Estes Family Day Care

AAC R9-3-507.B.4. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 4. Soiled disposable diapers and disposable training pants are: a. Stored in a waterproof container that is tightly covered and lined with a plastic bag; and b. Removed from the diaper-changing area and discarded in an outside waste receptacle once daily or, if necessary, more often.

“Findings: Based on the Office Chief's observation, the diaper changing area lacked a lined waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid for soiled diapers. During the inspection, the Compliance Officer Supervisor observed soiled diapers located in the kitchen garbage can.”

AAC R9-3-507.B.3. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 3. Soiled cloth diapers or plastic pants from an enrolled child are: a. If soiled with feces, emptied into a flush toilet without rinsing the cloth diapers or plastic pants; b. Placed in a plastic bag labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child; c. Stored in a waterproof container that is tightly covered and lined with a plastic bag; and d. Sent home with the enrolled child’s parent; and

“Findings: Based on the Office Chief's observation, the diaper changing area lacked a lined waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid for soiled clothing.”

AAC R9-3-506.5. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 5. Each bathroom used by an enrolled child at the child care group home has the following within the reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue, b. Soap contained in a dispenser, and c. Singly dispensed paper towels;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the following toilet rooms lacked required items: *Lower-Level Toilet Room & Upper-Level Toilet Room: Lacked mounted toilet tissue and single dispensed paper towels. *Unlicensed Toilet Room: Lacked singly dispensed paper towels. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-506.11. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 11. Food waste at the child care group home is stored in a covered waterproof container that is clean and lined with a plastic bag; and

“Findings: Based on the Office Chief's observation, the garbage can located in the kitchen had a buildup of food waste and fuzzy grime on the lid.”

AAC R9-3-506.1. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. All areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services and the furnishings, equipment, supplies, materials, utensils, and toys in those areas are kept clean and free of insects and vermin;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the following areas/items were not maintained in a clean condition: *There were pieces of white debris located on the main level and the lower-level carpet. *There was a soiled diaper located in the dining room. *The dining room table was covered with toys, plants, food, bags, storage containers, plates, and bowls. *There was a brown, dirty substance located on the bottom shelf and the shelf of the refrigerator door in the kitchen. *There was a brown, dirty substance located on the shelf and at the base of the refrigerator in the dining room. *The kitchen island and counters were covered in items, including dirty dishes, old food and other food items, mail, and garbage, accessible to enrolled children. *The toys in the family room had thick dirt and grime built up. *Previously cited 7/1/2025. *There was dirt buildup on the carpet throughout the facility.”

AAC R9-3-505.D.9. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 9. An enrolled child does not have access to the following on the premises: a. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other equipment that may be a hazard to a child; b. An air conditioner, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or furnace; c. A hot tub or spa; d. A pond or fountain; e. An irrigation ditch, abandoned mine, or well; or f. A trampoline.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, a plunger and a toilet brush were accessible in an unlicensed bathroom used by enrolled children. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-505.D.8. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 8. Each fan in an area of the child care group home approved for providing child care services is inaccessible to an enrolled child; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, there was a fan located on the floor at the top of the upper-level stairs, accessible to enrolled children. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-505.D.1. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. A stairway that leads to a floor or room outside of the areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services is separated from the areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services by either a door or gate that is kept closed during hours of operation;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the gates to the stairways leading to the lower-level and the upper-level were left open multiple times throughout the inspection.”

AAC R9-3-505.B. B. Except as provided in subsection (A)(3), a certificate holder may allow a staff member to care for an enrolled child five years of age or older on a floor above or below the ground floor of the child care group home’s residence if one of the two unobstructed, usable exits to the outside required in R9-3- 501(A)(4) from the floor on which child care services are provided leads to the ground level outside without passing through the ground floor.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, children below 5 years of age were observed to be on the lower-level and the upper-level of the home. *Children between the ages of 1 years old and school age were located on the lower-level, where the available exit door was obstructed by a couch and stored items. *Children between the ages of 1 year old and school age were located on the upper-level with no exit door available for use. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-505.A. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that the following are cared for only on the ground floor of the child care group home’s residence: 1. An enrolled infant, 2. An enrolled child younger than five years of age, and 3. An enrolled child who uses a wheelchair or is not able to walk.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, children below 5 years of age were not cared for only on the ground floor when children were observed on the lower-level and the upper-level of the home.”

AAC R9-3-504.C.2. C. A certificate holder shall: 2. Ensure that each rechargeable fire extinguisher in the child care group home’s residence: a. Is serviced at least once every 12 months, and b. Has a tag attached to the fire extinguisher that specifies the date of the last servicing and the identification of the person who serviced the fire extinguisher.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the fire extinguishers lacked servicing at least once every 12 months. The fire extinguishers were last serviced in February 2024. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-504.A.9. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 9. A wood-burning stove, the interior of a fireplace, or a chimney is inaccessible to enrolled children when in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the fireplace was accessible to enrolled children. There were toys located inside the fireplace and on the fireplace ledge accessible to enrolled children. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-504.A.7. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 7. An electrical cord, including an extension cord, is not run under a rug or carpeting, over a nail, or from one room to another at the child care group home;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, an extension cord plugged into a bedroom outlet was used to power a fan in the hallway, which was accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-3-502.C.1.b. C. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. A staff member: b. Arranges play equipment in an outdoor activity area to eliminate hazards and to minimize conflict between children using the play equipment;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children in the outdoor activity area: *A metal butter knife, a metal fork, and multiple metal spoons were located in the sandbox. *There were 3 unraveled hoses located throughout the outdoor activity area. *A black scooter lacked both handlebar grips, exposing hot metal to enrolled children. *A pink tricycle had dirty, peeling handlebar grips.”

AAC R9-3-501.A.4. A certificate holder shall ensure that a child care group home has: 4. At least two unobstructed, usable exits to the outside available for use by enrolled children; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, 2 of the 3 exits in the home were obstructed by large items. The exit to the outdoor activity area was obstructed by a large race track toy, and the lower-level exit was obstructed by a couch and stored items.”

AAC R9-3-501.A.1. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that a child care group home has: 1. At least 30 square feet of floor space in indoor areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services for each enrolled child, not including the following: a. A kitchen, b. A bathroom, c. A laundry room, d. A workshop room, e. A hallway, or f. A garage that has not been converted into living space;

“Findings: Based on staff statements, the Compliance Officer, and the Office Chief's observations, the kitchen area is being used by enrolled children to watch television, eat meals, and complete arts and crafts. It is being used as a main activity area for the children.”

AAC R9-3-407.A.5. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 5. Food served to an enrolled child younger than five years of age is prepared so as not to present a choking hazard;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, during snack time, a 1-year-old child was served peach slices that were not cut to an age-appropriate size, creating a choking hazard.”

AAC R9-3-406.F. F. A certificate holder shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Prepares a weekly menu specifying the foods to be served at each meal and snack on each day, 2. Dates each menu, and 3. Writes food substitutions on a posted menu no later than the morning of the day of the meal or snack to which the substitution applies.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's and Office Chief's observations, the provider lacked a current menu. The menu posted was dated for January 2025. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-402.A. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. Each enrolled child who naps or sleeps at the child care group home is furnished with a bed, cot, mat, or crib that accommodates the enrolled child’s height and weight; 2. The bed, cot, mat, or crib is not used by another individual while in use by the enrolled child; 3. The cot, mat, or bed’s mattress is covered with a clean sheet that is laundered when soiled, at least once every seven calendar days, and before use by a different enrolled child; 4. The crib mattress is covered with a clean fitted-sheet designed for the crib mattress size that is laundered when soiled, at least once every 24 hours, and before use by a different enrolled child; and 5. A clean blanket or sheet is provided to each enrolled child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, during snack time, a 1-year-old child was asleep in a high chair and was not moved to a crib. The crib mattress lacked a fitted sheet, as the sheet used was loose and bunched in the middle.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.4.a. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 4. The activities at the child care group home are: a. Structured to meet the age and developmental level of each enrolled child; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, it was determined that the structure of the activities in the group home did not meet the developmental level/needs of the 1-year-old enrolled children. Children had free play for the majority of the inspection.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.3.d. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 3. The toys, materials, and equipment for use by enrolled children: d. Are maintained free from hazards and in a condition that allows the toys, materials, and equipment to be used for their original purpose;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the living room, there were 2 brown vinyl chairs with worn, peeling vinyl that exposed foam to enrolled children. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.2. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 2. The areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a string of lights hanging from the sink in the licensed bathroom used by enrolled children. *There was a large toy obstructing the exit to the outdoor activity area on the middle level. *There were open aluminum cans located on the kitchen island with exposed sharp edges. *There was a soiled diaper located on the floor near the window in the dining room. *In the upper-level bathroom, there was a hole in the wall where the toilet connected, exposing drywall that was accessible to enrolled children. *There was a cracked tile near the kitchen entrance and a cracked tile near the staircase with sharp edges. *There were 2 holes and frayed carpet on the carpet going up the stairs to the upper-level. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.1. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. A staff member: a. Supervises each enrolled child at all times, b. Plays and communicates with an enrolled child throughout the day, and c. Responds immediately to signs of distress from an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, there was a lack of supervision when: *An enrolled child went into an unlicensed bedroom, where a resident who was not a staff member was sleeping, to use an unlicensed bathroom. *An enrolled child was alone in the living room while both staff members were in the kitchen preparing lunch. *A child climbed on top of the dining table to look out of the window. The Compliance officer had to prompt the child to get down. *On 2 occasions, a child was standing on top of the dining table benches. *On 3 occasions, a child was climbing up the side of the crib located in the dining room. *2 children were running and jumping off the chairs located by the front door. *A 5-year-old child attempted to pick up a 1-year-old child by one arm. *Throughout the inspection, the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief had to discuss with the provider the importance of staff-to-child supervision. There was a lack of play and communication observed when: *Staff #3 left the activity area, and Staff #1 did not actively play and communicate with the enrolled children. Staff #1 sat in a chair and watched the children play throughout the inspection, without any interaction. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-401.A. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, a certificate holder shall ensure that the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children were placed at risk of harm when: *A knife and a peeler were accessible on a kitchen counter. *Two sharp-edged aluminum cans were left on the counter accessible to enrolled children. *A 1-year-old child was served sliced peaches that were not cut to an appropriate size, creating a choking hazard. *A 1-year-old child who cannot walk was standing on a yellow plastic chair on multiple occasions. *A 5-year-old child attempted to pick up a 1-year-old child by one arm. *On 3 occasions, children climbed up the side of a crib located in the dining room. *A child was standing on the dining room table. *On 2 occasions, children stood on the benches located in the dining room. *On 2 occasions, a child removed their diaper and was not immediately taken to the diaper changing area to have a new one put on.”

AAC R9-3-303.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-309, before a child is enrolled at a child care group home, a certificate holder shall require the individual enrolling the child to complete a Department-provided Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, city, state, zip code, 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 child care group home or to be contacted if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse practitioner; 6. Written authorization for emergency medical care of the child; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. A written description provided by a child’s parent of the nutritional and dietary needs of the child; 9. A written description provided by the child’s parent noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance; and 10. The dated signature of the individual completing the Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, it was determined that Resident #3 participated as an enrolled child when playing and interacting with the enrolled children during the hours of operation. Resident #3 lacked an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card required for enrolled children.”

AAC R9-3-302.C. C. A certificate holder shall ensure that each staff member completes a total of 12 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after becoming a staff member in two or more of the following: 1. Child growth and development, which may include sudden infant death prevention; 2. Developmentally appropriate activities; 3. Nutrition and developmentally appropriate eating habits; 4. Responding to accidents and emergencies, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; 5. Recognizing signs of illness and infestation; 6. Detecting, preventing, and reporting child abuse or neglect; 7. Guiding and disciplining children; and 8. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the files for Staff #1, Staff #2, Staff #3, and Staff #4 lacked documentation of the required 12 hours of annual training. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-301.H. A certificate holder shall ensure that a staff member supervises any individual who is not a staff member and is on the premises where enrolled children are present.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Resident #2 was in the kitchen and the dining room without staff supervision when enrolled children were present.”

AAC R9-3-301.A.4.f. A. A certificate holder shall: 4. Ensure that the provider: f. Except as specified in R9-3-408, provides child care services only in areas: i. Designated as provided in R9-3-201(2)(g)(i) or R9-3-201(2)(g)(i), or ii. Approved under R9-3-205(C);

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, a child went through an unlicensed bedroom to use an unlicensed bathroom. The provider was in the kitchen, unable to supervise the child. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-205.B. B. At least 30 calendar days before the date of an intended change in a child care group home’s space utilization or capacity, a certificate holder shall submit to the Department a written request for approval of the intended change that includes: 1. The certificate holder’s name; 2. The child care group home’s name, if applicable; 3. The name, telephone number, e-mail address, and fax number of a point of contact for the request; 4. The child care group home’s certificate number; 5. The type of change intended: a. Space utilization, or b. Capacity; 6. A narrative description of the intended change; and 7. The following additional information, as applicable: a. If requesting a change in capacity, the square footage of the outdoor activity area and the square footage of the indoor areas where child care services will be provided; b. If requesting a change that involves a modification of the residence that requires a building permit, a copy of the building permit; c. If requesting a change in space utilization that affects individual rooms: i. A floor plan of the residence that complies with R9-3-201(2)(g) and shows the intended changes, and ii. The square footage of each affected room; and d. If requesting a change in space utilization that affects the outdoor activity area: i. A site plan of the premises that complies with R9-3-201(2)(h) and shows the intended changes, and ii. The square footage of the intended outdoor activity area.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the licensed lower-level family room was not accessible for enrolled children to use during hours of operation. The family room was changed to a bedroom for residents, and the Department was not notified 30 days in advance. *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-202.I I. Within 30 calendar days after the day of a staff member’s or adult resident’s 18th birthday, the staff member or adult resident shall provide to the certificate holder copies of a valid fingerprint clearance card and a valid background check document specified in subsection (C).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that Resident #1 (DOB 11/23/2006) lacked a valid fingerprint clearance card. Resident #1 turned 18 on 11/23/2024 (230 days before the inspection). *Previously cited 7/1/2025.”

AAC R9-3-202.F. F. A certificate holder shall ensure each staff member and each adult resident submits to the certificate holder documentation of the staff member’s or adult resident’s valid: 1. Background check issued under A.R.S. § 46-811(A) within 10 calendar days after stating date of employment or volunteer service; and 2. Background check each time the background check document is issued or renewed every five years.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #2 lacked a completed DCS Registry form.”

AAC R9-3-202.D. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that each individual who is a staff member or an adult resident submits to the certificate holder a copy of the individual’s a 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, it was determined that the files for Staff #1 and Resident #1 lacked a front and back copy of a valid fingerprint clearance card.”

AAC R9-3-202.B. B. A certificate holder shall maintain documentation of a valid fingerprint clearance card issued under A.R.S. § 41-1758.03 and documentation of a valid background check document issued under A.R.S. § 46-811.

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that Staff #1's (DOE 1/17/2015) fingerprint clearance card expired on 2/25/2025. Staff #1 worked from 2/26/2025 through 7/11/2025 without a valid fingerprint clearance card (135 days).”

A.R.S. § 36-897.03.B. B. Applicants, certificate holders 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 or C 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 a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility for the care of children in this state or another state or had a license to operate a child care facility or a certificate to operate a child care group home revoked for reasons that relate to the endangerment of the health and safety of children.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Resident #1 lacked a completed Criminal History Affidavit.”

AAC R9-3-506.2. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 2. All equipment, materials, and toys used by or accessible to enrolled children are cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and disinfected condition and, for items used by infants or one- or two-year-old children, at least once every 24 hours;

“Findings: Based on staff statements and the Compliance Officer and the Office Chief's observations, the equipment, materials, and toys used by the 1-year-old and 2-year-old children were not clean and disinfected at least once every 24 hours.”

AAC R9-3-504.A.9. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 9. A wood-burning stove, the interior of a fireplace, or a chimney is inaccessible to enrolled children when in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the fireplace was accessible to enrolled children. There were toys located inside the fireplace and on the outside of the fireplace ledge, all accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-3-408.C.1. C. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. Each motor vehicle used by an individual to transport an enrolled child: a. Is maintained in a mechanically safe condition; b. Is free from hazards; c. Is registered by the Arizona Department of Transportation as required by A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 7; d. Has documentation of current motor vehicle insurance coverage maintained inside the motor vehicle that includes the legal name of the child care group home or certificate holder and, if transporting enrolled children and infants, liability information; e. Has an operational heating system; f. Has an operational air-conditioning system; and g. Is equipped with: i. A first-aid kit that meets the requirements in R9-3-310; and ii. Two large, clean towels or blankets;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the provider lacked documentation of a current vehicle registration.”

AAC R9-3-505.D.8. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 8. Each fan in an area of the child care group home approved for providing child care services is inaccessible to an enrolled child; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, there was a fan at the base of the stairs accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-3-505.B. B. Except as provided in subsection (A)(3), a certificate holder may allow a staff member to care for an enrolled child five years of age or older on a floor above or below the ground floor of the child care group home’s residence if one of the two unobstructed, usable exits to the outside required in R9-3- 501(A)(4) from the floor on which child care services are provided leads to the ground level outside without passing through the ground floor.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations and staff statements, the enrolled children use the toilet room on the upper-level of the home. The toilet in the lower-level of the home had been removed from the wall, leaving no sanitary unit/toilet room in the licensed space. The Compliance Officers witnessed 2 children (infant to school age) going up the stairs to use the toilet room.”

AAC R9-3-505.D.9. D. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 9. An enrolled child does not have access to the following on the premises: a. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other equipment that may be a hazard to a child; b. An air conditioner, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or furnace; c. A hot tub or spa; d. A pond or fountain; e. An irrigation ditch, abandoned mine, or well; or f. A trampoline.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following items were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a plunger and a toilet bowl cleaner located in the upstairs toilet room. *There was a vacuum located in the dining room. *There was a water hose located in the outdoor activity area.”

AAC R9-3-504.C.2. C. A certificate holder shall: 2. Ensure that each rechargeable fire extinguisher in the child care group home’s residence: a. Is serviced at least once every 12 months, and b. Has a tag attached to the fire extinguisher that specifies the date of the last servicing and the identification of the person who serviced the fire extinguisher.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that the fire extinguishers lacked servicing at least once every 12 months. The fire extinguishers were last serviced February 2024.”

AAC R9-3-406.F. F. A certificate holder shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Prepares a weekly menu specifying the foods to be served at each meal and snack on each day, 2. Dates each menu, and 3. Writes food substitutions on a posted menu no later than the morning of the day of the meal or snack to which the substitution applies.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the provider lacked a current menu. The menu was dated for January 2025.”

AAC R9-3-403.A.1.d. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. A staff member: d. Checks the diaper of each enrolled infant or one- or two-year-old child throughout the day and changes a diaper as soon as it is wet or soiled;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations during the inspection, 2 enrolled children were not immediately changed when soiled. The children's diapers were overflowing with urine, which leaked through the diapers onto the children's clothing. The Compliance Officers observed the children's wet clothing and informed Staff #1.”

AAC R9-3-302.C. C. A certificate holder shall ensure that each staff member completes a total of 12 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after becoming a staff member in two or more of the following: 1. Child growth and development, which may include sudden infant death prevention; 2. Developmentally appropriate activities; 3. Nutrition and developmentally appropriate eating habits; 4. Responding to accidents and emergencies, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; 5. Recognizing signs of illness and infestation; 6. Detecting, preventing, and reporting child abuse or neglect; 7. Guiding and disciplining children; and 8. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that Staff #1, #2, and #3 lacked the required 12 hours of annual training for the time period of 3/19/2024-3/19/2025.”

AAC R9-3-506.3. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 3. All plumbing fixtures at the child care group home are maintained in operating condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the lower-level toilet room lacked an operating toilet, leaving no sanitary unit/toilet room in the lower-level licensed space.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.3.d. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 3. The toys, materials, and equipment for use by enrolled children: d. Are maintained free from hazards and in a condition that allows the toys, materials, and equipment to be used for their original purpose;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following equipment was not maintained free from hazards: *There was peeling and worn vinyl with exposed foam located on 2 of the brown chairs. *There was peeling vinyl with exposed foam located on the black gym mat. The following equipment was not used for its original purpose: *The black gym mat was folded several times, and an enrolled child was jumping on the mat. *The infant crib was being used to hang clothes.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.2. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 2. The areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a string of lights hanging from the sink in the upper-level toilet room. *There were toys obstructing the exit to the outdoor activity area. *The floor was covered with large stuffed animals, toys, and sleeping mats, making it difficult to walk in the room. *There were sleeping mats located next to a shelf that had large toys on top of the shelf, which were unstable. *There was a plastic table located next to the oven, turned on its side in the kitchen. *There was an open aluminum can located on the kitchen island with exposed sharp edges. *There was a tube of diaper cream located near the door. *There were diapers on the floor in the hallway by the lower-level toilet room.”

AAC R9-3-506.5. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 5. Each bathroom used by an enrolled child at the child care group home has the following within the reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue, b. Soap contained in a dispenser, and c. Singly dispensed paper towels;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the lower-level and upper-level toilet rooms lacked singly dispensed paper towels.”

AAC R9-3-202.I I. Within 30 calendar days after the day of a staff member’s or adult resident’s 18th birthday, the staff member or adult resident shall provide to the certificate holder copies of a valid fingerprint clearance card and a valid background check document specified in subsection (C).

“Findings: Based on staff statements and the Compliance Officer's observation, Resident #1 turned 18 at the beginning of the year. It was determined that the resident lacked a valid Fingerprint Clearance card and a resident file.”

AAC R9-3-205.B. B. At least 30 calendar days before the date of an intended change in a child care group home’s space utilization or capacity, a certificate holder shall submit to the Department a written request for approval of the intended change that includes: 1. The certificate holder’s name; 2. The child care group home’s name, if applicable; 3. The name, telephone number, e-mail address, and fax number of a point of contact for the request; 4. The child care group home’s certificate number; 5. The type of change intended: a. Space utilization, or b. Capacity; 6. A narrative description of the intended change; and 7. The following additional information, as applicable: a. If requesting a change in capacity, the square footage of the outdoor activity area and the square footage of the indoor areas where child care services will be provided; b. If requesting a change that involves a modification of the residence that requires a building permit, a copy of the building permit; c. If requesting a change in space utilization that affects individual rooms: i. A floor plan of the residence that complies with R9-3-201(2)(g) and shows the intended changes, and ii. The square footage of each affected room; and d. If requesting a change in space utilization that affects the outdoor activity area: i. A site plan of the premises that complies with R9-3-201(2)(h) and shows the intended changes, and ii. The square footage of the intended outdoor activity area.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensed lower-level family room was not accessible for enrolled children to use. The space utilization for the room was changed to a bedroom for residents, and the Department was not notified.”

AAC R9-3-301.A.4.b. A. A certificate holder shall: 4. Ensure that the provider: b. Maintains on the premises a file for each staff member, for 12 months after the date the staff member last worked at the child care group home, containing: i. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; ii. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; iii. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; iv. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; v. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-897.03(B); vi. For an adult staff member, a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card issued under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1; vii. Documents required by subsection (A)(3); viii.Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-897.03(C); ix. If applicable: 1. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I); 2. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) and the information received as a result of the submission; and 3. Documentation of the completion of the Department-provided orientation training specified in subsection (A)(1)(e), if applicable; x. Documentation of the training required in R9-3-302; and xi. Documentation of a high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, associate degree, or bachelor degree, if applicable;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers’ observations, the provider lacked complete staff files for 3 staff members. The Compliance Officers were only able to review the staff Fingerprint clearance cards.”

AAC R9-3-301.A.4.c. A. A certificate holder shall: 4. Ensure that the provider: c. Maintains on the premises a file for each resident, for 12 months after the date the resident last resided at the child care group home, containing: i. The resident’s name and date of birth; ii. The resident’s relationship to the provider; iii. The date the resident began residing at the child care group home; iv. The date the resident last resided at the child care group home, if applicable; v. A written statement by the resident or, if the resident is a minor, the provider attesting to the resident’s current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; vi. If the resident is an adult, the form required in A.R.S. § 36-897.03(B); vii. If the resident is an adult, the documents required by R9-3-202(C)(2) or R9-3-202(D); and viii.If the resident is 12 years of age or older, the documents required by subsection (A)(3);

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the provider lacked 7 resident files to view. The Compliance Officers were only able to review the residents' fingerprint clearance cards.”

AAC R9-3-507.A.3. A. A certificate holder shall ensure that a staff member changes diapers only on a nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that: 3. Provides access to running water that is not a kitchen sink and dispensed soap within 15 feet.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the provider changed an enrolled child's diaper and used the kitchen sink to wash their hands because the bathroom located next to the diaper changing area lacked soap.”

AAC R9-3-301.A.4.f. A. A certificate holder shall: 4. Ensure that the provider: f. Except as specified in R9-3-408, provides child care services only in areas: i. Designated as provided in R9-3-201(2)(g)(i) or R9-3-201(2)(g)(i), or ii. Approved under R9-3-205(C);

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, there were two enrolled children in an unlicensed bedroom with a resident who is living in the home. The provider was in the living room, unable to supervise the children.”

AAC R9-3-401.B.1. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. A staff member: a. Supervises each enrolled child at all times, b. Plays and communicates with an enrolled child throughout the day, and c. Responds immediately to signs of distress from an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and staff statement, there was a lack of supervision when: *2 school-age children were in an unlicensed bedroom with a resident who was not a staff member. *An enrolled child was alone in the kitchen, climbing on a chair. *2 children went upstairs alone to use the toilet room. *Throughout the inspection, the Compliance Officers had to discuss with Staff #1 the importance of staff-to-child supervision, including redirecting Staff #2 to supervise children throughout the home. There was a lack of play and communication observed when: *Staff #2 was not actively engaging or assisting with the needs of the enrolled children. Staff #2 was cleaning the kitchen while Staff #1 was attempting to tend to the needs of all enrolled children present (8 children present at the time of the inspection). *Staff #1 left the activity area, and Staff #2 did not actively play and communicate with the enrolled children. Staff #1 stood in the doorway and watched the children play. There was a lack of response to signs of distress when: *Neither staff member responded to a crying child. The Compliance Officer had to bring it to Staff #1's attention.”

AAC R9-3-506.1. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. All areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services and the furnishings, equipment, supplies, materials, utensils, and toys in those areas are kept clean and free of insects and vermin;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition: *There was a brown, dirty substance located on the bottom shelf and the shelf of the refrigerator door in the kitchen. *There was a brown, dirty substance located on the shelf and at the base of the refrigerator in the dining room. *There was dirty food buildup located on the trash can lid in the kitchen. *There was old food leftover on the high chair tray. *The kitchen island was covered in items, including plastic bags, a clock, toys, water bottles, food items, and garbage, which was accessible to enrolled children. *There was a black bag of garbage located on the ground in front of the oven in the kitchen. *There was dirt buildup on the carpet throughout the facility *There were pieces of white debris located on the lower-level carpet. *There were diapers on the floor in the hallway by the lower-level toilet room.”

AAC R9-3-506.1. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 1. All areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services and the furnishings, equipment, supplies, materials, utensils, and toys in those areas are kept clean and free of insects and vermin;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, there was dirt and debris on the tile in the kitchen and the carpet in the family room.”

AAC R9-3-406.F. F. A certificate holder shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Prepares a weekly menu specifying the foods to be served at each meal and snack on each day, 2. Dates each menu, and 3. Writes food substitutions on a posted menu no later than the morning of the day of the meal or snack to which the substitution applies.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers observation, the main posting area lacked a current weekly menu. (Menu documented 6/10/2024 -6/15/2024).”

AAC R9-3-401.B.2. B. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 2. The areas of the child care group home approved for providing child care services are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a loose metal strip with a sharp edge a the base of the right side of the sliding glass door. *There was a gap with exposed particle board on the base of the bathroom cabinet on the right side.”

AAC R9-3-302.A. A. Within 10 calendar days after the starting date of employment or volunteer service, a certificate holder shall provide, and each staff member shall complete, training for new staff members that includes all of the following: 1. Names, ages, and developmental stages of enrolled children; 2. Health needs, nutritional requirements, any known allergies, and information about adaptive devices of enrolled children; 3. Guiding and disciplining children; 4. Hand washing techniques; 5. Diapering techniques and toileting, if any enrolled children are in diapers or require assistance in using the toilet; 6. Sudden infant death syndrome awareness, if child care services are provided to an infant or a one year-old child; 7. Preparing, serving, and storing food; 8. Preparing, handling, and storing infant formula and breast milk, if any enrolled children are fed infant formula or breast milk; 9. Recognizing signs of illness and infestation; 10. Detecting, preventing, and reporting child abuse or neglect; 11. Responding to accidents and emergencies; 12. Sun safety; 13. Procedures for trips away from the child care group home, if applicable; and 14. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 4 and this Chapter.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (Start date - 3/1/2024) lacked documentation for the 10-day training for new staff members.”

A.R.S. § 36-897.03.C. C. The provider shall make documented, good faith efforts to contact previous employers of child care personnel to obtain information or recommendations that may be relevant to an individual's fitness to work in a certified child care group home.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of good-faith efforts to contact previous employers.”

AAC R9-3-506.9. A certificate holder shall ensure that: 9. Each toilet bowl and sink in a child care group home available for use by enrolled children is cleaned and disinfected daily or, if necessary, more often;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, there was a yellow build-up in the bottom of the toilet bowl.”