Great Beginnings Preschool #8

AAC R9-5-404.E. E. In addition to maintaining the required staff-to-children ratios, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. Staff members are present on facility premises to perform facility administration, food preparation, food service, and maintenance responsibilities; and 2. Facility maintenance does not depend on the work of enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on the CO’s observation, the facility lacked staff members to perform administrative duties. The Facility Director and Director Designee were required to remain in the classrooms to meet staff to child ratio.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation and staff statements, in the Lion’s (2s) classroom the staff to child ratio was 1:11 instead of 2:11 as required when 2 year old children are present. Staff stated that the second staff quickly ran to the adjacent church building while children were sleeping.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.15. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 15. In rooms used for napping, the lighting must be dim during nap time to promote an atmosphere conducive to sleep but must be bright enough for supervision of children;

“Findings: Based on the CO’s observation, the Elephants (3s) classroom lacked sufficient light to supervise children during nap time.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements, as applicable: 4. Except as provided in subsection (5), when providing child care services for infants or children who require diapering, a diaper changing area that meets the requirements in R9-5-503 is available in each infant room or indoor activity area used by an enrolled infant or child who wears diapers or disposable training pants;

“Findings: Per allegation, based on facility documentation, staff statements and the CO’s observation there were diapered children being diapered in a non diapering classroom (Elephants 3s). The Compliance Officer’s observed a diaper changing mat propped against the wall of the 3s toilet room and one sleeping child wearing a pull up. Staff stated the following in reference to children in the Elephants classroom: *Some children wear pull ups at nap time *There are no children with special needs or individual plans *There are children who are not yet potty trained and they wear a diaper *The children are changed on the mat in the bathroom *Sometimes the diaper children go into the 2s classroom to be changed *I haven’t seen an individual plan for the diaper children *I don’t know of any children in the Elephants with special needs or an individual plan”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. As required by A.R.S. § 8-804, before an individual’s starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall comply with the submission requirements in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) for the individual.

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the files for Staff #1 (DOH 08-07-2025) and Staff #2 (DOH 01-24-2025) lacked DCS background check results.”

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

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, 10 of 10 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Records lacked the following required information: *Child #1- The date of the child's enrollment and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of an emergency. *Child #2, Child #9, and Child #10- The date of the child's enrollment. *Child #3 and Child #6- The name of the individual to be contacted in case of an emergency. *Child #4- The date of the child's enrollment, the name, home address, and contact telephone number of the child's second parent/guardian, and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of an emergency. *Child #5- The name, home address, and contact telephone number of the child's second parent/guardian and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of an emergency. *Child #7- The date of the child's enrollment and the name, home address, and contact telephone number of the child's second parent/guardian. *Child #8- The date of the child's enrollment and the name and contact telephone number of the second emergency contact.”

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

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the fire inspection report available for review expired on 09-28-2024.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Staff #2's (DOH 01-24-2025) file lacked documentation of immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the temperatures of the following diapering sinks were not maintained between 86° F and 110° F: *Loving Lions (1s) Room- 79° F. *Tigers (1s) Room- 82° F.”

AAC R9-5-512.B. B. A licensee shall maintain facility premises and furnishings: 1. In a clean condition, and 2. Free from odor.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in Room 3 (3s), there was a build-up of dust on the ceiling vent.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.4.5. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 4. Except for a cup or receptacle used only for water, food waste is stored in a covered container and the container is clean and lined with a plastic bag; 5. Food waste and other refuse is removed from the facility building at least once every 24 hours or more often as necessary to maintain a clean condition and avoid odors;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, on the playground, there was a trash can with food waste that lacked a lid.”

AAC R9-5-514. A. A. A licensee shall ensure that there is a first aid kit on facility premises that contains first aid supplies in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children including the following: 1. Sterile bandages including: a. Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes, b. Sterile gauze pads, and c. Sterile gauze rolls; 2. Antiseptic solution or sealed antiseptic wipes; 3. A pair of scissors; 4. Adhesive or self-adhering tape; 5. Single-use, non-porous gloves; and 6. Reclosable plastic bags of at least one-gallon size.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the first aid kit reviewed lacked the following required components: *A pair of scissors. *Adhesive or self-adhering tape. *Reclosable plastic bags of at least one-gallon size. *Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes. *Single-use, non-porous gloves. *Sterile gauze rolls.”

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

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Child #1's medication consent form lacked the following required written authorization: *The route of administration. *The reason for the medication.”

AAC R9-5-516.I. I. Except as specified in A.R.S. § 36-2229(B) through (D), a licensee shall ensure that a facility does not stock a supply of medications for administration to enrolled children, including: 1. Any prescription medication; or 2. A nonprescription medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or cough syrup.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the first aid kit reviewed contained the following stock medications: *6 hand sanitizer packets. *9 packets of burn cream. *1 used packet of wound dressing gel. *2 packets of Aspirin. *5 packets of Antacids.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, on the playground, there was exposed landscaping material and black tubing protruding from the rubber mulch.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area: 1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following fall zones lacked sufficient resilient surfacing: *4” of the required 6” of rubber mulch around the yellow staircase equipment. *4” of the required 6" of rubber mulch under the blue double slides.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.16. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 16. The fire extinguisher required in subsection (A): 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.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, 2 fire extinguishers were last serviced in 09-2023.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following were accessible to the enrolled children: *Loving Lions (1s) Room- There was a plunger and a toilet brush in the toilet room. *Giggling Giraffes (3s-5s) Room- There was a broom in the classroom and a green toilet brush in the toilet room.”

AAC R9-5-403.A. A. Within 10 calendar days of the starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall provide, and each staff member who provides child care services shall complete, training for new staff members that includes all of the following:1. Facility philosophy and goals; 2. Names and ages of and developmental expectations for enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 3. Health needs, nutritional requirements, any known allergies, and information about adaptive devices of enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 4. Lesson plans; 5. Child guidance and methods of discipline; 6. Hand washing techniques; 7. Diapering techniques and toileting, if assigned to diaper changing duties; 8. Food preparation, service, sanitation, and storage, if assigned to food preparation; 9. If a staff member is assigned to feeding infants, the preparation, handling, and storage of infant formula and breast milk; 10. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; 11. Child abuse or neglect detection, prevention, and reporting; 12. Accident and emergency procedures; 13. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1 and this Chapter; 14. Sun safety policies and procedures; 15. Safety in outdoor activity areas; 16. Transportation procedures, if applicable; and 17. Field trip procedures, if applicable.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's (CO's) observation, Staff #1 (DOE 9/4/24) lacked documentation of the completion of the training for new staff members within 10 calendar days of the date of employment.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that:1. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm;

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements and the CO's observation, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child was placed at risk of harm when Child #1 was left alone in a classroom. Staff stated the following: *A child was alone in the classroom playing with a bin of toys when the teachers were outside on the playground. *A parent told the Staff that a child was alone in the classroom *We went outside to the playground and when we recounted we noticed the child was not there. We opened the classroom door and the child was inside.”

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

“Findings: Per Allegation, based on staff statements and the CO's observation, in the 2's classroom, Staff did not supervise Child #1 at all times. Staff stated the following: *A child was alone in the classroom playing with a bin of toys when the teachers were outside on the playground. *A parent said that a child was alone in the classroom. *We went outside to the playground and when we recounted we noticed the child was not there. We opened the classroom door and the child was inside.”

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

“Findings: Per Allegation, based on the CO's observation, the ratio in the 2's classroom was 0:1 instead of 1:1 as required for a 2-year-old child when Child #1 was left unattended in the classroom when the Staff took children to the playground.”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area:1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the CO’s observation, the following outdoor activity areas lacked the required resilient surfacing: *5 of the required 6 inches of rubber chips under double blue slide *2 of the required 6 inches of rubber chips under the monkey bars.”

AAC R9-5-303.A. A. A licensee shall post in a place that can be conspicuously viewed by individuals entering or leaving the facility or activity area, the:1. Facility’s license; 2. Name of the facility director; 3. Name of the individual designated to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility, as prescribed by R9-5-301(B)(1); 4. Schedule of child care services fees and policy for refunding fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-882(P); 5. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack menus for each calendar week at the beginning of the calendar week; 6. Notice of the presence of any communicable disease or infestation listed in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 2, Table 2, from the date of discovery through the incubation period of the communicable disease or infestation; 7. Notice of the Department’s intent to deny, revoke, or suspend as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-888 at the expiration of time in the notice for the licensee to respond; 8. Notice of an intermediate sanction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-891.01 within 10 calendar days after the licensee received notice of the intermediate sanction; 9. Notice of a legal injunction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-886.01 when the licensee receives the legal injunction; and 10. Notice of the availability of facility inspection reports for public viewing at the facility premises.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, the licensee lacked a posted childcare license that was current. The posted license expired on 10/1/23.”

AAC R9-5-401.4. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:4. An assistant teacher-caregiver is 16 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class; b. High school or high school equivalency diploma; c. Enrollment in vocational rehabilitation, as defined in A.R.S. § 23-501; d. Employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months; or e. Service as a volunteer in a child care facility for 12 months;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO’s observation, the file for Staff #2 (DOE: 06/20/2024) lacked documentation of a high school diploma or equivalency diploma.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on the CO’s observation, in the 2’s classroom, there was a blue washcloth located on the sink faucet of the diaper changing surface.”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO’s observation, the medication written authorization for Child #1 lacked a start and end date for the dosage period.”

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

“Findings, Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s (CO’s) observation, the files for Staff #1 (DOE: 05/28/2024), Staff #2 (DOE: 06/20/2024), Staff #3 (DOE: 07/29/2024), and Staff #4 (DOE: 11/11/2019) lacked a copy of the back of the fingerprint clearance card.”

AAC R9-5-203.E. E. If a staff member possesses a fingerprint clearance card that was issued before the staff member became a staff member at the facility, a licensee shall:1. Contact the Department of Public Safety before the individual becomes a staff member to determine whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid; and 2. Document this determination, including the name of the staff member, the date of contact with the Department of Public Safety, and whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO’s observation, the files for Staff #1 (DOE: 05/28/2024), Staff #2 (DOE: 06/20/2024), and Staff #3 (DOE: 07/29/2024), lacked documentation of contact with DPS to determine if the fingerprint clearance cards were valid.”

AAC R9-5-301.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member submits, on or before the starting date of employment or volunteer services, one of the following as evidence of freedom from infectious active tuberculosis: 1. Documentation of a negative Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered within 12 months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service, that includes the date and the type of tuberculosis screening test; or 2. If the staff member has had a positive Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test, a written statement that the staff member is free from infectious active tuberculosis that is signed and dated by a health care provider within six months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, Staff #1 (DOE: 05/28/2024), Staff #3 (DOE: 07/29/2024), and Staff #5 (DOE: 09/04/2024) lacked documentation of a Mantoux Skin Test.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 2. Teaches, models, and encourages orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior;

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements and the COs' observations, the staff did not teach, model, and encourage orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior. Staff stated the following: *In the past, during time out, some children would stand and put their nose on the office door. They would think about why they are in time out. *In the past I observed children standing in time out, facing the outdoor activity wall with their hands behind their back.”

AAC R9-5-510.C. C. A licensee may allow a staff member to separate an enrolled child from other enrolled children for unacceptable age appropriate behavior. 1. The separation period shall be for no longer than three minutes after the enrolled child has regained control or composure. 2. A staff member shall not allow an enrolled child to be separated for longer than 10 minutes without the staff member interacting with the enrolled child.

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements and the COs' observations, it was determined that enrolled children were separated from the group for longer than 10 minutes. Staff stated the following: *There was one child in the outdoor activity area that sat in time out on the wall for at least 30 minutes.”

AAC R9-5-602.B. B. When computing indoor activity space for subsections (A)(1) through (A)(3) to determine licensed capacity, the floor space occupied by the following shall be excluded: 1. The interior walls; 2. A kitchen, bathroom, closet, hallway, stair, entryway, office, a room designated for isolating an enrolled child from other children, storage rooms, and a room designated for the sole use of child care staff; and 3. Room space occupied by teacher-caregiver desks, file cabinets, storage cabinets, and hand-washing sinks for staff use.

“Findings: Based on staff statements and the COs' observations, enrolled children would sometimes go to the office. Staff stated the following: *If on red (behavior color chart) then we bring the child to the office to sit in time out. *Children get two warnings to correct behavior, then we call to the office, and the child goes up to the office with the Director or Assistant Director. *Sometimes children go to the office if they can’t settle. Like if they throw their shoes or just scream.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2’s observation, in the 1’s classroom, there was an apron, 4 sippy cups, and a white rag located on the diaper changing surface.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 2. Teaches, models, and encourages orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior;

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements and the COs' observations, the staff did not teach, model, and encourage orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior. Staff stated the following: *The staff clapped their hands loudly near the children's faces. The children would cry. *The staff grabbed the child's hands and made the children hit themself and said, no hitting.”