D.V.U.S.D.#97 - Norterra Canyon

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 Officer's observation, it was determined that there was a 6.5" gap between the base of the fence and the ground on the north side of the playground.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the prescription medication box for Child #1 lacked one of the two doses of the medication prescribed by the health care provider and dispensed by the pharmacy.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.3. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 3. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, does not administer a medication to an enrolled child unless the facility receives written authorization signed by the enrolled child’s parent or health care provider that includes the: a. Name of the enrolled child; b. Type of the medication; c. Prescription number, if any; d. Instructions for administration specifying the: i. Dosage and route of administration; ii. If indicated, starting and ending dates of the dosage period; and iii. Times and frequency of administration; e. Reason for the medication; and f. Date of authorization; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the consent form for Child #1 lacked a prescription number. Additionally, Child #2 lacked a consent form for the child's medication.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. The facility does not allow enrolled children to mix with non-enrolled children on licensed facility premises;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that enrolled and non-enrolled children were playing together on the playground.”

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, it was determined that a vacuum was accessible to the enrolled children in Room 207 (developmental pre-school classroom).”

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 Officer's observation, it was determined that there was a 6.5" gap between the base of the fence and the ground on the north side of the playground.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the lesson plan was not dated in Room 202 (developmental pre-school classroom) and in Room 206 (developmental pre-school classroom).”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. The facility does not allow enrolled children to mix with non-enrolled children on licensed facility premises;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that enrolled and non-enrolled children were playing together on the playground.”

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 Officer's observation, it was determined that there were 2 uncovered outlets on a power strip in Room 201 (pre-school classroom) and 1 uncovered outlet on a power strip in Room 205 (pre-school classroom)”

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

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

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that a fire drill was not conducted for November 2023.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that:21. 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, it was determined that there was a vacuum in the passageway leading to the restroom in Room 201 (3's classroom).”

AAC R9-5-605.B.9. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 9. Fans are mounted and inaccessible to an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that there was a black fan that was not mounted and was accessible to the enrolled children in Room 201 (pre-school classroom).”

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

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

AAC R9-5-508.G. G. In addition to the required daily servings of food stated in subsection (C), a licensee:1. Shall make second servings of food available to each enrolled child at meals and at snack time, 2. May substitute a food that is equivalent to a specific food component if second servings of the specific food component are not available, and 3. Shall ensure that a food substitution in subsection (G)(2) is written on the posted weekly menu by the end of the meal or snack service.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the morning snack substitution was not documented on the menu. The children were served strawberry yogurt and crackers but the menu had muffins and fresh fruit listed.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that there was chipped paint exposing rust on the poles holding up the shade structure on the School-age playground.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that a fire drill was not conducted for November 2024 in the pre-school classroom.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Preschool toilet room, there was a can of air freshener located on top of the paper towel holder accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.22. C. A licensee shall ensure that:22. A refrigerator at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 41° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the refrigerator at all times;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Room 201, the refrigerator lacked a thermometer.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 2 out of 3 staff files reviewed lacked the required training documentation: Staff #1: 8 1/2 hours of annual training for the time period of 8/6/2022-8/6/2023. Staff #2: 5 hours of annual training for the time period of 2/2/2023-2/2/2024.”

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 3 out of 25 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1:The telephone number of the child's health care provider. Child #2: The home address, city, state, and zip code for the second guardian. Child #3: An emergency contact.”

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: Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 4 out of 13 enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: Child #4, #5, and #6: An admission and release signature for 4/15/2024-4/18/2024. Child #7: An admission signature for 4/15/2024 and 4/16/2024. A release signature for 4/15/2024 and 4/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that:21. 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 Room 201, there were two bottles of hand sanitizer located on a low shelf accessible to enrolled children.”

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 observation, in Room 201, there was a cord hanging from the light table accessible to enrolled children.”

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 Preschool toilet room, the diaper changing table was not seamless and smooth. There was cracked wood with exposed splintery edges located on the side of the changing table. There was thread located on the diaper changing mat making the mat unsanitizable.”

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.

“PublicFindings:Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing:Preschool Playground:*3 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the spiral climber.*5 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the purple climber.*4 of the 6 required inches of sand in the fall zones of the swings.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Boy's toilet room located in the outdoor activity area, there was missing caulk with a dark brown build- up on the base of the toilet in the 1st and 3rd stall.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.3. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that:3. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, does not administer a medication to an enrolled child unless the facility receives written authorization signed by the enrolled child’s parent or health care provider that includes the: a. Name of the enrolled child; b. Type of the medication; c. Prescription number, if any; d. Instructions for administration specifying the: i. Dosage and route of administration; ii. If indicated, starting and ending dates of the dosage period; and iii. Times and frequency of administration; e. Reason for the medication; and f. Date of authorization; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, the medication for child #5 lacked documentation of the route of administration and a current ending date of the dosage period on the written authorization form. The end date was 5/31/2023.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.20. A. A licensee shall ensure that:20. Hand sanitizers: a. When being stored, are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to enrolled children; and b. When being provided for use, are accessible to enrolled children; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Room 202, there were two bottles of hand sanitizer located on a low shelf accessible to enrolled children.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Preschool toilet room, there was a can of air freshener located on top of the paper towel holder accessible to enrolled children.”

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 4 out of 32 enrolled children's attendance forms reviewed lacked the following information: Child #1: An admission signature(initials only) for 4/1/2024-4/4/2024,4/15/2024-4/19/2024, and 4/22/2024-4/24/2024. A release signature(initials only) for 4/3/2024,4/4/2024, and 4/17/2024. Child #2: A release signature for 4/8/2024-4/12/2024. Child #3 and Child #4: An admission and release signature(initials only) for the month of April.”

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, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: Preschool Playground: *3 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the spiral climber. *5 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the purple climber. *4 of the 6 required inches of sand in the fall zones of the swings. School Age Playground: *3 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the rock wall. *2 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the swirl slide.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that:21. 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, the following were accessible to enrolled children: *In the cafeteria there were 2 brooms, a dustpan, and a mop. *In Room 202 there was a vacuum.”