Heartworks, STEAMworks & Loveworks Schools, LLC - Burlington

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“A violation was cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026 and then again after a regulatory review on 6/1/2026 because corrective action was not received for either visit. At a focused compliance visit, it was determined that three (3) of the six (6) staff who had been identified as missing annual professional development had completed the professional development. Of the three who have not, Staff A has completed 7.5 hours of professional development between 12/6/2025 and 12/5/2026; Staff B has not completed any professional development between 10/2/2024 and 10/1/2025; and Staff D has completed 5.5 hours of professional development between 8/21/2024 and 8/20/2025. It is required for all staff to complete fifteen (15) hours of professional development annually. Corrective Action: Staff D has completed 2.5 hours of professional development and a three-credit college course. This makes up for the missed time and the time that will be due on 12/5/2026. Staff A and B will be enrolled in Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals. Since Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals includes a minimum of forty-five hours, this will make up for the missed time in addition to the time that will be due on their anniversary dates. Submit a plan to Licensing Supervisor [name] that describes the system the program will use to ensure that all staff complete all fifteen (15) hours of professional development and that all substitutes complete four (4) hours of professional development annually.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 4, 2026

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“A violation was cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026 and then again after a regulatory review on 6/1/2026 because corrective action was not received for either visit. At a focused compliance visit, it was determined that out of the nine (9) staff missing documents, five (5) staff had still not sent all documents to Northern Lights at CCV. Corrective Action: Ensure that the remainder of the staff send all qualifications, mandatory training, and annual professional development certificates to Northern Lights at CCV. Notify Licensing Supervisor [name] when the documents have been sent.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 28, 2026

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

“The Infant 3 room and Preschool room do not have qualified leads. The former lead in the Preschool room left on 5/26/2026. Corrective Action: Submit a plan to Licensing Supervisor [name] that describes the program's plan for hiring qualified lead staff for both classrooms. In the plan, identify who will provide immediate support and oversight to both classrooms while searching for lead qualified staff. In the plan, include a timeline and concrete steps that will be taken to hire and onboard qualified staff for both classrooms.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 29, 2026

Regulation 7.3.1.4: The program director of a CBCCPP licensed to care for sixty (60) or more children shall be qualified as a teacher, shall have at least an additional twenty-four (24) months of experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger, and shall have completed either: * A Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Step Two (2) Certificate or Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Credential, Step Three (3); or * Successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in curriculum, and an additional nine (9) college credits in program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management.

“This violation was originally cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026 and again after a regulatory review on 6/1/2026. The program director is two (2) college credits away from qualifying as a teacher and is missing nine (9) college credits in the topics of program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management. A variance request was not submitted to allow the director to act as director while completing coursework. Corrective Action: The current director must become qualified no later than 12/31/2026, or the program must hire a qualified director. At this focused compliance visit the director communicated that she is currently waiting for an instructor to be assigned to the Competency Based Pathway course so she can begin the process. Submit confirmation to Licensing Supervisor [name] that the Competency Based Pathway will provide the nine (9) required college credits to qualify for the position. Should Competency Based Pathway course not provide the nine (9) required college credits to qualify, submit a plan that describes how the program will ensure that there is a qualified director in place by 12/31/2026.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 10, 2026

Regulation 6.2.1.4: Staff who are qualified as defined in the rules in section 7.3 of these regulations, meet professional development requirements as defined in the rules in section 7.4 of these regulations, and are physically present and working with children may be counted in staff/child ratios.

“Staff A and B, who have been employed for over a year, have not completed required qualifications. Staff C, who has been employed for over a year and is off for the summer does not have documentation onsite of having completed required qualifications. The director said that there may be a college transcript with the corporate office. Corrective Action: The director notified Licensor [name] that Staff A and B have signed up for Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals. Contact Licensing Supervisor [name] and confirm when Fundamentals for Staff A and B will begin and end. Contact Staff C and have them submit their official transcript to Northern Lights at CCV. If Staff C does not respond, contact the corporate office for a copy of the transcript and forward it to Licensing Supervisor Humphries. Additionally, submit a plan that describes how the program will ensure that staff who are trainees meet full qualifications within twelve (12) months of hire.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 4, 2026

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“This violation was originally cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026. A review of BFIS and documentation provided by Northern Lights at CCV showed that as of 4/9/2026, eighteen (18) out of twenty (20) staff were missing various documents in BFIS. Since the visit, nine (9) of the eighteen (18) staff have been confirmed to have submitted some documents to Northern Lights at CCV, however, some of the staff whose documents were submitted had been employed for less than six (6) months. The director has not responded to the corrective action, however, Northern Lights confirmed that some documents were received for five (5) staff, some of whom have been employed for less than six (6) months. Some documents were denied due to information missing on the documents. There are still documents missing for at least thirteen (13) staff who have been employed for over six (6) months. A voice message was left for the director on 5/20/2026 with a follow up email sent, detailing the corrective action still due. There has been no response from the director, therefore, this violation is being re-cited. Corrective Action: Ensure that the remainder of the staff send all qualifications, mandatory training, and annual professional development certificates to Northern Lights at CCV. Confirm with Licensor [name] that the documents have been sent. Failure to submit corrective action by this new due date may result in further regulatory action.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 28, 2026

Regulation 7.3.1.4: The program director of a CBCCPP licensed to care for sixty (60) or more children shall be qualified as a teacher, shall have at least an additional twenty-four (24) months of experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger, and shall have completed either: * A Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Step Two (2) Certificate or Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Credential, Step Three (3); or * Successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in curriculum, and an additional nine (9) college credits in program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management.

“This violation was originally cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026. The program director is two (2) college credits away from qualifying as a teacher and is missing nine (9) college credits in the topics of program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management. A variance request was not submitted to allow the director to act as director while completing coursework. A voice message was left for the director on 5/20/2026 with a follow up email sent, detailing the corrective action still due. There has been no response from the director, therefore, this violation is being re-cited. Corrective Action: The current director must become qualified no later than 12/31/2026, or the program must hire a qualified director. Communicate the decision to Licensor [name] by the due date of this violation. Should the program choose that the current director becomes qualified, submit a plan that describes how the current director will become qualified. In the plan, list which courses or course challenges will be completed and when they will be completed. Should the program choose to hire a qualified director, submit a plan that describes the recruiting process to hire a qualified director by 7/1/2026. Failure to submit corrective action by this new due date may result in further regulatory action.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 10, 2026

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“This violation was originally cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026. A review of BFIS and documents provided by the program show that six staff are either missing annual professional development or missing documentation of annual professional development. Staff C is missing 12.5 hours between 12/6/2024 and 12/5/2026. Staff D is missing 3.5 hours between 10/14/2024 and 10/13/2025. Staff E is missing 13.5 hours between 8/21/2024 and 8/20/2025. Staff F is missing 12.5 hours of PD between 4/2/25 and 4/1/26. Staff G is missing 15 hours of PD between 10/2/24 and 10/1/25. Staff H is missing 2.5 hours of annual PD between 11/14/24 and 11/13/25. The director did not follow through with corrective action. Since the original violation, four (4) hours were received for Staff E, however, the submission was rejected by Northern Lights at CCV because of information missing on the certificates. No other corrective action was received. A voice message was left for the director on 5/20/2026 with a follow up email sent, detailing the corrective action still due. There has been no response from the director, therefore, this violation is being re-cited. Corrective Action: For each staff member, submit a plan to Licensor [name] that shows how they will make up their missing annual professional development in addition to completing the required fifteen (15) hours by their next anniversary. In the plan, include the titles of the training sessions, how long each session is, and the dates they will be completed. Failure to submit corrective action by this new due date may result in further regulatory action.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 11, 2026

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“This violation was originally cited after the compliance visit on 4/9/2026. A review of BFIS accounts and documents provided by the program showed that there were six (6) staff who had either not completed all components of an approved orientation training or did not have documentation of having completed the training. Since the visit, one (1) staff is still missing documentation of orientation and mandated reporter trainings, three (3) staff are still missing documentation of orientation training, and one (1) staff is still missing mandated reporter training. A voice message was left for the director on 5/20/2026 with a follow up email sent, detailing the corrective action still due. There has been no response from the director, therefore, this violation is being re-cited. Corrective Action: Ensure that all identified staff complete orientation and/or mandated reporter trainings and send the certificates to Northern Lights at CCV. Notify Licensor [name] when staff have submitted their certificates. Failure to submit corrective action by this new due date may result in further regulatory action.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2026

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“A review of BFIS and documents provided by the program show that there are six (6) staff who have either not completed the required orientation training or do not have documentation of the training having been completed. Two (2) of the six (6) staff have also not completed the approved mandated reporter training. Two (2) additional staff have completed all of their orientation training except the approved mandated reporter training. Corrective Action: Ensure that all identified staff complete orientation and/or mandated reporter trainings and send the certificates to Northern Lights at CCV. Notify Licensor [name] when staff have submitted their certificates.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2026

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

“Two (2) staff who have been employed for over six (6) months have not completed all portions of their background clearances. Corrective Action: The director said that both staff have since mailed the appropriate documents to the Division. Staff A's out of state child abuse and neglect check has been received and has been sent out to their originating state. Staff B's form has not yet been received as of the writing of this report. Check in with Child Care Business Technician Stephen Ames at stephen.ames@vermont.gov to determine whether the document for Staff B has been received and, if not, ensure that Staff B completes the form again and resubmits it by 5/12/2026.”

Correction date in the state record: May 11, 2026

Regulation 7.1.2.2: Staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and in infant and child CPR within three (3) months of beginning work in the CBCCPP and remain currently certified.

“A review of BFIS and documents provided by the program shows that one (1) staff member who had been employed for over three (3) months at the time of the visit did not have documentation of having completed First Aid/CPR certification. Corrective Action: Provide documentation of First Aid/CPR to Licensor [name] and submit it to Northern Lights at CCV for the identified staff member.”

Correction date in the state record: May 21, 2026

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“A review of BFIS and documents provided by the program show that six staff are either missing annual professional development or missing documentation of annual professional development. Staff C is missing 12.5 hours between 12/6/2024 and 12/5/2026. Staff D is missing 3.5 hours between 10/14/2024 and 10/13/2025. Staff E is missing 13.5 hours between 8/21/2024 and 8/20/2025. Staff F is missing 12.5 hours of PD between 4/2/25 and 4/1/26. Staff G is missing 15 hours of PD between 10/2/24 and 10/1/25. Staff H is missing 2.5 hours of annual PD between 11/14/24 and 11/13/25. Corrective Action: For each staff member, submit a plan to Licensor [name] that shows how they will make up their missing annual professional development in addition to completing the required fifteen (15) hours by their next anniversary. In the plan, include the titles of the training sessions, how long each session is, and the dates they will be completed.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 11, 2026

Regulation 7.3.1.4: The program director of a CBCCPP licensed to care for sixty (60) or more children shall be qualified as a teacher, shall have at least an additional twenty-four (24) months of experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger, and shall have completed either: * A Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Step Two (2) Certificate or Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Credential, Step Three (3); or * Successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in curriculum, and an additional nine (9) college credits in program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management.

“The program director is two (2) college credits away from qualifying as a teacher and is missing nine (9) college credits in the topics of program management, staff supervision, administration, or human resource management. A variance request was not submitted to allow the director to act as director while completing coursework. Corrective Action: Submit a plan by 5/19/2026 that describes how the current director will become qualified. In the plan, list which courses or course challenges will be completed and when they will be completed. The coursework must be completed no later than 12/31/2026.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 10, 2026

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“A review of BFIS and support from Northern Lights at CCV shows that at the time of the visit, eighteen (18) out of twenty (20) staff were missing various documents in BFIS. Corrective Action: Since the visit, nine (9) of the eighteen (18) staff have been confirmed to have submitted documents to Northern Lights at CCV. Ensure that the rest of the staff send all qualification, mandatory training, and annual professional development certificates to Northern Lights at CCV. Confirm with Licensor [name] that the documents have been sent.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 28, 2026

Regulation 6.2.6.1: Staff shall be able to hear all children of pre-kindergarten age and younger at all times, shall be able to see the children with a quick glance, and shall be able to physically respond immediately.

“On 5/30/2025, the program submitted a self-report indicating that Child A was left unsupervised inside the building while the rest of the class transitioned upstairs to their classroom. Staff X and Y did not realize that Child A was missing until Staff Z returned the child to the classroom. It was determined that Child A was unsupervised for approximately five (5) to seven (7) minutes. Staff X reported that they did not complete the required head count at the bottom or top of the stairs, as outlined by program's supervision policy. The Director reviewed the head count documentation forms completed by staff during transitions and determined that many of the forms had been completed incorrectly. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: The program has ended employment with one of the staff members involved in the incident and has implemented a training and mentorship plan for the other. In response the program has strengthened supervisory oversight of its head count procedures during transitions and introduced signage as reminders to ensure gates and doors are properly closed. By 7/28/2025, please send a hard copy or digital version of this report to all families of currently enrolled children. Additionally, email Licensor [name] a list of all enrolled children, including the names and contact phone numbers of their parents or legal guardians.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 14, 2025

Regulation 6.2.1.4: Staff who are qualified as defined in the rules in section 7.3 of these regulations, meet professional development requirements as defined in the rules in section 7.4 of these regulations, and are physically present and working with children may be counted in staff/child ratios.

“Staff A and Staff B, who are both trainees have been employed for over twelve (12) months, have not completed the minimum qualifications for any position other than substitute. Corrective Action: Staff A is enrolled in the TEACH program and will be taking a course this summer. By 6/5/2025, submit confirmation for when the first child development course will be completed for Staff A. Additionally, by 6/5/2025, confirm that Staff B is enrolled in either a three-credit college course covering child development or in a Fundamentals program. Confirm with Licensor [name] when that course will begin and end.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 5, 2025

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

“After a review of staff schedules, children's attendance, and statements made by the program, it was found that there were two (2) occasions when staff/child ratio was out of compliance for several hours on each occasion. On 7/12/2022, the Three/Four classroom had one (1) staff member and eleven (11) children present. On 7/15/2022, the Pre-K 2 classroom had one (1) staff member and thirteen (13) children present. The ratio for these groups of children is one (1) staff member to ten (10) children. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: Using the age of the youngest child in the group as a determination, ensure that staff/child ratios are maintained at all times according to regulation moving forward. Send a copy of this licensing report by mail or email to the families of each child enrolled. For each parent who has been sent a copy of this report, provide the parents' names, contact information, and their children's names to Licensor [name] upon completion of parental notification.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 11, 2022