Creo School

AAC R9-5-503.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 2. A hand-washing sink next to the diaper changing surface for staff use when changing diapers and for washing an enrolled child during or after diapering that provides: a. Running water between 86° F and 110° F, b. Soap from a dispenser, and c. Single-use paper hand towels from a dispenser;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Squirrel Room (1s-3s), the hot water faucet handle in the diaper changing area was not operable.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. 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' observations, in the restroom of the Cactus Wren Room (3s-6s), there was a plunger accessible to enrolled children.”

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, in the first aid kit, there was a supply of burn cream.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, there were multiple patches of fencing that had rust and chipping paint.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. 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, on the Children's House Playground (3s-6s), the resilient surfacing of the slide was not maintained as dried mud had accumulated on top of the resilient unitary surfacing material.”

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, in the Infant Room (Honeybee), there was a surge protector with two uncovered outlets.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Jack Rabbit Room (3s-6s), the toilet room exhaust fan was inoperable.”

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 accessible to enrolled children: Gym (1s & up): *There was a broken electrical outlet plate. *There were areas of baseboard trim not secured to the wall that exposed drywall. Squirrel Room (1s-3s): *There were multiple areas of paint chipping off the wall that exposed drywall.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record that is no more than a two-page written notice, and is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, email address, and telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for the nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(14); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, 4 out of 20 enrolled children's Emergency, Information, and Immunization Records lacked the following required documentation: *Child #1 - the child's date of birth; *Child #2 and #3 - the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness; *Child #4 - the enrolled child's parents' signature.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, in the Gym (1s & up), the licensed capacity was not posted.”

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, Child #5's medication expired 03.03.26 and had not been discarded or returned to a parent.”

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, in the Greyfox classroom, the designated exit that provides an escape to the outside of the building was obstructed by a table. In the Squirrel classroom, the designated exit that provides an escape to the outside of the building was obstructed by a child sleeping on a cot. In the Infant room, the designated exit that provides an escape to the outside of the building was obstructed by a floor bed.”

ARS § 36-883.05.B. B. Floor bedding pursuant to subsection a of this section must meet all of the following requirements: 1. Be a mat that meets the following dimensions: a. Is not less than two inches and not more than three inches thick. b. Is not less than three feet and not more than four feet long. c. Is not less than two feet and not more than three feet wide. 2. Not be elevated or raised in any way. 3. Be covered with a waterproof and washable mattress pad, a washable zip cover and an individually assigned sheet. 4. Be assigned to an individual infant and not shared with another infant. 5. Be turned over at least once a week. 6. Be placed at least eighteen inches apart, eighteen inches from any wall and two feet from any other object. 7. Be placed on a floor that is vacuumed and sanitized every day and, if the floor is carpeted, is shampooed at least twice a month.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, the floor beds lacked a designated sleeping area as required. The staff were taking the floor beds off the wall mount and placing them around the classroom. The floor beds lacked 2 feet from the walls and other objects as required.”

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 and children statements and the Compliance Officers' observation, the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm. In the Grey Fox classroom, there was a microwave, toaster oven, waffle maker, and coffee pot located on a low shelf accessible to the children. A child walked over to the microwave and turned it on without teacher supervision. The director stated that children use the microwave to warm up their food. Another child said they made cornbread in the toaster oven.”

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 Officer’s observation, in the Butterfly Classroom restroom, there were 2 plastic totes and a gallon bottle of paint on top of a cabinet.”

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 Officer's observation, in the Greyfox classroom, the designated exit that provides an escape to the outside of the building was obstructed by a table.”

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 9 out of 20 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1: The child's health care provider's name and telephone number. Child #2: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. Child #3 and Child #7: The child's date of enrollment. Child #4, Child #5, Child #6, Child #8, and Child #9: The child's parents' signature.”

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 observation, in the Squirrel classroom, the rubber sill was lifting on the bottom of the diaper changing sink's plexiglass partition.”

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 Officer’s observation, the fire drills were not conducted at different times of the day. Fire drills were conducted from 9:00-10:40.”

ARS § 36-883.02.C. C. Applicants, licensees and child care personnel shall attest on forms that are provided by the department that:1. They are not awaiting trial on or have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement committing any of the offenses listed in section 41-1758.07, subsection B in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction. 2. They are not parents or guardians of a child adjudicated to be a dependent child as defined in section 8-201. 3. They have not been denied or had revoked a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility in this or any other state or that they have not been denied or had revoked a certification to work in a child care facility or child care group home.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that Staff #1 lacked the facility name and address on the Criminal History Affidavit. The Criminal History Affidavit for Staff #3 was not completed prior to their start date.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, the Mantoux skin test for Staff #5 was not administered on or before the starting date of employment (Date of employment-7/24/2023, date of Tb test-7/25/2023).”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation, staff statements, and the Compliance Officers' observations, staff did not supervise children at all times as required. While the Compliance Officer was being escorted around the facility, the staff member left the playground gate open. Three children left the playground and went to the patio area unsupervised.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the ratio in the patio area was 0:3 instead of 1:3 when 3 children left the playground unattended.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that Staff #1 and Staff #2 were assistant teacher-caregiver. Staff #1 lacked documentation of the original diploma issued from a foreign country. Staff #2 lacked documentation of an evaluated diploma issued in a foreign country that is equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States.”

AAC R9-5-306.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 the children's attendance forms lacked the following information: Child #10: A release signature on 5/28/2025. Child #11 and Child #14: A release time and signature on 5/28/2025. Child #12: An admission and release signature on 5/28/2025. A release time and signature on 6/2/2025. Child #13: A release signature and time on 5/28/2025 and 6/2/2025. Child #15: A release signature on 5/28/2025 and 6/2/2025.”

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 Officers’ observations, the fingerprint clearance card verification for Staff #1 (Date of employment-3/17/2025), Staff #2 (Date of employment-4/22/2025), Staff #3 (Date of employment- 7/24/2023), and Staff #5 (Date of employment-7/24/2023) were not conducted prior to their start sates. The fingerprint clearance card was validated through the DPS website during the time of the inspection.”

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 observation, in the Squirrel and Butterfly classrooms, personal products were on low shelves and accessible to enrolled children.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, the staff file for Staff #4 (Date of employment 3/20/2021) lacked documentation of their renewed fingerprint clearance card. The fingerprint clearance card was validated through the DPS website during the time of the inspection.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officers’ observations, the files for Staff #1 (Date of employment-3/17/2025), Staff #2 (Date of employment-4/22/2025), and Staff #3 (Date of employment-7/4/2023) documented the DCS Registry was not completed prior to their start dates .”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observations, there was a Canola Oil container accessible to enrolled children in the Squirrel room.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observations and facility documentation, the file for Staff #4 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.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *Hummingbird room: The laminate floors were splitting in several areas. *Butterflies room: The laminate floors were splitting in several areas.”

AAC R9-5-403.C. C. A licensee shall ensure that documentation of a staff member's completion of training required by subsection (A) is signed by the facility director and dated.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observations and facility documentation, the 10-day new staff training form in the file for Staff # 2 lacked the date and signature of the facility director.”

ARS § 36-883.02.A. A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, child care personnel, including volunteers, shall submit the form prescribed in subsection C of this section to the employer and shall have valid fingerprint clearance cards issued pursuant to section 41-1758.07 before starting employment or volunteer work.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observations and review of facility documentation, the file for Staff #4 lacked a valid fingerprint clearance card before the date of employment; DOE 08/01/22, Issued: 08/10/22.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observations and facility documentation, 3 of 10 staff files reviewed lacked the following: *Staff #1(DOE: 10/18/21) lacked CHA before the date of employment, completed on 10/25/21 *Staff #3(DOE: 03/06/23) lacked CHA before the date of employment, completed on 03/06/23 *Staff #5(DOE: 06/21/21) lacked CHA before the date of employment, completed on 06/21/21”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observations and facility documentation, the Licensee lacked documentation of a current fire inspection report as required. The fire inspection on file expired 8/3/23.”

AAC R9-5-203.C. C. Except as provided in A.R.S. § 41-1758.03, a licensee shall ensure that each staff member, before starting date of employment or volunteer service, submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card,front and back, issued under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation and facility documentation, the file for Staff #2 lacked a copy of the back side of the Fingerprint Clearance card.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was rust on several areas at the base of the fence in both Playground A and B. *The white railing attached to the green slide play structure had rust at the base in Playground B. *There was a grate with rust under the play structure with the green slide in Playground B. *There was raw wood in Playground A.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observations and facility documentation, Staff #1 lacked documentation of an evaluated diploma issued in a foreign country that is equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States.”