Children's Center at the Union Church

Regulation 5.10.4.5.2: All interior and exterior walls, roofs, chimneys, floors, doors, ceilings, windows, skylights, stairways, ramps, and porches shall be maintained in good repair.

“Next to the entrance to the "Busy Bees" classroom, a large section of the building's exterior wall was observed to have paint that is chipping and peeling. Children's toys were observed beneath the area where the paint is chipping and peeling. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that children are kept away from the area beneath the chipping/peeling paint until such a time when the paint has been remediated. Connect with the Vermont Department of Health regarding required measures for remediation. In the corrective action email provide evidence of the program's correspondence with VDH and an update on remediation progress.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 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 lead water testing database it was identified that this program had not testing their drinking water for lead since 2022. No further evidence was provided that testing had been completed more recently. Corrective Action: By 06/19/2026 connect with the Vermont Department of Health to initiate the lead water testing process. Continue working with VDH until such a time when all taps are approved at safe levels for drinking. Develop a system to ensure that lead water testing is conducted every three (3) years moving forward. In the corrective action email provide evidence of the program's correspondence with VDH and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2026

Regulation 5.6.5: All prescription medication administered by staff shall be in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container.

“In the two (2) year old room, two (2) children's prescription medications were observed without the original container and proper label for the child. Corrective Action: Immediately obtain the original containers for both medications, to include proper labels for each medication. Develop a system to ensure that all prescription medications are maintained in their original containers with proper labels moving forward. In the corrective action email include photo evidence that the medications are now stored in original containers, and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.8: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 18 V.S.A. Chapter 38 Vermont Lead Law and shall ensure that Essential Maintenance Practices (EMP) is performed. This includes but is not limited to protecting children from peeling or chipping paint, and dust build up from the friction of moving doors or windows.

“Upon review of the Vermont Department of Health's IRC compliance database it was identified that IRC practices had not been performed in the last three hundred sixty-five (365) days. The Director confirmed this. Corrective Action: Immediately plan for an IRC certified individual to complete IRC practices. By 07/14/2025 submit the IRC compliance statement to the Vermont Department of Health. Develop a system to ensure timely performance of IRC practices moving forward. In the corrective action email include the current IRC compliance statement and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 2025

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff 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, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“Upon review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and on-site staff files it was identified that twelve (12) of the program's total fifteen (15) staff were lacking reflection of at least one (1) required document in BFIS. All staff have been employed at the program for more than six (6) months. Corrective Action: Review staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts for lacking documentation. By 07/07/2025 submit lacking documentation to Northern Lights at CCV with Licensor [name] copied on the submission emails. Develop a system to ensure timely submission of staff qualfication and annual professional development activities moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 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.

“Upon review of fingerprint records it was identified that Staff A had not submitted to fingerprinting in the last five (5) years. A letter was sent notifiying the program of this requirement on 12/05/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately plan for Staff A to submit to fingerprinting as required. Develop a system to ensure staff submit to timely fingerprinting as required, moving forward. In the corrective action email include the receipt from fingerprinting for Staff A, and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 2025

Regulation 6.2.8.4.2: In the event that the concerns cannot be resolved, written notice to the child's parent(s) is required with at least five (5) days' notice prior to expulsion.

“The Director confirmed that only one day's notice was given to a family when a child was expelled from the program. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure that five (5) days written notice is provided prior to expulsion. In the corrective action email include details of the system created to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 26, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.10.5: Devices that diffuse or omit airborne chemicals such as anti-pest strips, ozone generators, plug-in air fresheners, nail polish, nail polish remover, and aerosol sprays shall not used in the CBCCPP.

“During the visit at least one (1) aerosol spray that omits airborne chemicals was found in each classroom of the program; a total of four (4) were observed. Staff testimony reflected that the sprays are used at the program. Corrective Action: Immediately discontinue the use of aerosol sprays that omit airborne chemicals at the program. In the corrective action email confirm that said use of materials has been discontinued.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.10.3.2.5: Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and other riding toys shall be the correct size for the child using the riding toy, and riding toys shall be maintained in good condition. * Tricycles shall not have spokes, and tricycles and bicycles with chains shall have chain guards. * Staff shall ensure that all children wear properly fitting safety helmets while riding outside on bicycles and using scooters.

“Upon arrival to the program a class was observed riding bicycles outside. Three (3) children were observed riding the bicycles without safety helmets. Corrective Action: Immediately discontinue use of bicycles and riding toys until such a time that properly fitting safety helmets are obtained and ready for use. In an email from the program director on 07/02/2024, confirmation was provided to Licensor [name] that bicycle use has been discontinued until new helmets can be obtained this Fall.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.1.2: Children shall be protected from choking hazards presented by cords on window coverings, electric or electronic appliances or equipment and telephones.

“During the visit several cords were found to present choking hazards in the preschool classroom. Said cords belonged to a sounds machine, a printer, and various items on a desk all plugged into an extension cord that was accessible to children. Corrective Action: Immediately secure all cords accessible to children. Develop a system to perform regular checks for unsecured cords in areas that children have access to. In the corrective action email confirm that the cords have been secured and no longer present hazards to children and include details of the system developed to check for loose cords moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.2.1: The licensee shall ensure that the CBCCPP is in compliance with Vermont Division of Fire Safety rules at all times. This includes but is not limited to: * Complying with Vermont Division of Fire Safety inspection reports; * Having regular fire systems inspected with violations identified during the inspection noted as corrected; and * Having fire extinguishers tagged with valid inspection tags.

“During the visit two (2) fire extinguishers were noted to have last been inspected in January of 2023. This does not meet the requirement of this rule. Corrective Action: Plan to have at least one (1) fire extinguisher on site inspected and tagged with a valid inspection tag. Develop a system to prompt future inspections before the inspection tag becomes invalid. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence of a valid inspection tag on at least one (1) fire extinguisher at the program, and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 16, 2024

Regulation 5.4.1.4: Cots, mats, and mattresses shall be nonporous or have nonporous coverings. Each child shall be provided clean, individual bed linens either by the licensee providing them directly or requiring parents to provide them. No child shall nap directly on nonporous coverings.

“During the visit ten (10) of the nap mats at the program were identified to have rips in them, making them porous. Five (5) of the ripped mats were intended for use in the two (2) year old classroom, one (1) was intended for use in the three (3) year old classroom, and four (4) were intended for use in the four (4) year old classroom. Corrective Action: By 07/22/2024 plan to repair the mats to make them nonporous or obtain new mats that are nonporous. In the corrective action email include photo evidence of the repairs or the new mats obtained.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.3.2: Daily Health Check Upon arrival into the CBCCPP staff shall observe each child for symptoms of communicable disease and signs of injuries. Any obvious injuries shall be documented along with any comments from the parent pertaining to the child's condition. This documentation shall be maintained in the child's file for a minimum of 365 days.

“During discussions with four (4) staff, when asked about the program's procedure for conducting daily health checks, each of the four (4) described a different procedure, none of which included observing children for symptoms of communicable disease and signs of injuries or documenting comments from parents. The program director stated that the program does have a form intended to be used specifically for documentation of daily health check findings. Staff were unaware of this procedure. Corrective Action: By 07/22/2024 plan to review the program's procedure for conducting daily health checks and documenting findings and comments from parents regarding said findings with all staff. In the corrective action email include details of the procedure that will be utilized moving forward, and details of how staff have been informed about this practice.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials, except materials required for routine cleaning, shall be locked in a secure storage area.

“During the visit several materials labeled "keep out of reach of children" were located in areas accessible to children. The materials included hand sanitizer in both the three (3) year old classroom and four (4) year old classroom, and a bin of several tubes of sunscreen and bugsprays in the four (4) year old classroom. Corrective Action: Immediately make all materials labeled "keep out of reach of children" inaccessible to children. In the corrective action email provide details of the new locations for storage of the identified materials moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.10.3.3: Safe Use Zones For all play equipment that is thirty (30) inches or higher from the ground, including climbing equipment, slides, swings and other similar equipment, the licensee shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, including recommended use zones, is of approved resilient material that protects children if they fall. * Materials in the use zone shall consist of wood chips, pea stone, mulch, engineered wood fibers, sand, safety-tested shredded or rubber like material or rubber mats designed for protective cushioning; * Materials used in the use zone shall follow the recommendations listed in the most recent publication of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook regarding critical depth of tested materials determined by the height of the highest climbing surface of the equipment; * Materials used in the use zone shall be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions; * If the loose material such as sand, mulch, or shredded rubber is used in use zones, the licensee shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, staff shall ensure that children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“Several pieces of equipment in the outdoor play area, measuring higher than thirty (30) inches from the ground, were found to have less than one (1) inch of cushioning material under and around them. The equipment included a large climbing structure equipped with slides and areas of climbing, a rock climbing structure referred to as "the volcano," and a swingset with four (4) swings. Corrective Action: Immediately discontinue use of and block access to structures that are thirty (30) inches or higher from the ground until nine (9) inches of cushioning material is present under and around each piece of equipment. Further, develop a system to perform regular checks of the depth of cushinoning material in the outdoor play area. In the corrective action email include details of the system that has been developed and implemented. In an email from the program director on 07/02/2024, photo confirmation was provided to Licensor [name] that nine (9) inches of cushioning material had been obtained and placed beneath and around all large equipment in the outdoor play area.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 2, 2024

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.

“Upon review of staff BFIS credential accounts it was found that Staff A and Staff B's Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications had expired. Staff testimony confirmed expiry for both certifications. Staff A and Staff B have both been working with the program for more than three (3) months and were both present and counting in staff child ratio during the visit. Corrective Action: Immediately plan for Staff A and Staff B to obtain training in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Once obtained, submit the certification with cover sheets to Northern Lights at CCV with cover sheets and copy Licensor [name] on the submission email. Develop a system to prompt the director and staff to become recertified before the date of expiry on CPR and First Aid certifications moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of the system that has been developed and put in place.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.10.4: Materials required for routine cleaning shall be stored and used in a safe manner out of the reach of children.

“In the infant bathroom that toddlers use to wash hands were cleaning and first aid prodcuts on a shelf within their reach, to include lysol and hydrogren peroxide spray bottles, air freshner spray and lotions. In the Tiki Room, cleaning products and spray hydrogen peroxide were found on the edge of the counter, and in the the first classroom upon entering, there were disinfecting wipes found on the desk. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, ensure products that are to be kept of reach of children are stored in a manner that children do not have the ability to access them.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 2023

Regulation 5.6.10: All medication and non-medications described in the rule 5.6.9 of these regulations shall be securely stored and inaccessible to children.

“In a cubby unit approximately twelve (12) inches off the floor, an open purse containing pain medication was found. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure all medication, to include those of staff are stored in a manner that is inaccessible to children. Develop a system to monitor for ongoing compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 17, 2023

Regulation 5.2.3.11: Each diaper changing procedure shall include: * Preparation: assemble supplies, staff member washes hands, prepares changing surface with either a disposable covering or ensure that the surface was recently cleaned and disinfected and bring the child to the diaper changing area. * Dirty Phase: remove soiled diaper, dispose of diaper, and cleanse diaper area of the child. * Clean Phase: put on clean diaper, dress child, and wash the child's hands. * Clean up: clean and disinfect the diaper changing surface, and staff member washes their own hands. * Record diaper change.

“Staff A was observed changing two (2) diapers. Staff A did not wash their hands prior to changing the first child, did not disinect the mat prior to the second diaper change, and did not wash their hands after disinfecting the diaper mat after the second diaper change. Two (2) different staff disposed of the soiled diaper wrapped in plastic bag in the outdoor garbage bin; neither washed their hands after. Corrective Action: Review the diaper changing procedure with all staff and monitor for understanding and compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 2023

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.

“It was determined that six (6) staff had not completed CPR/First Aid certification or re-newed this prior to the expiration date at the time of the visit. Corrective Action: Ensure all staff obtain or maintain CPR/First Aid certification as required. Develop a system to ensure compliance to this rule is maintained.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.10.5: Devices that diffuse or omit airborne chemicals such as anti-pest strips, ozone generators, plug-in air fresheners, nail polish, nail polish remover, and aerosol sprays shall not used in the CBCCPP.

“Two (2) air freshners were found in the infant bathroom. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, remove all air freshners or other devices as outlined in this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.5.7: The licensee shall ensure that air conditioners, electric fans and heaters, including all floor or window fans are inaccessible to children when they pose a health or safety hazard. If they are mounted indoors or outdoors they shall be securely attached.

“Box fans were observed on top of filing cabinets with cords extending within reach of children. Children were observed resting on mats directly beneath where the fans were placed. Neither fan was secured to prevent falling. Corrective Action: Ensure all fans, air conditioners, and heaters are inaccessible to children and securely mounted as per this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 22, 2022

Regulation 5.10.1.10.4: Materials required for routine cleaning shall be stored and used in a safe manner out of the reach of children.

“Children were observed using a bathroom at the main entrance without direct supervision that had an unsecured closet where bottles of bleach and other products were stored. Additionally, children were observed using the bathroom in the Sunshine room without direct supervision where there were cleaning products in unlocked cupboards within childrens reach. Corrective Action: Bar childrens access to cleaning materials per this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 22, 2022

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.

“Fingerprints for Staff A expired on 3/17/2022; the Division has not received an updated record check to initiate the fingerprint authorization form. Staff B had the fingerprint authorization form generated on 09/01/2021 but has not yet completed the fingerprinting process. Corrective Action: Staff A shall submit a records check authorization form to the Division, and submit to fingerprinting in a timely manner once the form is generated. Staff B shall submit to fingerprinting. Develop a system to ensure record checks are submitted to the Division as stated by this rule, and that fingerprinting is completed in a timely manner.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 22, 2022

Regulation 3.4.6.1: The licensee shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.7.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children and staff evacuated, time taken to evacuate, and notation of the drill conducted while children were sleeping or resting. Evacuation records shall be kept for two (2) years. When the CBCCPP counts lock-down drills as allowed in the rules in section 3.7.2 of these regulations, the licensee shall maintain a record of the date of each lock-down drill, the number of CBCCPP children and staff who participated, and note that the drill performed was a lock-down drill.

“Provider A provided the fire drill log, which was last updated in January 2021. Provider A stated that the drills had been completed but not documented. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure monthly fire drills are documented as stated in this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 12, 2021

Regulation 5.10.4.5.1: The program director shall ensure that the CBCCPP, its furnishings, and toys are kept in a clean and orderly condition.

“The preschool classroom was found with dried food on the radiators, dirt and grime on the walls, light switches, garbage cans and doors. The bathroom toilet had a yellow substance on the base. Corrective Action: Ensure the program, furnishings and toys are cleaned. Develop a system to maintain and monitor for ongoing compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 1, 2021

Regulation 5.10.1.1: General Safety: The licensee shall ensure the physical facilities of the CBCCPP, grounds, equipment, and toys present no hazard to the health, safety, and well-being of the children.

“In the preschool classroom the baseboards were rusted, and disconnected in five (5) places or missing end caps. In addition, two (2) sections the copper pipes were exposed to the touch. Corrective Action: Ensure that the baseboards are repaired to ensure there is no rust, all portions are connected, and pipes are no longer exposed.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 21, 2021