C.E.S.D.#83 - Cartwright Early Childhood Center

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that the facility lacked a violation free fire inspection.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm;

“Findings: Based on staff statements and the Compliance Officers' observations, the health, safety, or welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm when the fire panel indicator lights displayed "trouble" and "alarm silenced". Staff Stated *The fire panel has a code that will not be repaired until summer, so a reinspection for our fire inspection cannot be completed. *The reason our fire inspection has violations is that the fire panel has a code, and the facility is going to completely remove the system and update it this summer.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in Room #1 and Room #6's restrooms, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Room #1: 2 toilet seats were loose to the touch. Room #6: 1 toilet seat was loose to the touch.”

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 observation, in the restroom of Classroom #6, there was a broom sweeper accessible to enrolled children.”

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 Compliance Officer's observations, the restrooms in Room #1, Room #4, and Room #6 contained red trash bins being used to discard soiled pull-ups and were accessible to enrolled children.”

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 Officer's observations, the following hazards were observed in Room #6's restroom: there were 5 stacked blue child chairs accessible to enrolled children.”

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 restrooms in Room #1 and Room #4 had several pieces of used toilet paper scattered around the floors, and were not maintained in a clean and sanitized condition.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that the medication authorization forms lacked the following information: Child #1: Dosage amount of the medication Child #2: Times and frequency of administration. Child #3: Times and frequency and reason for the medication.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that the files for Staff #1 (D.O.E. 1/13/2025), Staff #2 (D.O.E. 7/30/2025), Staff #3 (D.O.E. 1/26/2026), Staff #4 (D.O.E. 1/26/2026), Staff #5 (D.O.E. 8/19/2024), Staff #6 (D.O.E. 2/23/2026), Staff #7 (D.O.E. 3/16/2026), Staff #8 (D.O.E. 8/14/2024), Staff #9 (D.O.E. 5/09/2022), Staff #10 (D.O.E. 7/13/2020), and Staff #11 (D.O.E. 2/09/2026), lacked documentation of fingerprint clearance cards verification prior to employment.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that the medications for Child #2 and Child #4 expired on 3/2026.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements, as applicable: 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 the staff statements and the Compliance Officer's observations, the restrooms in Room #1 and Room #6 were being utilized by enrolled children wearing disposable training pants, the rooms were not licensed for diapering.”

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’s observation, it was determined that Staff #1(DOE-9/19/24) was the assistant teacher-caregiver. Staff #1 was not qualified as the assistant teacher-caregiver because the staff file lacked documentation of an evaluated diploma issued in a foreign country that is equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.16. A. A licensee shall ensure that:16. When an enrolled child is napping or sleeping in a room, the room is maintained at a minimum of five foot candles of illumination;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Classrooms 2 and 30, during rest time, the rooms were not maintained at a minimum of five foot candles of illumination. The classrooms were dark, and the staff were not able to observe the sleeping children's faces.”

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 and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the written dietary instructions for 5 infants lacked the following information: Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, and Child #4: The amounts and types of foods to be fed to the children. Child #5: The amount of food to be fed to the child.”

AAC R9-5-511.A. A. A licensee shall provide each enrolled child who naps or sleeps at the facility with a separate cot or mat or a crib that meets the requirements of R9-5-502(A)(8) and ensure that:1. A cot, mat, or crib used by the enrolled child accommodates the enrolled child’s height and weight; 2. A staff member covers each cot, crib mattress, or mat with a clean sheet that is laundered when soiled, or at least once every seven days and before use by a different enrolled child; 3. A clean blanket or sheet is available for each enrolled child; 4. A rug, carpet, blanket, or towel is not used as a mat; and 5. Each cot, mat, or crib is maintained in a clean and repaired condition.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Preschool 1 Classroom, there were 5 mats that had torn vinyl exposing foam.”

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, it was determined that the following medication forms lacked information: Child #6: The times, frequency, and reason for the medication. Child #7: The times and frequency for 2 medications to be given.”

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 observation, on the South playground, there were 7 areas of 6-8 inch holes in the resilient surface under the green slide. ***Previously Cited 05/14/24”

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 the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 2 out of 20 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1: The health care provider’s phone number. Child #2: The second emergency contact name and phone number.”

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 observation, on the South playground, there were 7 areas of 6-8 inch holes in the resilient surface under the green slide.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, it was determined that Child #9’s prescription medication was dispensed as a two-pack but only one injection was present at the facility and a physician’s authorization to separate the injections was not present.”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, the posted menu documented mixed tropical fruit, but lacked the specific type of fruit to be served to the enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.5.a. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall:5. Develop, document, and implement tummy time policies and procedures that: a. Provide an opportunity for a non-crawling infant to experience tummy time each day: i. While the infant is awake, and ii. On the infant’s stomach;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the infant room, it was determined that tummy time was not documented.”

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

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, it was determined that the roster in Classroom 4 did not reflect the number of children present (14 children present, 13 children listed on the roster).”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 6 out of 15 enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: Child 3, Child 4, Child 5 and Child 6 lacked release signatures on 04/04/24. Child 7 lacked admission and release signatures on 04/09/2024 and 04/29/2024. Child 8 lacked admission and release signatures on 04/29/2024.”

AAC R9-5-302. A. A licensee shall prepare a written statement of child care services provided by the licensee that includes the following:1. A description of the facility’s child care services classifications in R9-5-204; 2. Hours of operation; 3. The facility’s street address, city, state, zip code, mailing address, and telephone number; 4. Child enrollment and disenrollment procedures; 5. Charges, fees, and payment requirements for child care services; 6. Child admission and release requirements; 7. Age-appropriate discipline guidelines and methods; 8. Transportation procedures; 9. Field trip requirements and procedures; 10. Responsibilities and participation of parents in facility activities; 11. A general description of activities and programs; 12. A description of the liability insurance required by R9-5-308 that is carried by the licensee and a statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises; 13. Medication administration procedures; 14. Accident and emergency procedures; 15. A notice stating inspection reports are available on-site; 16. A provision stating that the facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services including the Department’s local street address, city, state, zip code, and local telephone number; 17. The procedures for notifying a parent at least 48 hours before a pesticide is applied on a facility’s premises; and 18. A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services. B. A licensee shall provide a copy of the written statement of child care services: 1. To the Department: a. Before the facility receives a license, and b. Every 12 months after the date of the license as required by A.R.S. § 36-883.01; and 2. To a parent when the parent requests a copy of the written statement of child care services.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, the statement of services lacked the correct Department’s phone number and pesticide notice posted at least 48 hours in advance.”