Cadence Academy Montessori

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, Toddler 3 and Primary 3 lacked a current dated lesson plan in the activity areas.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.20. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 20. Except when used as part of an activity, the following are stored in an area inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. Garden tools, such as a rake, trowel, and shovel; and b. Cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a mop and mop bucket.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, there was a garden shear in the Garden area accessible to enrolled children.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, the immunization records for Child #1, #4, and #5 were not attached to the Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, 4 of 25 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked information: *Child #1: Second emergency contact *Child #2, #3, & 4: Date of enrollment”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, the files for Staff #2 (DOE: 02/09/26) and Staff #3 (DOE: 12/29/25) lacked documentation of the Centralized Background Check results before their date of employment.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, the following fingerprint clearance cards were not verified as valid before the staff members starting date of employment: *Staff #1: DOE: 01/26/26; Card validated on 01/26/26 *Staff #2: DOE: 02/09/26; Card validated on 02/09/26”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and 6 staff files reviewed, the file for Staff #1 (DOE:01/26/26) lacked documentation of a Centralized Background Check.”

AAC R9-5-516.I. I. Except as specified in A.R.S. § 36-2229(B) through (D), a licensee shall ensure that a facility does not stock a supply of medications for administration to enrolled children, including: 1. Any prescription medication; or 2. A nonprescription medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or cough syrup.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the facility had a stock supply of nonprescription medications.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the exit gate adjacent to the Toddler playground was blocked by large white boxes.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.16. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 16. The fire extinguisher required in subsection (A): a. Is serviced at least once every 12 months; and b. Has a tag attached to the fire extinguisher that specifies the date of the last servicing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the fire extinguishers in the building were not serviced every 12 months. The fire extinguishers were last serviced in February 2025.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, the medication authorization form for Child #8 lacked the start and end dates. The medications for Child #6, #7, #9, #10, #11, #12, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20 lacked medication authorization forms.”

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 observations, the following restrooms were not maintained in a clean condition: *Toddler 3 and Primary 3: The caulking around toilets was separated from the floor and had a buildup of a dark yellow substance. *Toddler 3: There was dried yellow liquid on the floor next to the toilet. *Primary 1: There were 2 unflushed toilets.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in Toddler 2, a staff member was observed completing a diaper change in the restroom. Staff stated they usually take that child to the restroom to complete the diaper change.”

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 observations, in Toddler 3, the diapering area had a purple substance in the section left of the sink, and there was a dark buildup around the caps on the table. In Mobile 2, there was a gap at the bottom of the divider between the diapering area and the rest of the counter, making it non-sanitizable. Additionally, there was an area of exposed wood next to the personal product drawer.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, the medications for Child #8, #10, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19 had expired.”

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 statements, enrolled children were not supervised at all times when an enrolled child left the classroom to go into the playground without staff supervision. Staff stated the child gets overstimulated and "bolts" out of the classroom to the playground. Staff are not accountable for the child's actions when the child leaves the classroom without adult supervision. Staff stated they have to send another staff member outside to retrieve the child.”

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 statements, the ratio was 0:1 when an enrolled preschool-aged child left the Primary 1 room to the playground on multiple occasions during different days. Staff stated the child "bolts" out of the door to the playground when they become overstimulated during transition times, particularly during lunch/nap time.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, the roster in the Toddler 3 room documented 11 children present however there were 12 children present in the room.”

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 Officer's observations and staff statements, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm in the following instances. An enrolled preschool-aged child left the Primary 1 room without adult supervision on multiple occasions. Staff stated the following: *I saw the child get out around lunch time. *The child randomly darted outside around lunch time. At the time of the inspection, in the Toddler 3 room, an enrolled child was lying down on their cot with a chunk of cheese in their mouth. The child repeatedly stood up, jumped, then lay back down, all while still having food in their mouth.”

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 the staff interviews, ratios were not maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children. Staff stated the following: *There was 1 staff with 8 one-year-olds present. *We have been out of ratio. It happened last week. *It was about 15 to 20 minutes before somebody joined to be in ratio. *One day in the last month, it took 3-5 minutes before another teacher came in for ratio. Previously Cited on 5/6/25”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that:3. When six or more enrolled children are present in a facility, an infant is not placed for supervision with a child who is not an infant.

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, facility documentation, and staff statements, children who are not Infants are mixed with Infants when six or more children are present at the facility. Staff stated that when a child is walking and 12 months old, they have a transition period of about two weeks between the Infant room and the Mobile rooms (1's). A child will be dropped off in the Infant room and later transitioned for a half day to a Mobile room (1's) on a daily basis.”

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 Finding: Based on staff statements, ratios were not maintained at all times in the Infant room. Staff stated they had been alone in the Infant room with 6 infants at one time.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, 3 of 20 children's Immunization records reviewed lacked the following: *Child #14, #15, and #16 lacked documentation of their Immunization records.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations and facility documentation, the Licensee lacked documentation of a violation-free annual fire inspection report as required.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and facility documentation, Staff #2 was not qualified as a teacher-caregiver because the foreign documentation in their file was not evaluated in the United States as a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, in the Infant 1 room, Child #21 lacked the required dietary feeding instructions from the parent.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and facility documentation, 1 of 3 staff files reviewed lacked the following documentation: *Staff #1(DOE 08/05/24): Documentation of the submitted DCS background check.”

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

“Findings; Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the preschool playground lacked 3 inches of woodchips in the fall zone around the geo-dome.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, the Facility lacked a posted weekly snack menu.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and facility documentation, 13 of 20 Emergency, Information, and Immunization record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1, #5: Person to call in case of injury Child #2, #12: Date of enrollment; person to call in case of injury Child #3: Health care provider information Child #4, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10: Date of enrollment Child #11: Health care provider information, person to call in case of injury, parent signature, and date Child #13: 2nd parent information”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and facility documentation, 4 of 20 children’s attendance records reviewed lacked the following information: *Child #17: Time out and signature 04/01/25 *Child #18, #19: Time out and signature 04/02/25 *Child #20: Signature 04/01/25-04/02/25”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed accessible to children: Primary 2: *The black unused and uncovered power strip, was protruding from the bottom of a wooden light table. Primary 3: *There was a 3 tier wooden shelf with glass planters that was wobbly and unstable to the touch. *In the play area with the red toy broom, there was a shelf with sections that had chunks of missing laminate, exposing rough particle board. Toddler 2: *On the bottom right corner of the diaper changing area, there was a large piece of missing laminate exposing rough splintering particle board. Before and Aftercare: *On the East wall by the exit door, the baseboard was ripped off, exposing the flaking drywall. *There were chipped tiles and cracked flooring along the middle of the East side of the room. Toddler 1: *There were 4 areas with chunks of paint missing and exposed drywall, next to the blue child size couch on the North wall. *The left corner of the wooden drawer of the cabinet below the microwave was chipped, exposing rough particle board. Mobile Infant 2: *The cord from the owl sound machine was hanging loosely on the wall in the activity area. Mobile Infant 1: *The finger guard was ripped and flapping on the bottom corner of the door jam.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, in the Infant 1 classroom, there were 3 pacifiers that lacked a label with an identifier specific for the child.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the Primary 4 classroom, on a child's table, there were 2 containers of shaving cream with a child warning label "keep out reach of children", at same the table, 2 children were using the shaving cream.”

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 the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the Mobile Infant 1 classroom lacked a posted activity schedule.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, the freezers were not maintained at 0 degrees F or below. The following temperatures read: *Primary 2: no thermometer *Primary 3: no thermometer *Primary 4: no thermometer *Toddler 3: no thermometer *Toddler 2: no thermometer *Infant 1: no thermometer *Mobile Infant 1: no thermometer *Mobile Infant 2: no thermometer”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition: Before and After Care: *The bathroom had clothes and opened storage containers on the floor. *The sink basins had a brown and green slimy build up around the faucet and in the basin. *The far bathroom stall had used toilet paper by the toilet on the floor. *In the bathroom, by the door, the white trash can lid and wall had black smudges. Primary 2: *The microwave had a dried white and red substance on the door. The inside top and sides had red and brown dried debris, the corners had exposed rust. *In the refrigerator, there was a thick sticky yellow substance at the bottom, the bottom crisper drawer had a black moldy like substance and brown liquid. The shelves had a dried white substance. The front stainless steel doors had white smudges on the top and bottom. Multipurpose Room: *There was a dried white substance smeared on the windows of the East wall. Primary 3: *There were handprints and white smudges on the windows and South exit door. *In the bathroom, there was soiled clothing sitting on top of the white trashcan lid. *The microwave had exposed rust on the inside front white facing and in the corners. Primary 4: *There were storage containers with open and missing lids stacked on the bathroom floor. *There were brown smudges on the wall and light switch. *In the bathroom, there was a build up of a brown, black, and green substance around and in the sink. Toddler 2 *There was a dried food substance inside and on the sides of the microwave. *There were 3 stepstools that had a thick black dirt buildup in the bathroom. Mobile Infant 2: *The trashcan had dried food and debris on the lid and down the front.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.21. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 21. Perishable foods are covered and stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 41° F or below;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the following classrooms, there was perishable food stored in a refrigerator at the improper temperatures: *In the Primary 4 classroom, there were moldy strawberries stored in the refrigerator and the thermometer read 52 degrees. *In the Primary 3 classroom, there were multiple containers of warm hummus stored in the refrigerator and thermometer read 48 degrees. *In the Toddler 3 classroom, there were multiple containers of warm hummus and yogurt tubes stored in the refrigerator and the thermometer read 52 degrees.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the Toddler 3 classroom diaper changing area, lacked a waterproof liner in the soiled clothing container.”

AAC R9-5-514. F.1. F. If while attending a facility an enrolled child has an accident, injury, or emergency that, based on an evaluation by a staff member, requires medical treatment by a health care provider, a licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Notifies the enrolled child's parent immediately after the accident, injury, or emergency;

“Per allegation findings Case #81446 Based on the staff interviews and Compliance Officers' review of injury log, it was determined the licensee did not immediately notify the parent when Child #1 fell from the climber and hit their nose causing it to bleed. The Staff member stated that they notified management at the time of the accident. The management did not notify parents immediately, the parents were notified at the time of child’s pick up.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, the following classrooms had outlets that did not have a safety covers that were accessible to children: Primary 2: On the East wall, there were 3 outlets on a white power strip. On the West wall, there were 5 outlets on a black power strip and 1 outlet on the wall. Primary 4: On the East wall there were 4 outlets that were uncovered. Mobile Infant 1: There were 2 uncovered outlets on a white power strip. Infant 1: There were 3 uncovered outlets on the East wall. Infant 2: There were 3 uncovered outlets on the wall, next to the bottle warmers.”

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 the facility documentation and the Compliance Officer #1's observation, the file for Staff #2 (DOE:3/25/2024) lacked documentation of a negative Mantoux skin test.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the Before and Aftercare classroom, there was an electrical extension cord in use and accessible to enrolled children.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations of 3 outdoor activity areas, the Primary Playground lacked 3 of 6 required inches of wood chips in the fall zone of the rock climbing wall. The Toddler playground lacked 5 1/2 of 6 required inches of wood chips in the fall zone of the slide.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations of 3 outdoor activity areas the following hazards were accessible to children : Older Primary Playground: *The wooden planter boxes along the East fencing, had exposed splintery and rough wood. *On the bottom of wooden planter box in the far East, there was exposed splintery and decaying wood that was rough to the touch. *There was exposed weed fabric protruding from the ground causing a tripping hazard. *On the North side sidewalk, there was a wobbly wooden picnic table that had splintery wood. *There were 2 large particle boards (1 on North wall, 1 on South wall) with rough edges. *There was a black drip hose protruding from the ground about 3 inches high, causing a tripping hazard. *There was a wooden bench that was wobbly and unsteady to the touch. *On the rock climbing structure the handles were cracked and dry rotted. *The base of the chain link fence that separates the garden area and the Older Primary playground, was protruding outward, exposing sharp edges. *The shelf on the west side was cracked and had exposed rough particle board. The Garden area: *The tall tin watering barrels had exposed rough rust. *There was an approximately 3 foot wooden log standing upright that had areas of splintery bark and had 7 rusty nails protruding from the top. *There was a rusty metal watering can with a corroded bottom that exposed sharp edges. Toddler Playground: *The wooden table with water bottles, was wobbly and had multiple areas with splintery wood. *On the plastic water table, the umbrella holder slot was sun rotted with a cracked and broken purple piece with sharp edges. * There was a trampoline stacked on top of a pillar, between an art easel.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the prescription medication for child #2 was expired (Expiration date: February 2024). The expired medication had not been returned to the parent.”

AAC R9-5-514. D. D. A licensee shall post, near an activity area or a room's designated exit, a building evacuation plan that details the designated exits from the activity area or room and the facility.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the Before and Aftercare classroom lacked a posted building evacuation plan by the exit leading to the playground.”

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 observation, the medication for child #1 lacked documentation of a written authorization form.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the Infant 1 classroom diaper changing area, lacked a tight fitting lid for the soiled diaper container .”

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

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the roster for the Toddler 3's classroom did not reflect the number present (5 children present, 8 listed on the roster).”

AAC R9-5-303.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that the licensed capacity of each indoor activity area or room is posted in that activity area or room.

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers’ observations, the Multipurpose room lacked a posted capacity.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, the refrigerators were not maintained at 41 degrees F or below. The following temperatures read: *Primary 3: 48 *Primary 4: 52 *Toddler 3: 52 *Infant 1: 42 *Mobile Infant 1: 49 *Mobile Infant 2: no thermometer”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensee lacked documentation of a fire drill conducted during the months of May through December 2023.”

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 the facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, the reviewed staff files for Staff #2 and Staff #3 lacked the following documentation: *Staff #2: An evaluated diploma issued in a foreign country that is equivalent a high school diploma in the United States. *Staff #3: A high school diploma.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing:1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, 2 of 5 staff files reviewed lacked the following: *Staff #2 (DOE: 3/25/2024) lacked an individual to be notified in case of an emergency contact. *Staff #3 (DOE: 3/24/2024) lacked 2 good faith references.”

AAC R9-5-403.A. A. Within 10 calendar days of the starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall provide, and each staff member who provides child care services shall complete, training for new staff members that includes all of the following:1. Facility philosophy and goals; 2. Names and ages of and developmental expectations for enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 3. Health needs, nutritional requirements, any known allergies, and information about adaptive devices of enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 4. Lesson plans; 5. Child guidance and methods of discipline; 6. Hand washing techniques; 7. Diapering techniques and toileting, if assigned to diaper changing duties; 8. Food preparation, service, sanitation, and storage, if assigned to food preparation; 9. If a staff member is assigned to feeding infants, the preparation, handling, and storage of infant formula and breast milk; 10. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; 11. Child abuse or neglect detection, prevention, and reporting; 12. Accident and emergency procedures; 13. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1 and this Chapter; 14. Sun safety policies and procedures; 15. Safety in outdoor activity areas; 16. Transportation procedures, if applicable; and 17. Field trip procedures, if applicable.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, the file for Staff #2 (DOE:3/25/2024) lacked documentation of the 10-day training for new staff members.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, each activity area had dirt and debris build up on the classroom floors and under the cabinets.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, In the Toddler classroom diaper changing area, there was a build up of a brown, black, and green substance in and around the sink.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.4.g. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 4. When feeding an infant, a staff member: g. Holds and feeds an infant under 6 months of age and an infant older than 6 months of age who cannot hold a bottle for feeding; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Infant 1 classroom, there was an infant drinking a bottle that was propped up while sitting in a bouncer chair.”

AAC R9-5-203.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that each staff member submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card each time the fingerprint clearance card is issued or renewed every six years.

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, the staff file for Staff #1 showed a lapse in time of a valid fingerprint clearance card. Staff 1's Fingerprint Clearance Card expired on 12/7/2023 and DPS received application 03/15/2024.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in the Toddler 3 classroom, there was 1 tube of Aquaphor, 1 tube of Double Aux's Butt Paste, and a tube of Gold Bond lotion that lacked a child's first and last name.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the Toddler 3 classroom, the bathroom sink was chipped on the side, the tiles on the wall had broken blue plastic screws with sharp edges. In the Before and After Care classroom, there were no paper towels in the bathroom.”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the Before and Aftercare Classroom, lacked a current fire and emergency plan (dated 3/16/2023).”

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 the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the following classrooms lacked documentation of a posted lesson plan: *In the Before and Aftercare classroom, the lesson plan was dated 2/12-2/16/24. *In the Toddler 3 classroom, the lesson plan was dated March. *In the Mobile Infant 2 classroom, lesson plan was dated March 2024.”

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

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, 5 out of 20 reviewed enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: *Child #2: A release time and a release signature for 4/9/2024. *Child #3: A release time and a release signature for 4/9/2024 and 4/10/2024. *Child #4: A release time and a release signature for 4/2/2024 and 4/3/2024. *Child #5: A release time and a release signature for 4/9/2024. *Child #6: An arrival time and an arrival signature for 4/2/2024.”