Elizabeth Smith

Regulation 5.11.4: Drinking water shall be readily available to children at all times.

“During outdoor play no drinking water was observed outside. This is a repeat violation, previously cited 05/09/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that drinking water is readily available to children at all times, to include outdoor play and off-site activities. In the corrective action email provide details of how you have come back into compliance with this rule and how you will ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: May 23, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.2.6: The extinguisher shall be visibly mounted to the wall near an exit door.

“The fire extinguisher was observed on the floor next to the sliding glass door. This is a repeat violation, previously cited 05/09/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that the fire extinguisher is mounted to the wall near an exit door. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that the fire extinguisher has been mounted as required.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 6, 2025

Regulation 4.7: The FCCP shall establish written policies and procedures. Written information provided to parents of all children enrolled in the FCCH shall include, at minimum: * Assurance that parents have access to the FCCH and their child(ren) without prior notice and have access to their children's records as required in the rule 3.3.4.6 of these regulations; * A description of information needed from parents for child's enrollment file as required in rules in section 3.3.4.1 of these regulations; * A typical daily schedule of activities; * Information about fees and payment policies; * Information about hours of operation and closings; * Procedures for signing children in and out; * Procedures for emergencies as required in the rules in section 3.6 of these regulations; * Information about the nutrition, meals and meal preparation at the FCCH; * Safe sleep policies, as applicable; * No smoking policy; * Information about results from the test for lead in the drinking water and any plan for remediation; * FCCH policies on field trips, other off-site activity and transportation; * FCCH health policies including illness exclusions, administration of medication, and immunizations; * FCCH policies and practice regarding positive guidance and behavior management; * Assurance that confidentiality of child and family information is maintained; * Information about the requirement to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as required in the rules in section 3.2 of these regulations; * Assurance that non-discrimination and respect for each child's family and culture is maintained; * FCCH approach to ensure wholesome growth and positive developmental experiences for children enrolled; * FCCH policies related to the inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities; * A description of religious activities, if any; * Information on how to access these FCCH regulations and other information about child development online; * Information concerning complaint procedures; * Information about the Child Care Consumer Line, including the telephone number (1-800-649-2642); and * FCCH policies and procedures related to the expulsion of children.

“Upon review of the Provider's Family Handbook it was identified that several required components were missing. A checklist detailing the missing components was provided to the Provider at the time of the visit. Corrective Action: Review and revise the Family Handbook to include all components required by this rule. Submit the revised handbook to your Licensor by 05/27/2025. Continue working with your Licensor until such a time when the handbook meets compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 23, 2025

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 FCCP shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, included 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 FCCP shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, the FCCP shall ensure that the children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“Wood chips observed in the safe use zone for a large play structure, to include swings, monkey-bars, and a slide, was observed to measure less than one (1) inch in depth. Corrective Action: Immediately discontinue use of the outdoor play structure until such a time when sufficient cushioning material is in place. Develop a system to ensure that cushioning material be replenished as needed moving forward. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence of how you have come back into compliance with this rule and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 6, 2025

Regulation 3.3.7.3: Within six (6) months of initial date of employment, the FCCP and all staff 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 sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to NLCDC to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“Upon review of the Provider's BFIS Quality and Credential account it was identified that documentation of qualifications, and at least two (2) professional development activities were not reflected in BFIS. An email detailing the missing documentation was sent to the Provider on 05/06/2025. Corrective Action: By 05/20/2025 submit the missing documentation to Northern Lights at CCV with a cover sheet and Licensor [name] copied on the submission email. If you need assistance in the submission process, you may reach out to the Northern Lights Resource Advisor for the area at ammie.collins@ccv.edu.”

Correction date in the state record: May 21, 2025

Regulation 3.6.2.1: The FCCP shall have a written evacuation diagram with evacuation routes posted on each level of the home that is used by the children.

“Evacuation diagrams were not observed on either level of the home. Provider confirmed that evacuation diagrams had been created but not posted. This is a repeat violation, previously cited 05/09/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately post evacuation diagrams with evacuation routes on each level of the home that is used by children. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that a diagram has been posted on the first and second story of the home.”

Correction date in the state record: May 21, 2025

Regulation 5.6.6: The FCCP shall ensure that all prescription medication is in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container.

“An epi-pen prescribed to an enrolled child was observed to have expired. Corrective Action: Immediately return the expired medication to the child's family and explain that expired medications may not be administered to children. Develop a system to ensure that new medications be obtained for the prescribed child/ren prior to the date of expiry moving forward. In the corrective action email include photo evidence that a non-expired epi-pen has been obtained for the child and provide details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 6, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.10.3: All poisonous or toxic materials shall be inaccessible to children.

“During the visit, it was noted that there was a tube of Desitin diaper cream, a container of bleach spray and a bottle of laundry detergent in the bathroom and accessible to children. The bathroom door was open for the duration of the visit and children were awake and playing. The provider stated that the bathroom door is typically left open. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to move all materials that are toxic, poisonous, and labeled "Keep Out Of Reach Of Children" are placed either behind locked doors or on a high shelf out of children's reach moving forward. In the corrective action email, provide details of how you have come back into compliance and a system for routinely checking all areas and rooms that are accessible to children and placing all poisonous and toxic materials out of children's reach moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 5.11.4: Drinking water shall be readily available to children at all times.

“During the visit, it was noted that water was not readily available in the lower level of the home or during outside play time. The provider stated that if the children asked for water, she would go inside and get it for them. This does not meet the intent of this rule. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to ensure drinking water is readily available to children at all times. This means that individual water bottles or cups with water are readily accessible to children no matter where they are throughout the day. Include in the corrective action email how you will ensure compliance with this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025

Regulation 3.6.1.1: The FCCP shall develop and maintain a written Emergency Response Plan to respond to a full range of emergencies both natural and man-made. A complete plan shall include how the FCCP will address and manage the following situations and responsibilities: * Evacuations or other emergencies such as leaving the premises and lockdown situations; * Specific concerns related to the location of the program, such as proximity to a nuclear reactor, an area prone to flooding or power loss; * Notifying the local authorities of the emergency; * A system for notifying the parents of the emergency; * Notifying the local emergency planning committee regarding the location of the FCCH and using the committee as a resource in emergency planning for the program; * A system of identifying the children and staff present at the time of the emergency and maintaining knowledge of their whereabouts; * A system for handling infants, toddlers, and children with special needs; * An established evacuation meeting location within walking distance of the FCCH; * A system to account for all children and staff at evacuation meeting place; * An process for relocation if necessary including safe transportation; * A system for sheltering in place if the FCCP and children present need to remain in the FCCH for an extended period; and * Staff chain of command and individual staff roles and responsibilities, (if applicable) during emergencies.

“The provider stated that she does not have a written emergency preparedness training for the program. Corrective Action: Plan to research and create an emergency response plan which includes all of the information listed in this rule and submit it for approval to Licensor [name] by 06/16/2024. Plan to continue communication until such a time when Licensor [name] has sent an email letting you know that your emergency response plan has been approved by the Division. Then plan to keep the emergency response plan readily availbale in a convenient place for daily use and/or review. Further, develop a system which will prompt you to review the emergency response plan at least once every 365 days and make any pertinent changes as required. Include details of each piece of this assignment in the corrective action email.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.2.6: The extinguisher shall be visibly mounted to the wall near an exit door.

“The fire extinguisher intended for the program was on the floor behind a floor length curtain to the sliding door on the second level of the home. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to mount the fire extinguisher intended for the program to the wall near an exit door.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 3.6.2.1: The FCCP shall have a written evacuation diagram with evacuation routes posted on each level of the home that is used by the children.

“It was noted that no evacuation diagrams were posted in the home. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to create and post evacuation routes on each level of the home used by children. In the corrective action email, provide details of how the routes have been posted and a system for regularly reviewing the spaces used by children to ensure these evacuation diagrams are posted at all times moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 5.1.2: General Health Examinations: Within forty-five (45) days of enrollment the FCCP shall obtain documentation of the child's age appropriate well care exam from the parent. Documentation shall include information regarding any health conditions and medications that may impact the care of the child.

“A review of children's files reflected that three of the six children's files did not contain General Health Exam forms. All three children had been in care for at least forty-five (45) days. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to collect General Health Exams forms for all currently enrolled children. In the corrective action email, include details of 1. How the program has come back into compliance, 2. what system will be used to ensure a timely collection of General Health Exam forms for all newly enrolled children movign forward, including how often written reminders of the requirement will be given to the family until such a time when the proper form has been provided by the family, and how that communication will be documented and kept on site moving forward for review as requested moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 3.6.2.2: The FCCP shall ensure that evacuation drills are conducted at least once a month, and children and staff are evacuated in less than three (3) minutes.

“During the visit, the evacuation log provided did not reflect the amount of time taken to evacuate each month. The provider stated that she just gets the children out as quickly as possible and does not attempt to time the drill. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to use a clock or timer to collect and record the time each monthly drill takes. This means the time between when the drill is announced and when all staff and children are in fresh air. If you find that the drills are taken longer than three (3) minutes, plan to conduct more frequent drills until such a time when all adults and children are consistently out of the building in three (3) minutes or less moving forward. In the corrective action plan, include details of the tool you will use to time the monthly evacuation drills, and how you will remind yourself to time each drill moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 4.7: The FCCP shall establish written policies and procedures. Written information provided to parents of all children enrolled in the FCCH shall include, at minimum: * Assurance that parents have access to the FCCH and their child(ren) without prior notice and have access to their children's records as required in the rule 3.3.4.6 of these regulations; * A description of information needed from parents for child's enrollment file as required in rules in section 3.3.4.1 of these regulations; * A typical daily schedule of activities; * Information about fees and payment policies; * Information about hours of operation and closings; * Procedures for signing children in and out; * Procedures for emergencies as required in the rules in section 3.6 of these regulations; * Information about the nutrition, meals and meal preparation at the FCCH; * Safe sleep policies, as applicable; * No smoking policy; * Information about results from the test for lead in the drinking water and any plan for remediation; * FCCH policies on field trips, other off-site activity and transportation; * FCCH health policies including illness exclusions, administration of medication, and immunizations; * FCCH policies and practice regarding positive guidance and behavior management; * Assurance that confidentiality of child and family information is maintained; * Information about the requirement to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as required in the rules in section 3.2 of these regulations; * Assurance that non-discrimination and respect for each child's family and culture is maintained; * FCCH approach to ensure wholesome growth and positive developmental experiences for children enrolled; * FCCH policies related to the inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities; * A description of religious activities, if any; * Information on how to access these FCCH regulations and other information about child development online; * Information concerning complaint procedures; * Information about the Child Care Consumer Line, including the telephone number (1-800-649-2642); and * FCCH policies and procedures related to the expulsion of children.

“The provider stated that she does not have a family handbook which meets the requirements of this rule. Corrective Action: Plan to research and create a family handbook for your program which includes all of the information required by this rule and submit it to Licensor [name] for review by 06/16/2024. Plan to communicate with Licensor [name] until such a time when she has stated approval of the handbook. Upon approval, plan to make the handbook available to all currently enrolled families. Include in the corrective action email, how you have come into compliance, made the approved handbooks available to families, a developed system for ensuring the handbook is reviewed and revised as necessary at least once every 365 days, and how you will ensure that an up-to-date handbook is made available to all newly enrolled families moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025

Regulation 5.3.2: Daily Health Check Upon arrival into the FCCH 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 the visit, when asked about performing these daily health checks, the provider seemed uncertain of what Daily Health Checks were. Once explained, the provider stated that while she may talk with parents about any notable concerns, she does not document the concerns in the child's file. Corrective Action: Immediately develop a system which prompts you to perform daily health checks for each child upon arrival to the FCCH to observe for any symptoms of communicable disease and signs of injury, to document any notable condition and/or parent comments about the child's condition and maintain the documentation in children's files as required moving forward. Include details of this system, how you have come into compliance, how you will remain in compliance and how you will review and familiarize yourself with the Child Care Licensing Regulations for Registered Family Child Care Homes and reach out with any regulatory questions to the Licensor On Duty Line moving forward. 800-649-2642, option 3, or ahs.dcfcddchildcarelicesning@vermont.gov.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 16, 2024

Regulation 6.2.4.4: When children are outside playing, the FCCP and/or staff shall be outside supervising the children. If due to the mixed ages of the children and the need to step away to meet basic care needs of children, the FCCP and/or staff may supervise the school age children from inside the home provided that the children can be seen from inside and the outside play area is fenced to prevent the children from leaving the play area. Children younger than school age shall not play outside without the FCCP and/or staff person present at any time.

“The Provider, when asked about whether all children sleep stated no. When asked what children did during that time if they didn't sleep they indicated that they play with quiet activities or go outside. When asked where they were while children played outdoors they stated they remained inside and watched from the porch or from the kitchen window. The children permitted to play outdoors are not yet school aged, and the outdoor play area is not fenced which does not meet the requirement of this rule. Corrective Action: Discontinue allowing children to play outdoors unless the Provider is outdoors with them providing supervision.”

Correction date in the state record: May 11, 2023

Regulation 3.3.3: The FCCP shall establish a system for taking attendance, including documentation of the time when each child arrives and departs each day he/she attends the FCCH. The FCCP shall save all daily attendance records identifying the hours of children s attendance for at least twelve (12) months from the date that care is provided.

“Six (6) children were in attendance; four (4) children were reflected on the attendance. The two (2) children not reflected on the attendance had arrived two (2) hours prior to the start of the licensing visit. Corrective Action: Ensure all children are reflected on the attendance at the time of arrival and updated at the time of their departure.”

Correction date in the state record: May 12, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The program had an expired fire extinguisher on site, and a second 1-A:10BC extinguisher. Neither extinguisher meets this rule. Corrective Action: Ensure a valid extinguisher is on site at all times, and meets the stated classification.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 2, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The fire extingusisher was last inspected in March 2021 and was due for an inspection again in March 2022. Corrective Action: Ensure that there is a valid extinguisher mounted near an exit. Develop a system to ensure that the extinguisher is tagged and inspected annually prior to the expiration date.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 23, 2022

Regulation 5.4.1.5: Children shall be supervised by FCCP and/or staff while napping or resting. The FCCP and/or staff shall directly observe a sleeping child at least every fifteen (15) minutes to check the child's face, view the color of the child's skin, and check on the child's breathing.

“A child was placed in a room to sleep at 11:15. At 11:51 Child A had not been checked on; more than two (2) times over the length of time required by this rule. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure every sleeping child is checked on as required by this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 27, 2022

Regulation 5.4.1.1: The FCCP shall ensure that each child, except school age children, has an individual crib, port-a-crib, cot, mat, or bed that is safe for the child's age and development, in good repair, and used by only one child each day. No child shall nap directly on the floor or on furniture not designed for sleeping. Cribs or port-a-cribs shall be used for children under the age of twelve (12) months. Children shall not nap in cribs or port-a-cribs if they are physically able to climb out unassisted.

“Upon asking where children sleep, the Provider stated where and indicated that two (2) children, both over two (2) years of age, slept in pack n plays. Corrective Action: Ensure each child has a crib, port-a-crib, cot, mat or bed that is appropriate for their age and that is designed for sleep as stated in this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 14, 2022

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

“Child B was observed using the bathroom with the door closed without adult supervision. The bathroom contained items that are accessible to children on the floor and in the cabinet that had child proof locks that were not functioning properly. The items included: Lysol spray, window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, spot cleaner, laundry detergent, and cleaning wipes. Corrective Action: Ensure all hazards are stored in a manner that are inaccessible to children in care. Develop a system to monitor the grounds to check for hazards.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 27, 2022

Regulation 3.3.6.1: The FCCP shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.6.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children, 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.

“The Provider stated that monthly evacuation drills are completed, but not always documented. The last evacuation drill documented was July 2021. Corrective Action: Ensure monthly evacuation drills are completed and documented as required by this rule. Develop a system to ensure ongoing compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2022

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff, with the exception of substitutes, shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations.

“Upon review of the Providers BFIS Quality and Credential account, it was determined they were short nine (9) hours of annual professional development for the period of 7/12/2020-7/11/2021. The Provider acknowledged not completing the required fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development as required. Corrective Action: Ensure in addition to the current annual period of required fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development, that the additional nine (9) hours not obtained during the prior annual period are taken. Develop a system to ensure the required fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development are obtained during the annual period ongoing.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 14, 2022

Regulation 3.3.6.1: The FCCP shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.6.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children, 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.

“Provider only had documentation that an evacuation was completed in December of 2020, Provider has stated she has done monthly evacuations but had no supporting documentation. This is a repeat violation 11/19/2015, 12/03/2014 and 05/21/2013 Corrective Action: Schedule an evacuation drill for March, email this licensor with a plan to ensure that evacuations are not only practiced but that you document all of the required information highlighted in this regulation. Records will be kept for 2 years.”

Correction date in the state record: May 6, 2021

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The fire extinguisher accessible to the program bears an oudated tag with an inspection date of December 2016. Corrective Action: Have the extinguisher inspected by a person who may issue, initial, and date the inspection tag. Create a system to ensure the fire extinguisher is inspected annually as required.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2018