Emerson Falls Playcare

Regulation 2.3.9.6: If the licensed facility was constructed prior to 1978 and has not been determined to be lead free by an inspector licensed by Vermont Department of Health, 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) have been performed and documented.

“Dwelling was constructed in 1860, and provider is required to complete yearly Essential Maintenance Practices (EMP). Condition on program license states Licensee shall complete required action to comply with Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law (Inspection, Repair and Cleaning Practice) by 9/30/2023. To date there is no evidence that this has been completed in 2023, 2024, 2025 and submitted to VT Department of Health. Corrective Action: Complete the required Essential Maintenance Practice assessment and submit findings to VT Department of Health by 10/31/2025. Develop a plan to ensure this will be completed in a timely manner yearly. Advise licensor [name] Guertin what the plan is by 10/31/2025 and when the assessment has been completed and submitted. Licensor has emailed the program links to VTDH EMP website for instructions, questions, and assistance to complete this.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 28, 2025

Regulation 5.10.3.2.1: All outdoor play equipment shall be sturdy, safe, clean and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters, and exposed bolts. To prevent entrapment, no openings in equipment shall be between 3.5 and nine (9) inches. Chains on swings shall have protective coverings and swing seats shall be made of soft materials with no sharp edges.

“A total of eight (8) exposed nails/screws were identified on the outdoor climbers that pose a hazard to children. Additionally, the program removed a ladder from one of the landings on the climber, creating a opening with a four (4) foot six (6) inch drop that was hazardous. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, it is required to restrict access to the areas of the outdoor climber until the exposed nails/screws can be fixed and a ladder or barrier to prevent a child falling from the landing on the climber. It is required to confirm that access to the hazardous areas of the climbers have been restricted until they can be fixed. It is required to send a description of the work that will be done, with deadlines, that describe how the hazards will be addressed.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 23, 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.

“The majority of the rest mats were ripped or torn, exposing the inner foam. Some of the rest mats were also duct taped as a result of being ripped or torn. Torn, ripped and taped rest mats were present in all of the classrooms at the program. Corrective Action: It is required to dispose of the ripped, torn, or taped rest mats and replace them with rest mats in good condition, that are non-porous. It is required to submit a plan on how the rest mats will be replaced, with timelines.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 25, 2023

Regulation 5.10.3.2.3: The licensee shall ensure that large outdoor play equipment is anchored firmly in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, is not located on concrete or asphalt surfaces and is placed so as to accommodate manufacturers' specifications for use zones.

“There are two pieces of outdoor play equipment, both with a set of swings on the end. It was observed that the side of the climbers with the swings were not secured and were seen to visably move when children swung on either set of swings. This is a repeat violation cited 5/22/2019. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, it is required to restrict access to the swings on the outdoor play equipment until the equipment can be secured. Once the equipment is secured, a description of how the equipment was secured, with pictures, shall be submitted.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 16, 2022

Regulation 6.2.4.3: The program director shall ensure that each group of children is led by a staff member who is at least qualified as a teacher associate for at least 75% of the hours of operation.

“It was found that the primary staff for the infant group are not qualified as at least teacher associate as required. Corrective Action: It is required to develop a detailed plan that describes how the program will come into compliance with lead teacher qualificationss. The plan shall be detailed and will include timelines and strategies for successful completion.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 19, 2025

Regulation 7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that all new staff and auxiliary staff, prior to working with children in the CBCCPP; and any new individual designated as the representative of the licensee shall submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“A staff of the program has not completed the full fingerprint supported background clearance process and was issued a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate from the Division on 4/28/2022. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, ensure any staff are not left alone with children until after the fingerprint supported background clearance and any required trainings are completed. It is required to develop a tracking system that ensures the entire fingerprint supported background clearance is completed in a timely manner going forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 25, 2025

Regulation 3.4.7.5: The licensee shall maintain a current list of the licensee or designee, staff, auxiliary staff, and volunteers as in the rules in section 7.7.5 of these regulations, as applicable in BFIS. Any changes shall be reported through BFIS within five (5) working days of the change.

“The associated parties list at the program was reviewed and it was found that there were three (3) staff on the list that have not been associated with the program for between three (3) months and over one (1) year. Corrective Action: It is required to remove any individuals on the associated parties list that are no longer active with the program. It is required to develop a plan on how the associated parties list will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is kept up to date.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 16, 2022

Regulation 6.2.1.3: The program director shall ensure that the number of staff present meets requirements described in the chart below for ages of children, maximum group size, and staff/child ratios at any time of day.

“On 04/08/2022, a staff member grabbed a child by the arm and directed them to sit in time out. The child then cried and said their arm was hurt. Staff did not utilize positive methods of guidance or behavior management, and this is a violation. Corrective Action: It is required for the Director to review strategies and positive methods of guidance with all staff. It is also required for the school age team to develop and implement a behavior management plan that details specific strategies to utilize, and when it is required to seek help from the Director or other lead staff onsite.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 28, 2022

Regulation 6.2.1.3: The program director shall ensure that the number of staff present meets requirements described in the chart below for ages of children, maximum group size, and staff/child ratios at any time of day.

“On 05/11/2022, a staff member that was assigned to the infant/toddler group, left their group to bring two (2) preschool aged children inside the program to the bathroom. By leaving the infant/toddler group, who were outside at the time, with one (1) staff and eight (8) children, it left the infant and toddler group out of the required adult to child ratio. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: It is required for the Director to review strategies and positive methods of guidance with all staff. It is also required for the school age team to develop and implement a behavior management plan that details specific strategies to utilize, and when it is required to seek help from the Director or other lead staff onsite.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 28, 2022

Regulation 5.10.4.2: Exits: Stairways, hallways, windows, and doors from rooms used by children shall be clear and unobstructed from stored items, non-movable barriers, toys, and other items at all times.

“It was observed that the exit from the infant nap room to the outdoor space was blocked by items including a sled, rake, chair, large plastic piece of equipment, and a box of supplies. These items would impact a safe and successful evacuation if necessary. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, ensure all exits are clear at the program. Once the items are removed, send a picture of the clear exit to this licensor for review.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2021

Regulation 5.1.2: General Health Examinations: Within forty-five (45) days of enrollment, the licensee 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.

“After an audit of child files, it was determined that five (5) of the children's files, that were enrolled for more than forty five (45) days, were missing the required general health exams. Corrective Action: It is required to review all child files to determine if other files are missing the general health exams. It is required to develop a plan to obtain the missing documents. Send this detailed plan that includes steps that will be taken to come into compliance and maintain compliance in the future, to this licensor for review.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2021

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.

“It was determined that the program had not completed the annual required Essential Maintenance Practices Compliance statement with the Vermont Department of Health. Due to the age of the building, this is an annual requirement. Corrective Action: It is required to complete the Essential Maintenance Practices Inspection and file the compliance report by 10/05/2021. Once completed, send confirmation to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 11, 2021

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.

“It was observed that the upstairs school age classroom had a large hole in the wall, measuring over three (3) feet in length, and an additional hole in the wall in the kitchen, measuring over one (1) foot in length, exposing drywall. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, prevent access to the holes in the walls and create a plan to fix them. Send the detailed plan, with timeline, on how the holes will be fixed, to this licensor for review.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2021

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.

“After a review of BFIS and onsite files, it was determined that eleven (11) staff, employed for longer than six (6) months did not have an up to date BFIS account that reflected required trainings, qualifications and/or annual professional development as required. Staff statements suggest there is no system in place for staff to send documents to Northern Lights or to track items that need or have been sent to Northern Lights. Some staff qualifications were unable to be determined due to lack of items in BFIS and staff files onsite. Corrective Action: It is required to review all staff files and BFIS Quality and Credential accounts to determine what is missing and what needs to be sent. It is required to develop a system for ensuring required items for BFIS accounts are sent to Northern Lights to be added. This detailed plan, that includes roles and responsibilities, and timelines, will be sent to this licensor for review.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2021

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.

“The four-year-old classroom had a running portable heater in the dramatic area of the classroom, accessible to children, creating a safety hazard. The electrical cord was loose on the floor creating a tripping hazard. Corrective Action: Portable heaters must be made inaccessible to children immediately. Secure the heating unit and the cord away from children to prevent burns and injuries.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2020

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 two (2) preschool classrooms, cubby room and bathrooms were observed to be dirty, unorganized and not kept in an orderly condition at 9:00AM in the morning when the Licensor arrived. The four-year-old classroom had doll clothes under a couch and next to a running portable heater. The two wall vents were partially detached from the wall creating an opening for children to get their fingers pinched. The three-year old classroom had broken crayons and legos scattered all over the floor. There were piles of puzzle, dinosaurs, books and other toys piled on the bookcases and tables causing a falling hazard. The cubby room had children's outerwear, boots, backpack in a pile in a corner as well as crumbled paper, shoes, legos, bottles of tempera paint and various clothing strewn on the floor. There was a basket of cards, scissors and paper on the floor where children walk. The two (2) preschool classrooms, cubby room and bathroom had layers of dirt present on the windowsills and baseboards. Corrective Action: Pick items of the floor and organize toys. Affixed vents securely to the wall. Wash windowsills and baseboards. Include in your improvement plan a system to ensure that materials and toys are organize and windowsills and baseboards are kept clean and dirt free. Provide a copy of this plan to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2020

Regulation 5.10.1.1.1: The licensee shall ensure that children are protected from electrical outlets, such as by using protective covers, tamper-proof outlets, or other devices manufactured for this purpose.

“In the 4-year-old classroom, 2 outlets at children's level had no outlet covers and one power strip at children's level was missing 3 protective covers. The 3-year-old classroom had one outlet missing a protective cover. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all outlets and power strips have a protective cover.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2020

Regulation 5.10.4.5.4: Carpeted floors in areas where care and education is provided shall be vacuumed daily and cleaned by hot water extraction at least twice per year.

“The 4-year-old classroom carpet had glitter, shredded papers, dirt and paint chips. The 3-year-old classroom had broken crayons, Legos, shredded pieces of papers and books on the floor, an area rug had dirt and stained. Staff stated that the rooms are not vacuumed daily and could not say when the last time the carpet had been washed by hot water. Corrective Action: Vacuum the carpets daily. Include in your program improvement plan a system to ensure daily cleaning and carpets are washed twice a year. Provide a copy of this plan to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2020

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.

“Throughout the upstairs classrooms there are surfaces accessible to children that are partially unsealed and/or in poor repair which allows dirt and germs to permeate the interior and prevents a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Surfaces identified and baseboards; in the 4 year old classroom: wall near the laundry basket, wall to the left of the how to calm down poster and window, the wall between the blocks and bulletin board, below the wall calendar, next to the vent by the today's weather poster. In the 3-year-old classroom: baseboard and windowsills, the wall by the door leading to the third floor, the wall next to the bookcase containing I spy game, doll and blanket and the two foot rip in the carpet under the car rug. In the cubby room, on the windowsills, baseboard and on the wall between the window and baseboard. Corrective Action: Submit for review a Program Improvement Plan addressing maintenance and cleaning of all identified items with timeframes for completion. Submit the plan for review to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 14, 2021

Regulation 5.10.1.5.1: Any room in the CBCCPP used by the children shall be maintained at a minimum temperature of 65*F and a maximum of 85*F at one (1) foot above floor level. Areas used by infants shall be kept at least 68*F at floor level.

“The classrooms located on the second floor were noticeably colder than the classrooms in the first floor. In the four-year-old classroom, a thermometer placed one foot above the floor level (using a measuring tape), five feet away from the portable heater running to supplement the main heat source, indicated the temperature to be 64.2 degree. In the three-year-old classroom, the thermometer placed one foot above floor level, using a measuring tape, indicated the temperature to be 63.9 degree. There were no portable heater running in the three-year-old classroom. Corrective Action: Maintain temperature in both the three and four year old classrooms at a minimum of 65 degree Fahrenheit”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2020

Regulation 5.10.3.2.3: The licensee shall ensure that large outdoor play equipment is anchored firmly in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, is not located on concrete or asphalt surfaces and is placed so as to accommodate manufacturers' specifications for use zones.

“It was observed that the smaller piece of outdoor equipment on the preschool side of the classroom is not installed properly. Observed one child swinging on the equipment, and the left side of the quipment came off of the ground approximately 1/2 an inch.It is required for these types of materials to be anchored down. Corrective Action: Discontinue use of that swing until it can be anchored properly. Once completed, send email to this licensor recommending how this has been fixed.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 18, 2019

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.

“It was observed that the exterior of the building has multiple places where paint is chipping or peeling. Licensee stated that the building has been certified as lead free but was not able to show documentation of this. The building was constructed prior to 1978 and maintenance of of exterior of the building is required by the rules but also to reduce any possible exposure to lead. Corrective Action: By 6/12/2019, develop a plan to ensure the exterior walls of the building and porches are painted and sealed, taking any necessary precautions due to possibility of lead paint. Send the plan to this licensor, and photos when the work is completed.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 18, 2019

Regulation 5.10.3.1.4: If fencing is used, it shall be sturdy, safe and reinforced to give support, constructed to discourage climbing, and shall not prevent visual supervision of children by staff.

“There is a gap in the fence on the far left corner of the fencing. It is approximately 6-8 inches in length and a child could get through or become entrapped in this gap. On the gate that opens to the toddler playground from the preschool playground, the plastic latticework fencing is broken in several places, leaving sharp edges exposed. Corrective Action: By 6/12/2019, ensure that the fencing is fixed to elimitate the gap and repair the broken portions. Increase supervision near those areas until materials and equipment are able to be ordered and installed. Once complete, send documention to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 18, 2019