lacked an identifier specific to the infant.”

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 Officers' observations, the diaper changing surfaces in both of the 1/2's classrooms and the Aftercare room had seams along the edges and holes on the surface that were not sanitizable. Additionally, there was a plastic toy sitting atop the diapering surface in the Aftercare room.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.1. 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;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, the toilet paper dispenser in the 1/2's restroom was devoid of toilet paper.”

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 Officers' observations, the following areas had electrical outlets lacking safety covers/inserts: *Along the southern wall in the Aftercare room *In the Infant room, near the small, black light.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed on the facility playgrounds: *On the toddler playground the metal machine cloth at the base of the fence was protruding with sharp metal edges within reach of enrolled children. *On the toddler playground the wooden beams surrounding the planter boxes were splintering and accessible to enrolled children. *On the main playground the resilient surface surrounding the climber had several tears and gouges in the surface, creating tripping hazards near the equipment. *On the main playground the wooden planter boxes and the wooden gazebo had splintering wood accessible to enrolled children. *On the SA playground there was a board laying on the ground , a wooden frame and wooden tables all with splintering wood that was accessible to enrolled children.”

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 child educator 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 if working with enrolled children five years old and younger, or three months of child care experience if working with school-aged children; 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 Officers’ observations, Staff #1 worked in the capacity of a child educator. The file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of an accredited translation source for the minimum equivalency of a high school diploma from the United States.”

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

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on staff statement and facility documentation, the staff-to-student ratio in the Preschool Playground was 0:1 when Child #1 was outside on the playground alone riding on a tricycle. Staff stated the following: *The class was outside playing and I rang the bell to go inside. *I heard the other friends going inside...there was no sound for a little but then I heard a sound from the other playground. I saw a child coming on a tricycle. *Child #1 did not want to go inside, when we were inside and went back outside. *Was watching Child #1 through the window the whole time. Written documentation stated the following: *"I heard a sound coming from their playground and a (child) was coming in a tricycle I walked to (them) and said that (their) class was already inside I asked (the child) to knock the back door of (their) classroom and I waited until (they) went inside. I was still in the playground with my children." *Previously cited on 2/06/2024 and 8/12/2024.”

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 the Compliance Officers’ observations, the following activity areas lacked an accurate roster: Pandas Room: There were 10 enrolled children present but only 9 children were listed on the roster. Bobcats Room: There were 13 enrolled children present but only 11 children were listed on the roster.”

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 staff statement and facility documentation, the health, safety, and welfare of an enrolled child was placed at risk of harm when Child #1 was left alone outside on a playground. Seven children from the Bobcats room were outside on the playground from 12:15 PM to 12:47 PM. Staff #1 rang a bell to indicate to the children to line up and enter the classroom one by one. Child #1 entered the classroom and then exited back through the same door into the playground. The child was outside alone riding on a tricycle when a staff member on an adjacent playground, with their own class, noticed and instructed the child to go knock on the door to re-enter their classroom. The child knocked on the incorrect door and the staff member from the adjacent playground instructed the child to knock on the correct door, where the child was then let back into the Bobcats classroom. *Previously cited on 2/06/2024 and 8/12/2024.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Supervises each enrolled child at all times;

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on staff statement and facility documentation, enrolled children were not supervised at all times when a child was outside on a playground alone. Staff stated the following: *Saw a child by themself coming to the fence with a tricycle. *I was watching them through the window the whole time. *I could not get the child because there were 6 other children in the classroom. Written documentation stated the following: *"A separate class was on another playground within view but separated by a fence. This class went inside and left one preschool-aged child on the playground…” *Previously cited as R9-5-501.C.1 on 2/06/2024 and 8/12/2024.”

AAC R9-5-301.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a facility director: 1. Designates, in writing, an individual who meets the requirements of R9-5-401(2) to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility; 2. Supervises or assigns a child educator to supervise each staff member who does not meet the qualifications of R9-5-401(3); 3. Prepares a dated attendance record for each day and ensures that each staff member documents on the attendance record the time of each arrival and departure of the staff member; and 4. Maintains on the facility premises, the dated attendance record required in subsection (B)(3) for 12 months after the date on the attendance record.

“Findings: Based on staff statement and facility documentation, on 10/03/2025 in the Bobcats Room and Playground, Staff #1 (DOE 8/08/2025) was acting in the capacity of a Child Educator when they were alone and unsupervised with children. The file for Staff #1 lacked documentation to qualify Staff #1 as a Child Educator.”

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 and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, two of 15 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards lacked the following information: Child #3: The name, home address, email address, and telephone number of the second parent, or strikeouts of the required sections if there was no second parent. Child #4: The name of the second parent.”

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 the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, in the Quails Room, there were 9 children listed on the roster but only 8 enrolled children present.”

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 child educator 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 if working with enrolled children five years old and younger, or three months of child care experience if working with school-aged children; 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 and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the files for Staff #1 (DOE 7/21/2025), #2 (DOE 8/8/2025), and #3 (DOE 8/18/2025) lacked a high school equivalency diploma. The files for the three staff had diplomas that were not translated into English and verified as equivalent.”

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 Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, in the Pandas Room, the base of the cabinet under the sink was warped, exposing raw wood.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.5.b. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 5. Develop, document, and implement tummy time policies and procedures that: b. Ensure a staff member who is supervising a non-crawling infant while the infant is flat on their stomach and on the floor: i. Is within reach of the infant; ii. Does not perform any other duties while supervising the infant; iii. Does not allow the use of pillows, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft products in the same floor space as the infant; and iv. Does not allow any product specified in subsection (A)(5)(b)(iii) to be within reach of the infant;

“Findings: Based on staff statement and the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, in the Infant Room, the staff member was not within reach of two enrolled infants while the infants were flat on their stomach on the floor. One enrolled infant was crying while on their stomach and the other was playing with an activity cube. The staff stated the enrolled infants could not yet crawl.”

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 Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following diaper changing areas were not kept seamless and smooth: Roadrunners Room: There was a box of tissues and a globe on the handwashing sink. Jackrabbits Room: *There was a bag of wipes on the handwashing sink. *There was dirt and debris build up in the corners of the diaper changing table, and there were areas of peeling paint along the fall barrier.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3.4. 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 4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, in the Jackrabbits Room, the soiled clothing container was not lined and did not have a lid. Additionally, there were two plastic bags and a blue bottle inside the container.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the snack menu on 8/14/2025 and 8/15/2025 lacked the required meal pattern requirements for snacks. On 8/14/2025, cucumbers, carrots, and ranch were scheduled to be served and on 8/15/2025, tortilla chips and salsa were scheduled to be served. Ranch and and salsa are condiments and do not meet the requirements to be a meal component.”

AAC R9-5-509.B. B. If a licensee contracts with a food establishment to prepare and deliver food to the facility, the licensee shall obtain and provide the Department with a copy of the food establishment’s permit, issued under 9 A.A.C. 8, Article 1, at the following times: 1. Before the Department issues a license to the facility, 2. Upon contracting with the food establishment, and 3. Every 12 months after the date the contract is entered into while the contract is in effect

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the food permit for the catering food establishment expired 8/31/2024 and was not renewed.”

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 Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following areas lacked cleaned and sanitized caulking: Bobcats Room: *Boys' and Girls' Toilet Rooms: The caulking around the base of the toilets had dirt build up and were ripped off the base. Pandas Room: *Boys' and Girls' Toilet Rooms: The caulking around the base of the toilets had dirt build up and had sections that had no caulking. Chuckwallas Toilet Room: *The caulking around the base of the toilet had a build up of dirt and was peeling off the ground.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.7. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following areas had materials and equipment that were not maintained in a clean condition: Jackrabbits Toilet Room: *On the wall-mounted shelving unit in the toilet room, there were personal wipes, diapers, and other personal items not enclosed by a container. Bobcats Room: *Girls' Toilet Room: Personal clothing for Child #1 was in an open bin on a wall-mounted shelving unit. *Boys' Toilet Room: Clothing was in an open bin on a wall-mounted shelving unit. Primary Playground: *The climber had dirt build up on the yellow handles.”

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 adult and pediatric first aid and CPR certification, as required by R9-5-403(E); c. 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 d. The facility’s street address and the emergency telephone numbers for the local fire department, police department, ambulance service, and poison control center; e. The procedures for evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place and lockdown, staff and volunteer emergency preparedness training and practice drills, communication and reunification with families, continuity of operations, and accommodation of infants, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions, as specified in R9-5-301; 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 the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the written fire and emergency plan in all rooms was last updated on 6/03/2024 and was not revised in the last 12 months.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the medication authorization for Child #2 lacked the specific times and frequency of administration. The authorization stated to use the medication "as needed".”

AAC R9-5-517.A.3. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall: 3. Ensure that the motor vehicle is registered by the Arizona Department of Transportation as required by A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 7;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the motor vehicle registration expired on 7/31/2025.”

AAC R9-5-517.A.10. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall: 10. Ensure that the motor vehicle is: a. Maintained in a clean condition, b. In a mechanically safe condition, and c. Free from hazards; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children in the motor vehicle: *The seat in the first row was torn with exposed foam accessible. *There was a 4-inch gap with rough edges in the plastic in the second row, next to the black and red car seat.”

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 and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following outdoor hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Primary Playground: *The wood on the pergola was splintering and had peeling paint. *The top of the blue table had exposed, sharp raw wood and the paint was peeling. *The protective rubber on the stairs of the climber was peeling, exposing the metal underneath. School Age Playground: *The protective rubber on the red bench was peeling, exposing the metal underneath. *The wheelbarrow in the garden was rusted with chipping paint, and tipped on it's side. *The wood trellis near the concrete wall had loose, sharp wood. Toddler Playground: *The hose was uncoiled along the ground and around the drinking fountain. *The protective rubber on the red bench was peeling, exposing the metal underneath.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.9. B. 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 Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observation, the following personal products lacked a label containing the enrolled child's first and last name: Bobcats Room: *Four labeled with first name and last initial. *Five labeled with first name only. *Three lacked a label. Jackrabbits Room: *Four diaper wipes labeled with first name only. *One diaper wipe lacked a label. Roadrunner Room: *One Boudreaux Butt Paste lacked a label.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.22. C. A licensee shall ensure that:22. A refrigerator at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 41° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the refrigerator at all times;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the refrigerator in the Bobcat room lacked a thermometer.”

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 facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, the menu stated morning snack was Ritz crackers, bell peppers, and ranch dressing. The children were observed eating animal crackers and oranges.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Jackrabbit room, the enrolled children were only fed animal crackers and water for the AM snack. The snack lacked the second component, as required.”

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 #1's observation, in the Roasrunner room, there were plastic bags containing soiled clothes in the children's cubbies and not in the soiled clothing container, as required.”

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 #1's observation, in the Jackrabbit room, there was a plastic lock and a roll of papertowels on the counter of the diaper changing hand washing sink.”

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 staff statements and Compliance Officer #1's observation, Child #1 lacked written feeding instructions. A staff stated Child #1 was enrolled at the facility for 2 weeks and did not have feeding instructions.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Jackrabbit and Roadrunner rooms, the children’s diapering items, including diaper cream, were kept in their cubbies, and accessible to the children. In the Bobcat room, there was a tube of diaper ointment near the water fountain and a container of wipes on the counter of the sink.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance officers' observation, the lesson plan in the Jackrabbit room lacked a date. There was no lesson plan posted in the Bobcats room.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, 1 of 5 staff files reviewed lacked the following: Staff #1 (4/17/24) lacked 6 months of childcare experience to qualify as a teacher-caregiver.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, staff-to-child ratios were not maintained at all times. In the Bobcat room, the ratio was 0:10 with 3-year-old children present; a staff member was needed to maintain the required ratio of 1:10. In the Jackrabbit room, the ratio was 1:10 with 2-year-old children present; a staff member was needed to maintain the required ratio of 2:10. In the Roadrunner room, the ratio was 0:6 with 1-year-old children present; a staff member was needed to maintain the required ratio of 1:6. On 2 separate occasions the staff-to-child ratio in the hallway was 0:1 when enrolled children opened the classroom doors and ran out.”

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 was placed at risk of harm when two separate enrolled children opened their classroom doors without staff intervention and ran out into the hallway.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.9. A. A licensee shall ensure that:9. If a staff member places an enrolled child in a feeding chair when feeding the enrolled child: a. The feeding chair is constructed to prevent toppling; b. The tray or feeding surface of the feeding chair is smooth and free of cracks; and c. The staff member: i Cleans the feeding chair before and after each enrolled child’s use; ii. Sanitizes the tray or feeding surface before and after each enrolled child’s use; and iii. If the feeding chair was manufactured with a safety strap, fastens the feeding chair’s safety strap while the enrolled child is in the feeding chair;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Infant room, the was a booster seat that lacked the required safety strap from the manufacturer.”

AAC R9-5-301.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member submits, on or before the starting date of employment or volunteer services, one of the following as evidence of freedom from infectious active tuberculosis: 1. Documentation of a negative Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered within 12 months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service, that includes the date and the type of tuberculosis screening test; or 2. If the staff member has had a positive Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test, a written statement that the staff member is free from infectious active tuberculosis that is signed and dated by a health care provider within six months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observations, 1 of the 5 staff files reviewed lacked the following: Staff #2's (start date 4/23/24) TB was negative on 5/11/24, outside of the required time frame.”

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 #2's observation, in the Bobcat room, there were uncovered outlets on the east and south walls.”

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;

“FindingsL Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the exit door in the Bobcat room was obstructed by an art easel and a cart containing the children's water bottles.”

AAC R9-5-601.5. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:5. A diaper changing area is not required in an activity area that is: a. Only used by enrolled children for snacks or meals, b. Used for a specific activity by enrolled children who are two years of age or older; or c. An indoor activity area that is being substituted for an outdoor activity area under R9-5-602(D); and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, care was provided for a diapered one-year-old child in an indoor activity area that lacked a diaper changing area.”

AAC R9-5-513.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:1. Keeps all pet and animal habitats clean; 2. Prohibits reptiles, such as turtles, iguanas, snakes, and lizards, in the facility; 3. Prohibits birds in food preparation and eating areas; 4. Keeps pets and animals clean; 5. Prohibits pets and animals from endangering an enrolled child, staff member, or other individual on facility premises; and 6. Keeps birds and animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, and poultry in an enclosure that is not accessible to an enrolled child except as part of an activity.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Bobcat room, the fish tank containing a goldfish had greenish-brown water.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.23. C. A licensee shall ensure that:23. A freezer at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 0° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the freezer at all times; and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, the freezer in the Bobcat room lacked a thermometer.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, The Bobcat room lacked a daily activity schedule.”

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, staff statements, and the Compliance Officer's observation, the roster in the Roadrunners room indicated 5 children on the roster, but 7 were present in the room. In the Turtles room, the roster had 9 children marked present, but there were 8 children present. There was no roster available for the nine children present in the Jackrabbit room. A staff member in the Jackrabbits room stated the roster was on the laptop, but the director took away the laptop.”

AAC R9-5-301.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a facility director: 1. Designates, in writing, an individual who meets the requirements of R9-5-401(2) to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility; 2. Supervises or assigns a teacher-caregiver to supervise each staff member who does not meet the qualifications of R9-5-401(3); 3. Prepares a dated attendance record for each day and ensures that each staff member documents on the attendance record the time of each arrival and departure of the staff member; and 4. Maintains on the facility premises, the dated attendance record required in subsection (B)(3) for 12 months after the date on the attendance record.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, Staff #1 (start date 4/17/24) was alone and unsupervised by a teacher-caregiver with enrolled children in the Roadrunner room. Staff #1 did not meet the qualifications of a teacher-caregiver.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.1. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Supervises each enrolled child at all times;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, staff in the Roadrunner room did not supervise each child at all times. Staff #1 was changing a diaper when a child ran out of the room. When the staff completed the diaper change, they ran out of the room to get the child, leaving 6 children alone and unsupervised in the room.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, in the Bobcat room, there was a container of silver polish with a warning label that was being used by children.”

AAC R9-5-517.A.10. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall:10. Ensure that the motor vehicle is: a. Maintained in a clean condition, b. In a mechanically safe condition, and c. Free from hazards; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance officer's observation, on the first passenger bench in the van, the seat cover was ripped with exposed foam accessible to the enrolled 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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the roster in the Jackrabbit's classroom (2 year olds) reflected the presence of 16 children, however the classroom only had 8 children present as the additional 8 children were outside with a staff member who did not have a roster present outside.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.1. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Supervises each enrolled child at all times;

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, information provided by staff members and review of the police report, on 10/31/23 Child #1 left the facility unsupervised and walked across a parking lot to Chandler Blvd. A member of the community stated that they " noticed (Child #1) walking through the parking lot unattended. (Child #1) was very upset crying for (Child #1's) mom" before returning Child #1 to teachers present on the facility's playground. The facility owner acknowledged that Child #1 "somehow opened the door, walked into the hall and went through the atrium door and had to turn the lever that most kids don't know how to get out of". The facility owner also acknowledged not being present at the facility when the incident happened.”

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;

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, information provided by staff members and review of the police report, on 10/31/23 the health and safety of Child #1 was placed at risk of harm. Child #1 left the facility while not being supervised and walked towards Chandler Blvd. and was about "to cross the street" before being returned to the Toddler playground by a member of the community. Staff members stated that the member of the community stated "that (the person) was driving and saw (Child #1) and slammed on (the person's) brakes".”

AAC R9-5-404.C.1. C. A licensee shall ensure that:1. When there are six or more enrolled children present in a facility, the following individuals are present in the facility: a. A facility director or a director’s designee who meets the requirements in R9-5-401 for a director’s designee; and b. One additional staff member;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by staff members, neither the facility director, nor the director's designee were present in facility on 10/31/23 when a 3 year old child left the facility without supervision.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, information provided by staff members and review of the police report, a child left the facility and was in a staff-to-child ratio of 0:1 on 10/31/2023.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the foreign diploma for Staff #1 (start date 6/11/22) had not been translated into English nor had been evaluated for equivalency for a U.S. high school diploma.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, Staff #1 (start date 6/17/22) lacked documentation of 18 hours of annual training.”

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 Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the School Age classroom lacked a posted, dated lesson plan.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, there was a nail protruding from the wooden border along the windowsill of the School Age classroom.”