Amore Preschool

AAC R9-5-510.B.4. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 4. Punishment associated with eating, resting, sleeping, toileting, and withholding outdoor play;

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, information provided by the staff at the time of the inspection and an email sent to the Department by the Licensee, it was determined that a staff member failed to use appropriate care and handling with an enrolled child during nap time. The staff member removed a child's nap sheet while the child was still napping.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. The use of physical punishment including: a. Hitting, spanking, shaking, slapping, twisting, pulling, squeezing, or biting; b. Demanding excessive physical excercise or excessive rest; and c. Forcing a child to eat or consume soap, food, or foreign substances;

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by the staff at the time of the inspection, it was determined that a staff member did not use appropriate physical discipline with the enrolled children. Staff stated the following: "She would take the child's hand and walked too rough to take the child to another area." "They were on the carpet and she picked the child from the arms to put the child on the bench in a rough way." "She picked them up by their arms in a way that we are not okay with.””

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, information provided by the staff at the time of the inspection and an email sent to the Department by the Licensee, it was determined that a the health, safety and welfare of an enrolled child was placed at risk of harm when a staff member failed to comfort a child when they cried for a prolonged period of time.”

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 CO’s observation, in the outdoor activity area there was exposed splintery wood located at the base of the white cabinets.”

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 the CO’s observation, in the Infant room, there were two pacifiers that lacked a label with an indentifier specific to the enrolled child. *Previously cited: 6/11/2025”

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 CO’s observation, 5 of 10 Emergency Record Cards reviewed lacked the following information: Child #1: The date of enrollment and the second page was missing completely. Child #2: The answer to question #2 on the second page. Child #3 and Child #4: The date of enrollment Child #5: The name and contact telephone number of the child’s Health Care Provider and the name of the individual to call in case of sudden illness or injury.”

AAC R9-5-301.I. I. At least once a month, and at different times of the day, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. An unannounced practice drill that includes evacuation, relocation, shelter-in place, and lock downs are conducted; 2. Each staff member, volunteer, and enrolled child at the facility participates in the practice drill; 3. If applicable, accommodations are made for an enrolled child with a special need or disability according to the enrolled child's individualized plan as specified in R9-5-507(A)(1); 4. If applicable, accommodations are made for an enrolled child or infant who is not yet walking; and 5. Document each practice drill and maintain the documentation on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the practice drill.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO’s observation, the facility lacked evacuation drills conducted at different times of the day. Documented drills only occurred in the 9AM or 10AM hour.”

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 (CO’s) observation, Staff #1 (DOE 3/16/2026) lacked documentation of the DCS Central Registry submission.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.lk. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: k. 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 CO’s observation, Child #6’s infant feeding instruction did not include any puréed foods that were authorized to be fed to the child. However there were five pouches of puréed foods labeled with Child #6’s name stored in the classroom refrigerator. *Previously cited: 6/17/2024”

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 CO’s observation, in Room 1 (2s), the toddler seat insert scratched away the enamel finish on the toilet seat, making it unable to be maintained in a clean condition.”

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

“Findings: Based on the CO’s observation, in Room 5 (3s), the soiled clothes and soiled diaper containers were located on a low shelf accessible to enrolled children.”

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 CO’s observation, in Room 2 (1s), there were paint brushes located in a green bowl next to the diaper handwashing sink.”

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 CO's observation, in the Infant room, there was a crib that lacked a fitted sheet designed for the crib mattress size. The sheet was bunched up and loose.”

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 CO's observation, the entrance doors of each classroom were not maintained in a clean condition. The doors have built-up black smudges located from the handle to the floor.”

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 CO's observation, in the outdoor activity area, there was equipment not maintained in a clean condition: *There were black smudges located on the green posts and the "ship's wheel" of the toddler climber. *There was black build-up located on the entrance door and the window shutters of the red playhouse.”

AAC R9-5-515.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that:1. A dated, written notice of the communicable disease or infestation is prepared and posted in the facility’s entrance as required by R9-5-303; 2. Documentation of the notification is maintained on facility premises for 12 months from the date of the notification; and 3. Documentation of the absences of staff members and enrolled children due to a communicable disease or infestation listed in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 2, Table 2, is prepared and maintained on facility premises for 12 months from the first date of absence.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO Supervisor's observation, the facility lacked documentation of the absences of staff members and enrolled children due to a communicable disease or infestation.”

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 CO Supervisor's observation, the reviewed medication written authorization forms lacked the following information: *Child #1: The correct prescription number and the end date of the dosage period, and a second medication lacked a form. *Child #2: The start and end date of the dosage period. *Child #3: The prescription number, the route of administration, and the end date of the dosage period, and a second medication lacked a form.”

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 facility documentation and the CO Supervisor's observation, the medication for Child #2 was dispensed as a two-pack by the pharmacy, but only one was present at the facility.”

AAC R9-5-516.G. G. A licensee shall return all unused prescription and nonprescription medications to a parent when the medication prescription date has expired or the medication is no longer being administered to the enrolled child or dispose of the medication if unable to locate the enrolled child's parent after the child's disenrollment

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO Supervisor's observation, the prescription medication for Child #1 expired in October 2024 and was not returned to the parent.”

AAC R9-5-504.3. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“Findings: Based on the CO's observation, in the 1s (Room 4) classroom, there was 1 book accessible (the remaining books are located on a high shelf) to the 6 children in attendance. In the 2s (Room 1) classroom, there were not any books or puzzles accessible to enrolled children. The books and puzzles were out of reach on a white cabinet.”

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 teacher-caregiver 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; d. Employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months; or e. Service as a volunteer in a child care facility for 12 months;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer (CO) Supervisor's observation, Staff #1 (DOE 12/2/2024) was observed as an assistant teacher-caregiver. Staff #1 lacked documentation of education to be qualified as an assistant teacher-caregiver.”

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 CO's observation, in the outdoor activity area, there were 2 Sunbums sunscreen that lacked a label. In the 1s (Room 4) classroom, there was a container of Aquaphor and a tube of Sweet Cheeks Diaper Cream that lacked a label.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that:18. 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 the CO's observation, in the 1s (Room 2) classroom, there were 5 pacifiers that lacked a label with an identifier specific to the enrolled child.”

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 facility documentation and the CO Supervisor's observation, Staff #2 (DOE 8/14/2023) lacked 12 of the required 18 hours of annual training for the period of 8/14/2023-8/14/2024. Staff #3 (DOE 5/31/2023) lacked 5 of the required 18 hours of annual training for the period of 5/31/2024-5/31/2025.”

AAC R9-5-404.E. E. In addition to maintaining the required staff-to-children ratios, a licensee shall ensure that:1. Staff members are present on facility premises to perform facility administration, food preparation, food service, and maintenance responsibilities; and 2. Facility maintenance does not depend on the work of enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on the COs' observations, the Staff on the facility premises was unable to access the online attendance forms. Staff stated, I cannot bring up the sign-in sheet, the owner will do it when they get here.”

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 COs' observations, the ratio on the older playground was 1:12 instead of 2:12 as required for 1–5-year-old children. The ratio in Room 6 was 2:13 instead of 3:13 as required for infants. Per staff statements, the ratio was 0:1 and 0:3 when 3-year-old children were placed at a table outside on the covered patio for discipline. *Previously cited: 04/17/2024”

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 CO #1's observation, in Room 5 the roster did not reflect the number of children present (11 children present, 5 children listed on the roster). *Previously cited: 04/17/2024”

AAC R9-5-604.B.3. B. A licensee that uses a private pool for an enrolled child shall ensure that the swimming pool and its equipment meet the following requirements: 3. A portable pool that does not meet the requirements of subsection (B)(1) or (2) is prohibited;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observation and staff statement, on the older playground, there was a portable pool located on the patio. Staff stated this week is water week.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. A method of discipline that could cause harm to the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child;

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements and the COs’ observations, children were placed alone outside of the classroom for punishment because they were not listening. Staff stated the following: *It makes me upset to see kids sitting outside alone in 110 degree weather because they aren't listening *There was a child sitting outside with their head down, I asked why are you out here? They said, because I am not listening. *I asked the staff what is going on? The staff said, they aren't listening, I can't stand it, I can't do this, I am done.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 2. Teaches, models, and encourages orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, staff used an aggressive tone when speaking to enrolled children. Staff stated: *A Staff talks to children with an aggressive tone. *I could hear a Staff’s voice when I was in the break room (which is a separate building across the playground). *I would not say yelling, but they use an aggressive tone. A parent would not want to hear that. *An enrolled child has an outside Aide that comes to the classroom to support a child. The Aide asked the Staff be more gentle when speaking to the child, because the child didn't want to come into the classroom.”

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

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, enrolled children were not supervised while they were on the playground alone. Staff stated the following: *I saw 3 kids sitting outside at the table during naptime. No one was outside with them. *A week or so ago, there was one child from Room 3 outside alone. It was right before naptime. The child was at the table. The door to the classroom was closed.”

AAC R9-5-301.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the following individuals are allowed immediate access to facility premises during hours of operation: 1. A parent of an enrolled child or an individual designated in writing by the parent of an enrolled child; or 2. A representative of: a. The Department, b. The local health department, c. Arizona Department of Child Safety, or d. The local fire department or State Fire Marshal.

“Findings: Based on parent statements and the Compliance Officers' (CO) observations, parents lacked immediate access to the facility premises where their child receives care. A parent arrived at the locked gate at 7:53 am and waited 2 minutes 52 seconds for staff to open the gate. The parent did not have the access code to the locked gate. CO #2 asked the parent if they could drop their child off at the classroom. The parent said, no. CO #2 asked the parent if they have ever requested to go past the gate. The parent said, no.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 4. An enrolled child is placed in an age-appropriate or developmentally-appropriate group;

“Findings: Based on the COs' observations, there were 1-5 year olds present on the older playground. There was equipment that was not age-appropriate for 1-year-old children. There were double occupancy trikes, a balance beam with stepping stones, a small rubber crab (approximately the size of a half-dollar coin), and pieces of mulch on the ground accessible to 1-year-old children.”

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 CO #2's observations, in Room 3, there was a container of Purcell surface spray and a container of Glass multi cleaner located on a white shelf accessible to enrolled children. In Room 1's toilet room, there was a white toilet brush located on the floor to the right of the toilet. A child was observed touching the brush handle.”

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 COs' observations, the following personal products lacked a label with the enrolled child's name: *Older Playground: There were 2 containers of sunscreen that lacked a label. *Room 1: There were 2 containers of wipes with a first name only and 1 wipe container with a first name and last initial only. *Room 2: There were 2 containers of wipes with a first name and last initial only, 1 diaper cream with a first name only, and 2 diaper creams with a first name and last initial only.”

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 CO #1's observation, in Room 6, there was a navy blue crib sheet that was not tight fitting to the mattress.”

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 #2's observation, in Room 4, there was a soiled diaper on the diaper changing surface. In Room 2, there was a pink bib on the diaper soap dispenser hanging to dry, and a build-up of dirt and grime behind the diaper 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 facility documentation, CO #1's observations and staff statement, there were 3 infant feeding instructions that were not current (dated 10/2023, 11/2023, 12/2023). There was 1 Infant feeding instruction that lacked a parent signature. There was 1 infant feeding instruction that lacked any food listed, however, staff stated the child eats puréed food.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.g. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: g. Does not allow bumper pads, pillows, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft products in a crib when an infant is in the crib;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observation, in Room 5, there was an infant in a crib with a pacifier attached to a lanyard.”

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 CO #1's observation, in Room 5, there was 1 container of formula labeled with a last name only, and 1 container of formula labeled with a first name only.”

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 (CO) #2's observation, 2 out of 5 staff lacked an attendance record to document each arrival and departure for the month of June 2024.”

AAC R9-5-303.A. A. A licensee shall post in a place that can be conspicuously viewed by individuals entering or leaving the facility or activity area, the:1. Facility’s license; 2. Name of the facility director; 3. Name of the individual designated to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility, as prescribed by R9-5-301(B)(1); 4. Schedule of child care services fees and policy for refunding fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-882(P); 5. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack menus for each calendar week at the beginning of the calendar week; 6. Notice of the presence of any communicable disease or infestation listed in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 2, Table 2, from the date of discovery through the incubation period of the communicable disease or infestation; 7. Notice of the Department’s intent to deny, revoke, or suspend as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-888 at the expiration of time in the notice for the licensee to respond; 8. Notice of an intermediate sanction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-891.01 within 10 calendar days after the licensee received notice of the intermediate sanction; 9. Notice of a legal injunction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-886.01 when the licensee receives the legal injunction; and 10. Notice of the availability of facility inspection reports for public viewing at the facility premises.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the COs' observations, the main posting area lacked a schedule of childcare services fees and the policy for refunding fees.”

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 facility documentation and CO #2's observation, 2 out of 15 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards lacked the following required information: Child #1: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness. Child #2: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness and the signature of the parent who completed the record card.”

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 CO #1's observation, in Room 6, there was a feeding chair strap with a buildup of food grime.”

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 COs' observations and staff statement, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *Room 1: There were 2 tables stacked upside down on top of tables with 2 children sleeping on mats next to the tables. There was a table and 2 chairs stacked upside down on a wooden cube with 2 children sleeping next to the cube. *Room 5: There was peeling paint with exposed drywall located near the rear exit door. *Room 2: There was exposed raw wood located at the base of the white sink vanity. *Room 3: There was a 1.5” by 1” hole in the north wall with exposed drywall and peeling white paint. There was a 3.5” by 1” hole in the wall near the entry door. Staff stated that “A child kicked it in.””

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 #2's observation, in Room 1, there was a child sleeping on a mat blocking the exit door.”

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 COs' observations, the following hazards in the outdoor activity area were accessible to enrolled children: Older Playground: *There were exposed bolts protruding up from the base of the black iron gate that separates the two playgrounds. *There was a hole (7 inches deep) near the front exit gate. *There was a hole (4 inches deep) near the brick post. *There was metal mesh with exposed sharp edges and peeling paint located at the base of the staff only building.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:4. Except as provided in subsection (5), when providing child care services for infants or children who require diapering, a diaper changing area that meets the requirements in R9-5-503 is available in each infant room or indoor activity area used by an enrolled infant or child who wears diapers or disposable training pants;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observation and Staff statements, in Room 3, there was a child in a pull up. Staff stated that, “Three children wear pull-ups during nap time.””

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 observation, Child #3 prescription medication was dispensed as a two-pack, and only one auto injector was present at the facility and a physician's authorization to separate the injectors was not present.”

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 CO #2's observation, the medication written authorization forms lacked the following information: *Child #3: The starting and ending date of the dosage period. *Child #4: The prescription number on the form did not match the prescription number on the medication container.”

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 #2's observation, in Room 2's toilet room, the dispenser lacked soap.”

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 #2's observation, in Room 3's toilet room, there was a thick layer of a brown fluffy substance on 2 ceiling vents.”

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 the COs' observation, the posted menu stated that snack was rice cakes and pineapple slices. In Room 2, children were observed eating rice cakes and applesauce.”

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 the COs' observations and Staff statements, in Room 1, the soiled clothes container lacked a waterproof liner. Room 2, lacked a soiled clothes container. When asked where they put soiled clothes, Staff stated, "In a baggie and then on a cart."”

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 facility documentation and CO #1's observation, Staff #1 lacked documentation of 3.5 hours of the required 18 hours of annual training.”

ARS § 36-883.02.F. F. A child care facility shall not allow a person to be employed or volunteer in the facility in any capacity if the person has been denied a fingerprint clearance card pursuant to section 41-1758.07 or has not received an interim approval from the board of fingerprinting pursuant to section 41-619.55, subsection I.

“Findings: Per allegation, based on facility documentation, staff statements, and the Compliance Officers' observations, Person #1 was observed in the Infant Room. Person #1 stated that they were counting kids and checking the ratio. Staff stated that Person #1 comes to the preschool in the morning sometimes to check on us, has some meetings, and answers emails. Person #1 lacked a valid fingerprint clearance card.”

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 Officer #2's observation, the ratio on the older playground was 2:19 with one-year-old children present on the playground.”

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, the roster in the Infant Room did not reflect the number of children present: 10 children present and 11 children listed on the roster.”

AAC R9-5-401.2. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:2. A facility director’s designee is 21 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. At least 12 months of child care experience, a high school or high school equivalency diploma, and: i. Three credit hours or more in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university, or ii. At least 30 actual hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. At least 12 months of child care experience and: i. An N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential; or ii At least 24 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; c. At least six months of child care experience and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or d. At least three months of child care experience and a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, Staff #1 was listed as the Director Designee on the main posting board. Staff #1's file lacked documentation of credit hours and/or training hours to qualify as the Director Designee.”