Care Bear Day Care Center

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“Review BFIS Quality and Credential account for the provider found that three (3) hours of professional development were not completed for the period of 9/2024-9/2025. The provider could not provide additional certificates and conversation with the provider confirmed that the professional development hours had not been completed. Corrective Action: Complete three hours of professional development by March 20 2026. The provider submitted to this licensor a three (3) hour training certificate for a training that was completed post visit.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 24, 2026

Regulation 5.10.1.3.4: The licensee shall ensure that any outlets used for drinking, cooking purposes, and brushing teeth is potable by meeting Vermont's legally enforceable drinking water standards at all times. Bottled water for drinking, cooking purposes, and brushing teeth shall be provided until such time as at least one (1) outlet meets Vermont's legally enforceable drinking water standards and is in compliance with CBCCPP rule 5.10.2.1.2.

“Upon review of the Vermont Department of Health's database for lead water testing, it was identified that the last testing at this program was conducted July 17, 2019. The provider stated that the town of East Hardwick performs yearly water tests. The results did not describe the level of lead, and the provider must still complete testing every three (3) years. Corrective Action: By 03/20/2026 contact the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) to initiate lead water testing. Develop a system to ensure that such required testing is conducted in a timely manner, every three (3) years, moving forward. In the corrective action email provide evidence that you have connected with VDH and provide details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2026

Regulation 3.7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that evacuation drills are conducted at least once a month, and children and staff are evacuated in under three (3) minutes. Licensees of a CBCCPP located within a public or independent school building may count a lock-down drill performed while the CBCCPP is in operation in place of a monthly evacuation drill with the CBCCPP children and staff and at least three (3) of the monthly drills conducted within 365 days shall be evacuation drills.

“The evacuation drill log did not indicate an evacuation drill for December 2025 and January 2026 was completed. The program director stated that an evacuation drill was completed in December but was not documented and that no evacuation drill was completed in January. An evacuation drill was completed while the licensor was present Corrective Action: Conduct and document two (2) evacuation drills by March 20th, 2026. Provide the dates of the completed evacuation drills to your licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026

Regulation 7.3.2.6: Substitute A substitute is at least eighteen (18) years of age, is able to comprehend basic written format, and is a high school graduate or has completed a GED.

“A review of the staff BFIS Quality and Credential account showed that the substitute educational documentation was missing. The provider stated that she is not available during the winter months and only substitute in the spring and summer. Corrective Action: The substitute may not work in the center until her educational documentation has been submitted to Northern Lights to be added in her BFIS Quality and Credential account and to your licensor. By April 1st, notify your licensor on the progress you have made in obtaining her High School diploma or GED.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 1, 2026

Regulation 7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that all new staff and auxiliary staff, prior to working with children in the CBCCPP; and any new individual designated as the representative of the licensee shall submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“An individual was present in the room with children and was not on the associated party list. A review of the staff attendance indicated that the individual had been at the center on 7/16/25 for 7 hours, 7/22/26 for 6 hours and 7/23/25 for 7 hours. The licensee confirmed that she had not asked the individual to complete a record check authorization form. An RCA was received on 7/31/25. Corrective Action: Immediately have the individual complete a Record Check Authorization form and submit it to the Division and submit to fingerprinting. This individual cannot be left alone with children until we receive the results of the fingerprinting.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 17, 2025

Regulation 6.1.6.1: A developmentally appropriate system for observing, assessing, and documenting each child's learning and growth shall be implemented.

“The licensee has yet to develop a system to document, observe, assess children growth. On 4/14/25 a violation was cited with a corrective action due on 5/6/25. As of 7/23/25, the licensee has yet to develop a system. On July 30, 2025, the licensee stated that a staff from SPARQS were meeting with her on 7/31/25. Corrective Action: By August 8, 2025 contact the SPARQS program and ask for assistance to help develop curriculum planning and developing a system to document, observe, assess children growth. Report to your licensor when you have met with them and detail the plan to come into compliance with this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 30, 2025

Regulation 3.7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that evacuation drills are conducted at least once a month, and children and staff are evacuated in under three (3) minutes. Licensees of a CBCCPP located within a public or independent school building may count a lock-down drill performed while the CBCCPP is in operation in place of a monthly evacuation drill with the CBCCPP children and staff and at least three (3) of the monthly drills conducted within 365 days shall be evacuation drills.

“The licensee showed a log indicating that evacuation drills had been performed monthly in January to April, listing children and staff participating. Staff listed stated they never participated in evacuation drills. After further discussion the licensee stated that she did not do any of the evacuation drills listed. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 12/09/2013 and 12/07/2005 Corrective Action: From now until May 30, 2025, complete and document weekly evacuation drills with all children. Complete two (2) evacuation drills in both June and July of 2025. One of the drill need to perform during rest time. Resume monthly evacuation drills in August. By 5/1/2025, submit to your licensor the dates each evacuation drill will be occurring. In addition, document accurately each drill.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025

Regulation 5.1.1: The licensee shall ensure that the CBCCPP environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“Staff interviewed reported that there was a huge snow pile next to a shed that was taller than 5 feet. The snow was so high that children would climb the snow pile reaching the rooftop of the shed and slide off it down the snow pile. Staff were waiting at the bottom of the pile for children. A child as young as two (2) years old had slid from the top of the roof. Corrective Action: Instruct staff to immediately stop unsafe practices with children and forbid the practice of children sliding off or near the shed in the future. By 5/16/2025 develop safe outdoor alternatives winter activities and submit it to your licensor for review”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 3.3.5: The licensee, staff, and auxiliary staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“A review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential account and their on-site files revealed that three (3) staff members have not completed an approved mandated reporter training and have been left alone with children. The licensee could not confirm if they had completed the training. All three staff were hired in 2024. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 8/21/23 and 11/17/21. Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025 ensure that all staff have completed the mandated reporter training and submit their certification to Northern Lights copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov on the same email. Additionally, submit to this licensor details of the system developed to maintain compliance with this rule, including your system to ensure certification is sent to Northern Lights.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 2.3.1.5: The licensee shall not interfere with, impede, deter, provide false information or cause another to do any of the aforementioned, or in any manner hinder the Department or its agent(s) in an investigation or inspection.

“When the Child Development Division went to your program on April 14 on concerns you reported that evacuation drills were completed every month and showed the evacuation drill log for 2025, which reflected initials of staff and children present during the evacuation drills, the date and time to evacuate. When asked to perform an evacuation drill, you struggle to find the ring tone you use to announce it, although your log indicated you had completed the April drill four (4) days prior to my visit. The pre-k child seemed confused and did not seem to understand what was happening, and you failed to measure the duration of time taken to evacuate the building. Again, you were asked if drills did occur every month you insisted, they were. On April 15, I called you and again ask you if evacuation drill occurred, you stated yes, I once again asked if the initial list corresponded to you and your staff and stated yes. I ask again so all three of the staff listed and you participated in the drills. You said yes, I then asked you why would your staff state that they never participated in drills if they did. You then acknowledge that drills did not occur, you had lied, and the document was false. Your false statements deterred and impeded the investigation. Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025, submit to the Division a statement of your understanding of the implications that may result from providing false information to the Division and impeding an investigation, as well as a statement of your intention to move forward and work collaboratively with the Child Development Division.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 5.11.1.3: The program director shall ensure that menus are planned in advance, dated, and posted so that they are clearly visible to parents. Any changes to the posted menu shall be noted. Menus of meals and snacks for the preceding six (6) weeks shall be kept on file.

“The licensee stated that she has a rotating menu and had prep food for the week she was away on vacation. When asked if she kept copies of the menu, the licensee repeated it is a rotating menu. Staff interviewed stated that they do not know what the menu is, until they come to work. While on vacation, staff stated that only one meal was prepped for the children. The licensee had purchased groceries, no menu was available to them. Staff stated not having shared the weekly menu with parents and were unaware they should have kept the menu of food served. Corrective Action: Establish, document and maintain menus as required. By 5/16/25 submit to your licensor a program improvement plan that explains the systems to be put into place to ensure that all required record keeping is maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements. Include in this plan how menus will be stored and how daily changes to the menus will be noted.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 6.2.4.4: The program director shall ensure that a staff member who is at least qualified as a teacher assistant is present while children are present at the CBCCPP.

“Four staff interviewed stated that they have been left alone with children from March 17 to March 21, 2025. None of the four staff meets qualification for teacher assistant. Three of the four staff stated having been outside alone with children. 1 staff stated the provider would be obtaining a waiver and 2 others were unaware of the need for additional qualifications. This is a repeat violations previously cited on 4/08/2015 Corrective Action: Immediately stop non-qualified staff from working with children. By 5/16/2025, submit to this licensor your staffing plans and steps that you will take to ensure that staff meets minimum requirement of teacher assistant. Submit all training certifications and educational documents to Northern Lights to be added to their BFIS Quality and Credential accounts, copying your licensor on the same email.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.11.1: The licensee and the program director shall ensure that the use of tobacco and tobacco substitutes (including e-cigarettes), alcohol and illegal drugs is prohibited at the CBCCPP (both indoor and outdoor environments used by children) and also in any vehicle used to transport children.

“Four staff interviewed stated that smoking is permitted on the back porch of the house, because children cannot see them. The licensee stated that children cannot see the staff on the porch. Regulations do not permit smoking on the property inside or out while children are in care. Corrective Action: Immediately inform staff that smoking is prohibited on the property during childcare hours. By 5/16/25, update your staff handbook to indicate that smoking is prohibited and provide an updated copy to your licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 6.1.6.1: A developmentally appropriate system for observing, assessing, and documenting each child's learning and growth shall be implemented.

“The provider was unable to indicate a system utilized to be in compliance with this rule. Children files reviewed did not show documentation of children's growth and learning. Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025 submit a program improvement plan indicating the system used to document, observe, assess each child's growth. Identify how this documentation will be used with parents and assess progress.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 1, 2025

Regulation 6.1.1: The program director shall manage the programming of educational and developmental activities to ensure curriculum is developmentally appropriate as required in the rules in section 6.1 of these regulations.

“The licensee stated that she has planned activities while working with children, she could not provide any classroom plan or specific curriculum. She talked about several art projects she completed with the children, but nothing else. The four staff interviewed stated that they were never given any plan or curriculum and had to find things to do. During visits at the center, this licensor did not see evidence of curriculum being implemented, children appeared to always be having free play, at times with limited toys and equipment, regardless of the time of day the visits occurred Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025, submit a program improvement plan that identifies how support will be provided to staff to ensure children are provided learning experiences as required by this rule. As part of the program improvement plan provide a detailed outline on what materials the program has to support the stated learning opportunities and a schedule that will guide staff to ensure all experiences are provided. In addition, create a form for staff to document specific activities that support learning objects in rule 6.1.4.2.3, to include what specific books, toys, materials, and activities are scheduled to be used.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 15, 2025

Regulation 6.2.3.1: When children twenty-four (24) months of age and older are napping, at least one (1) staff member shall supervise each group of sleeping children. When children are sleeping, staff shall be positioned to allow for visual supervision of the children.

“All staff interviewed stated that once children sleeping on mats are all asleep staff are permitted to come to the table in the kitchen. It is impossible to see all children in the other room while sitting at the table or cleaning in the kitchen. They said they would go in every 15 minutes to look at the children. Staff are required to have visual supervision of all napping children aged 24 months and older, at all times. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 04/08/2015 and 11/13/2006. Corrective Action: By 5/16/25, submit a program improvement plan that identifies your staffing pattern to ensure that a staff is present and have visual supervision for the duration of rest time.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 3.7.1.2: The licensee shall ensure that all staff are trained on the Emergency Response Plan and are aware of where to find the written plan in the CBCCPP.

“Staff interviewed stated not having ever reviewed the program emergency response plan and did not know it's location in the center. When asked where the outdoor meeting place would be in case of an emergency. Three (3) staff identified three different locations. Corrective Action: By 5/16/25, submit to your licensor your Emergency Response Plan for review, once approved, provide a Program improvement plan indicating how you will train staff on the new emergency plan and indicate where staff can locate the plan. Have a form for staff to sign indicating that they have read the plan, had their questions answered and are aware of the location of the plan and submit it to your licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: May 4, 2025

Regulation 7.1.2.2: Staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and in infant and child CPR within three (3) months of beginning work in the CBCCPP and remain currently certified.

“A review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential account and their on-site files revealed that two (2) staff members did not have any CPR/First Aid certification and had been left alone with children. The licensee could not confirm if they had completed CPR and First Aid. Both staff were hired in 2024. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 12/19/13. Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025 ensure that all staff have completed their CPR and First Aid trainings and submit their CPR/First Aid certification to Northern Lights copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov on the same email. Additionally, submit to this licensor details of the system developed to maintain compliance with this rule, including your system to ensure certification is sent to Northern Lights.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“A review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential account and on-sites files revealed that three (3) staff members did not complete an approved VT Orientation prior to working and being left with children. All three (3) staff were hired in 2024. Corrective Action: By 5/16/2025, ensure that all staff have completed their VT Orientation training and submit their certification to Northern Lights copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov on the same email. Additionally, submit to this licensor details of the system developed to maintain compliance with this rule, including your system to ensure certification is sent to Northern Lights.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2025

Regulation 2.3.9.3: The licensee shall ensure that all staff have met ongoing background check requirements by submitting at least once every five (5) years a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and as required shall submit to fingerprinting.

“A review of the program BFIS credential accounts reflected that the licensee and one (1) staff member were due to meet the five (5) year background check and fingerprint requirements and had not yet sent forth new records check authorization form to the Division or resubmitted for fingerprinting as required. Two annual assurance letters were issued on 10/30/22 and 10/30/23 reminding that the program that she and the staff member needed a new record check by 10/12/23 for herself and 10/19/23 for the staff member. As of 7/29/24 the individuals had not submitted a record check authorization form to the Division and submitted to fingerprinting. Corrective Action: As mentioned during the site visit, immediately plan to send in records check authorization forms to the Division and submit to fingerprinting as required. By 9/3/2024, email copies of the fingerprinting receipts to ann.sparrow@vermont.gov.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 28, 2024

Regulation 7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that all new staff and auxiliary staff, prior to working with children in the CBCCPP; and any new individual designated as the representative of the licensee shall submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Upon review of the Associated Party list with the program license, it was determined that a staff had not completed the fingerprinting process as required. A fingerprint authorization letter was issued on 5/6/24 for a staff member and as of 7/29/24, this individual has not submitted to the fingerprinting process. Corrective Action: Immediately have the staff comply with the fingerprint supported clearance as required. By 9/3/2024, email a copy of the fingerprinting receipts to ann.sparrow@vermont.gov.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 28, 2024

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“Review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential account reflected that the licensee had not completed 13 hours of professional development for the year 12/2022 to 12/2023 and that a staff member had not completed 12.5 hours of professional development for the year 4/2023 to 4/2024. It was requested that the provider provides copies of training certificates by August 1st, 2024. As of August 14, 2024, no additional training certificates were sent to this licensor. Corrective Action: Develop a plan indicating how you and your staff member will complete the required professional development hours , 13 hours for you and 12.5 hours for your staff for the past year in addition, to the fifteen (15) professional development hours needed for this year. By 9/3/2024, email a copy of this plan to this licensor at ann.sparrow@vermont.gov.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 26, 2024

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“A review of the program BFIS quality and credential accounts indicated that a staff had not completed the Vermont Orientation training. The program director stated that the staff had not completed the mandatory training and has been employed for more than a year. Corrective Action: By September 6, 2023, have the staff complete the Vt Orientation training and submit the documentation of completion with cover sheets to Northern Light at CCV and cc this licensor. The training can be found at the following location: https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/providers/pd/licensing.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023

Regulation 3.3.5: The licensee, staff, and auxiliary staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“A review of the program BFIS quality and credential accounts indicated that a staff had not completed the Protecting Vermont's Children: Reporting Abuse and Neglect. The program director stated that the staff had not completed the mandatory training ad has been employed for more than a year. Corrective Action: By September 6, 2023, have the staff complete the required mandated reporter training and submit the documentation of completion with cover sheets to Northern Light at CCV and cc this licensor. The training can be found at: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1087433”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023