Heartprints Montessori

AAC R9-5-605.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 6. Except for a room used only for an enrolled school-age child, each unused electrical outlet is covered with a safety plug cover or insert;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, there were uncovered outlets in the following areas that lacked a safety plug or insert: Girls’ toilet room: 1 uncovered outlet. Primary room: 4 out of 5 uncovered outlets on a power strip.”

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 of the outdoor activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a 6” gap between the black wrought-iron fence and the ground on the Northwest side of the playground in the 2 corners. *The black wrought-iron fence was rusted in multiple areas, and some areas had a hole in the rusted spot. *There was an unraveled hose on the playground with children present and a child was observed tripping over the hose. *There were protruding nails on the playhouse structure. *There was peeling blue paint on the raised platform/stage.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.4. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 4. A staff member: a. Administers a prescription medication provided by a parent only from a container dispensed by a pharmacy; b. Administers a nonprescription medication provided by a parent for an enrolled child only from a container prepackaged and labeled for use by the manufacturer and labeled with the enrolled child’s name; c. Does not administer any medication that has been transferred from one container to another; and d. Does not administer a nonprescription medication to an enrolled child inconsistent with the instructions on the nonprescription medication’s label, unless the facility receives written authorization from the enrolled child’s health care provider.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, Child #1's medication lacked the enrolled child's first and last name.”

AAC R9-5-515.B. B. If an enrolled child exhibits signs of illness or infestation at a facility, a licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Immediately separates the enrolled child from other enrolled children, 2. Immediately notifies the enrolled child’s parent by telephone or other expeditious means to arrange for the enrolled child’s removal from the facility, and 3. Maintains documentation of the notification on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the notification.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations and staff statement, the illness log was not current. A sick child was sent home during the inspection, and staff stated it was not documented, and they did not know they needed to document it.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.1. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. Each toilet room in a facility contains, within easy reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue; and b. Except as provided in subsection (G): i. A sink with running water; ii. Soap contained in a dispenser; and iii. Disposable, single-use paper towels in a mounted dispenser, or a mechanical air hand dryer;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following was observed: Boys’ toilet room: One of the stalls lacked toilet paper. Girls’ toilet room: The paper towel dispenser was empty, and the toilet room lacked single-use paper towels. (Paper towels were stacked on the windowsill.)”

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, the following was not maintained in a clean condition: Girls’ toilet room: There were multiple uncovered bins of children's clothing on the ground and on shelves that were accessible to children. The 2 black step-stools were dirty with brown and black smears. Primary room: There were discolored smears on the corner wall near the kitchen. 1’s room: There were discolored smears on the platform of the red slide.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. The use of physical punishment including: a. Hitting, spanking, shaking, slapping, twisting, pulling, squeezing, or biting; b. Demanding excessive physical excercise or excessive rest; and c. Forcing a child to eat or consume soap, food, or foreign substances;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and on a discussion with Staff #1, Staff #1 was observed yanking a child forward by one arm, causing the child to fall and hit the ground. When the Compliance Officer addressed the observed incident with Staff #1, the Staff acknowledged yanking the child's arm and said "I'm sorry".”

AAC R9-5-510.A.1. A. A staff member shall provide guidance to help children respond to difficult situations. To develop self-regulation, children should receive adult support that is individual to the child and adapts as the child develops internal controls. This process should include: 1. Forming a positive relationship with the child, which occurs when the adult spends time talking to the child, listening to the child, following the child’s lead, playing with the child, and responding to the child’s needs; 2. Base expectations on the child’s developmental level; 3. Establishing and being proactive in teaching and supporting children in learning simple rules; 4. Modifying the learning/play environment to support the child’s appropriate behavior; 5. Creating a predictable daily routine and schedule; 6. Modeling desired behavior; 7. Showing children positive alternatives; 8.Using deliberate redirection, the staff member should encourage the child to use appropriate behavior, and provide positive feedback when the child exhibits the behavior; 9. Individualized positive discipline strategies based on the individual needs of children, such as using a buddy system, individualized schedule, special break, or another applicable positive discipline strategy; and 10. If applicable, a licensee shall develop a written plan with the enrolled child's parent to provide individualized social and emotional intervention supports for the enrolled child that includes methods for understanding the enrolled child's behavior, and developing, adopting, and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and on a discussion with Staff #1, Staff #1 did not model desired behavior and show a child positive alternatives when a child was standing in a doorway that leads to the playground and the child would not move forward. The Compliance Officer observed Staff #1 yank the child forward by one arm, causing the child to fall and hit the ground.”

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 Officer's observation, the water temperature at the diaper changing sink in the Toddler room measured 80 degrees F, rather than between 86°F and 110°F as required. ***Previously cited in May 2025.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the diapering table in the Toddler room had a buildup of brown grime, dirt and sand in the corners of all 4 sides that were able to be cleaned by the Compliance Officer with a wet paper towel.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and on a discussion with staff, children were not being supervised by staff during the following incidents: *2, two year old children had suckers in their mouths and were walking around the playground. One of the staff stated she did not know where the child had gotten the sucker; *3 children on the playground were hitting each other with 2 foot long frond palm leaves; *2 children were sitting on top of the table in the primary room; *2 two year old's were hitting each other by the fence and one child was crying *A toddler was rocking on the blue rocker on the playground and the rocker fell to the side and the child fell on the corner of the wooden base of the stage platform and was crying. In all of the incidents above, the Compliance Officers were the ones who had to inform the staff what was happening so that the staff would intervene.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and on a discussion with staff, the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children were placed at risk of harm during the following incidents: 1) One of the Compliance Officers observed Staff #1 yanking a child forcefully by one arm, causing the child to fall and hit the ground. The child started crying when the child hit the ground; and 2) Two, 2 year old children were observed walking around the playground with suckers in their mouths. The Staff stated that a parent brought the child to school with the sucker in their mouth and the staff couldn't take it away because the child would start crying. A different staff stated that she did not know where the second child had gotten a sucker from since that child didn't have it when they arrived.”

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 was accessible to enrolled children: In the Girls' toilet room, there was a toilet brush and a plunger on the floor to the right of the left toilet. In the Primary room, there was a sharp knife in the kitchen sink and was accessible to the enrolled children present in the room.”

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 Officers' (COs) observations and staff statement, when the COs arrived, the staff to child ratio on the playground was 4:27 with one-year-old children present. The required ratio is 5:27. Later during the inspection, the ratio was 5:38 on the playground, with one-year-old children present. The required ratio is 7:38. Staff stated one staff was out and another staff was coming in late.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations and a discussion with staff, there were 16 Preschool children on the playground. The staff acknowledged she did not have a roster and stated the roster was located inside the building.”

AAC R9-5-305.A. A. A licensee shall not permit an enrolled child to attend a facility until the facility receives: 1. An immunization record for the enrolled child with the information required in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7, documenting that the enrolled child has received all current, age-appropriate immunizations required under 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7: a. Provided by a healthcare provider, or b. Generated from the Arizona State Immunization Information System, which is the Department’s child immunization reporting system established in A.R.S. § 36-135; or 2. An exemption affidavit for the enrolled child provided by the enrolled child’s parent that contains a statement, signed by the enrolled child's: a. Health care provider, that the immunizations required by 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7 would endanger the enrolled child’s health or medical condition; or b. Parent, that the enrolled child is being raised in a religion whose teachings are in opposition to immunization.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the Emergency, Information and Immunization Record for Child #5 lacked a written immunization record or exemption affidavit.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that 5 out of 12 enrolled children's Emergency Information and Immunization Records reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1 & Child #2: Parent signature. Child #3: Date of enrollment, the health care provider's phone number, and a parent signature. Child #4: Date of enrollment, the health care provider’s name and phone number, the person to contact in case of sudden injury/illness, medical information and a parent signature. Child #5: The city, state and zip code for the child and the parents.”

AAC R9-5-203.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that each staff member submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card each time the fingerprint clearance card is issued or renewed every five years.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff #2's (DOE 7.22.2024) file lacked documentation of a valid fingerprint clearance card from 8.23.2024 though 10.15.2024.”

AAC R9-5-203.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member completes, signs, dates, and submits to the licensee, before the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service: 1. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); and 2. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, the form in A.R.S. § 8-804(I).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations of 4 staff files, Staff #3 (DOE 6.16.2025) lacked the required DCS clearance.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Child #1 lacked a medication form for the administration of a prescribed medication.”

AAC R9-5-301.I. I. At least once a month, and at different times of the day, a licensee shall ensure that an unannounced fire and emergency evacuation drill is conducted and each staff member and enrolled child at the facility participates in the fire and emergency evacuation drill. 1. If child care services for a child with special needs are provided at a facility, the licensee shall provide for the enrolled child’s participation in each fire and emergency evacuation drill according to the enrolled child’s individualized plan as specified in R9-5-507(A)(1). 2. A licensee shall document each fire and emergency evacuation drill and maintain the documentation on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the fire and emergency evacuation drill.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, fire drills were not documented for the months of May and June, 2025.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, the roster in the Primary 3/4/5's classroom reflected the presence of 14 children, however 15 children were actually present in the classroom.”

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

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation, there was a bottle of rubbing alcohol and 2 canisters of disinfecting wipes that were labeled "keep out of reach of children" but were accessible to the enrolled children in the Primary 3/4/5's classroom.”

AAC R9-5-511.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that if an enrolled child is present at the facility during evening and nighttime hours, the licensee:1. Permits the enrolled child to use a mat only when used on top of a cot; 2. Before bathing the enrolled child at the facility, obtains written consent and bathing instructions from the enrolled child’s parent and follows the instructions when bathing the enrolled child; 3. Requires that a staff member cleans and sanitizes a bathtub or shower stall after bathing each enrolled child; 4. Requires that a staff member remains awake while supervising the sleeping enrolled child; and 5. Prohibits the operation of a television set in a room where the enrolled child is sleeping.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation, in the Primary 3/4/5's classroom there was a television operating during nap time when enrolled children were sleeping.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 6. Except for a room used only for an enrolled school-age child, each unused electrical outlet is covered with a safety plug cover or insert;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation, there were two electrical outlets on the surge protector in the Primary 3/4/5's classroom that lacked safety inserts.”

AAC R9-5-604.B.3. B. A licensee that uses a private pool for an enrolled child shall ensure that the swimming pool and its equipment meet the following requirements: 3. A portable pool that does not meet the requirements of subsection (B)(1) or (2) is prohibited;

“Per allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility photographs, 2 inflatable pools that did not meet licensing requirements were being used on water days at the facility.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. A method of discipline that could cause harm to the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, a staff member used a method of discipline that would cause harm to the health, safety and welfare to an enrolled child. Staff stated the following: *I've seen Staff #2 "smack" a child around honestly. *Staff #2 covered a child's head with a blanket and used a "fist" on the child's back, which made a "loud sound". *A staff "smacked" a child in the head because the child wasn't walking fast enough and "pushed" the child with their hand on the bottom of the child's head. *Staff #2 "grabs" a child by the arm/elbow area. *Staff #2 started patting a child back "real hard". *Staff #2 does not have "much patience" for a specific child.”

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 a video and staff statements, the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm in the Transition room (ages 2's - 3's). A video was observed showing Staff #2 seated on the floor with their legs on top of a child's legs while the child was laying on a mat. Staff stated the following: *Staff #2 crosses their feet over a child to hold the child down. *Staff #2 has "grabbed" a child by the forearm roughly to move the child and the child bumps their head on the wall and starts crying. *Staff #2 sat on the floor and placed their feet over a child to make the child lay down at naptime. The child started crying and asking for their mom. *Staff #2 "wrapped" their legs around a child to keep the child from moving during circle time. *Staff #2 has grabbed a cover and put it over a child's head and patted the child's back "real hard".”

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 Supervisor's observation, in the Primary Classroom (3's - 5's), the staff-to-child ratio was 2:27 with 3-year-olds present, and a required ratio of 3:27.”

AAC R9-5-307.2. A licensee shall ensure that the licensee or a staff member documents and reports all suspected or alleged cases of child abuse or neglect.2. The licensee or staff member shall report the suspected or alleged child abuse by a staff member to the Department and to a local law enforcement agency as prescribed in A.R.S. § 13-3620. A licensee or staff member shall also send documentation to the Department and to any law enforcement agency previously notified within three calendar days of the initial report, and maintain documentation of a child abuse report on facility premises for 12 months after the date of a report.

“Findings: Based on staff statements, it was determined that a staff member failed to document and report all suspected or alleged cases of child abuse or neglect to a local law enforcement agency.”

AAC R9-5-203.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that each staff member submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s 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 Supervisor's observation of 1 staff file, Staff #1's (DOE 3.22.2021) file lacked documentation of a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card. The Card expired 1/28/2025. (Staff #1 was present at the facility and was sent home during the investigation.)”

AAC R9-5-510.B.4. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit:4. Discipline associated with: a. Eating, napping, sleeping, or toileting; b. Medication; or c. Mechanical restraint; or

“Findings: Based on staff statement and a video, a staff member used discipline associated with naptime restraint. In the video, Staff #2 was observed seated on the floor next to a child with their legs stretched out over the child's lower body with their feet crossed. Staff stated Staff #2 sat on a child who was laying down on a mat for about 3 - 5 minutes.”

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 the Compliance Officer's review of Staff #5's file (DOE 4/14/25), the file lacked documentation of the licensee's verification of the validity of Staff #5's fingerprint clearance card through DPS.”

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 Officer's observations, the water temperature at the Toddler room's diapering sink measured 76 degrees F.”

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 the Compliance Officer's review of Staff #2's file (DOE 7/23/24, an assistant teacher caregiver), the file contained documentation of foreign education. The file lacked documentation verifying that the education's equivalency had been verified.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the information posting board lacked the name of the current Assistant Director who was present at the start of the inspection, prior to the Director's arrival.”

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 the Compliance Officer's review of Staff #5's file (DOE 4/14/25), the file lacked documentation verifying the staff's freedom from tuberculosis.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, a small child-sized exercise trampoline was observed on the outdoor activity area. *Previously cited in May 2024.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following was noted regarding lesson plans: *Transition room- A lesson plan was not posted; and *Primary room- The lesson plan that was posted was dated April 2025 and was not current.”

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 Officer's observations, the front lip of the Toddler room's diapering counter had 2 ten inch long sections that had sticky residue from the peeling tape. These areas had a brown build up of grime on it.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, 3 sections of the panels of the wrought iron fence section that faces the MPR room had a vertical gap of 6.5 inches at the bottom.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following was noted regarding fans: *Transition room- A gray oscillating fan was not mounted and was on the floor, accessible to children; and * Toddler room- A green plastic fan stored on top of the refrigerator was not mounted.”

AAC R9-5-203.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member completes, signs, dates, and submits to the licensee, before the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service:1. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); and 2. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, the form in A.R.S. § 8-804(I).

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's review of Staff #5's file (DOE 4/14/25), the file lacked documentation of the staff's submittal of the required DCS clearance background check application.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the Toddler room diaper changing area was not seamless and smooth and clear of unrelated items: *There was peeling laminate with raw wood along the edges of the diaper surface. *There was cracked caulking along the back edges. *There was peeling and rough tape on the front of the diaper surface. *There was a clear bin to the left of the diaper sink.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations, on the Playground, there was hand sanitizer located on the 3 tiered cart, and in the Toddler room there was hand sanitizer on a low shelf near the fish tank, accessible to enrolled children.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations and staff statement, the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm. In the Hall, there was a blue trampoline. Staff stated children use it to jump on it while outside.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Primary room, there was an unmounted black fan in the corner of a 30” high shelf, accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-601.6. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:6. A glass mirror, window, or other glass surface that is located within 36 inches of the floor is made of safety glass that has been manufactured, fabricated, or treated to prevent the glass from shattering or flying when struck or broken, or is shielded by a barrier to prevent impact by or physical injury to an enrolled child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Transition room, there were 3 windows located within 36 inches of the floor. The Licensee lacked documentation that the windows are made of safety glass that has been manufactured, fabricated, or treated to prevent the glass from shattering or flying when struck or broken, or is shielded by a barrier to prevent impact by or physical injury to an enrolled child.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in the Girls’ toilet room, there were .5 - 1” gaps in the floor tiles with debris in the gaps near the entry door.”

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 Officer's observations, the following was not maintained in a clean condition: Hall: There were spider webs in the top left corner of the right door. Playground: There was a brown fluffy substance on a 3 tiered cart near the door to the courtyard patio. Girls’ toilet room: There was a plant on the shelf, 5 wooden benches on the floor, and red bins with extra clothing. Toddler room: There was peeling clear tape with debris on the top platform of the red slide. Primary room: There was exposed raw wood on a tall, 4 tiered white cabinet.”

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 Officer's observations, the water temperature in the Toddler room diaper changing sink measured 80.9 degrees F, rather than between 86 - 110 degrees F as required.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following hazards were observed in the outdoor activity area: *There was an unsecured Little Tikes red slide located on turf. *There was peeling paint on the lower section of the south side of the building.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the playground lacked the following resilient surfacing: *There was a Little Tikes red and yellow slide located on astro turf that lacked bounce/squishiness to provide a resilient surface. *There was a purple teeter totter located on dormant grass.”

AAC R9-5-602.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that the facility meets the following square footage requirements for indoor activity areas based on the child care services classifications:1. At least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each infant and 1-year-old child; 2. At least 25 square feet of indoor activity space for each child who is not an infant or 1-year-old child; and 3. When 1-year-old children are grouped together with children older than 1-year-old children in the same activity area, at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in the Toddler room, there was a metal gate placed near the middle of the room extended from one side of the room to the other. The gate separated the room into 2 separate activity areas, resulting in less than 35 square feet per child as licensed by the Department.”