Heartworks, STEAMworks & Loveworks Schools, LLC - Pinecrest Drive, Essex

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.

“During this visit it was identified that a staff member was present and working with children who was not on the associated parties list. They started working at the program in November 2025 and had not submitted a new record check authorization form that is required for approval before a person can begin working at a program. Corrective Action: The day of this visit the staff submitted a record check authorization form and the Child Development Division processed the form and approved them to work in a program. They may not be left alone with children until they complete fingerprinting and the Child Development Division issues a clearance letter. Please schedule a fingerprint appointment and email a copy of the receipt. Moving forward ensure record check authorization forms are submitted for new staff and they are reflected on the program's associated parties list before they work at the program.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 14, 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 the staff's BFIS quality and credential accounts, staff files, and the support from Northern Lights to find missing documentation, it was determined that seven (7) staff members employed longer than six (6) months did not have an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential account as required and was missing CPR and First Aid certificates, required training certificates and/or documentation of qualifications. Corrective Action: Submit a plan on how all missing documents will be sent to Northern Lights at CCV to be entered into BFIS Quality and Credential accounts. Send confirmation to this licensor when missing items are submitted.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 14, 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.

“Four (4) of the six (6) classrooms do not have a staff member who is at least qualified as a Teacher Associate or higher leading the classroom at least 75% of the time. Corrective Action: Develop a plan on how the Director will meet the intention of this requirement while unqualified staff become qualified or until qualified staff are hired. Include in the plan who will be in each classroom and how the intent of the rule will be met. Describe what supervision will look like for unqualified staff, including frequency of observations, oversight of curriculum, classroom management and feedback given to staff.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 14, 2026

Regulation 7.3.2.3: Teacher Assistant A teacher assistant is at least eighteen (18) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) or Two (2) Certificate; or * At least a current CDA (Child Development Associate) and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or * At least a State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate that emphasizes child development or early childhood education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or * At least successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course or the Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or * At least successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in child or human development or a three (3) college credit course for school age care and education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

“A review of BFIS, staff files and confirmation from the director show that two (2) staff who have been employed for more than one (1) year, have not come into compliance with Teacher Assistant qualifications as required. Corrective Action: Submit a plan for each staff on how they will come into compliance with Teacher Assistant qualifications as soon as possible. It is recommended to reach out to a Resurce Advisor at Northern Lights at CCV for assistance on creating a plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 8, 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.

“Staff statements, children's attendance records and staff schedule reflect that an Infant/Toddler classroom operated out of staff/child ratio on 3/5/2024 from 9:50am-10:15am. During this time, one (1) teacher was left alone with five (5) children. Ages of children in attendance require a one (1) to four (4) staff/child ratio. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, staff/child ratios shall be maintained. Create a system to ensure that all classrooms will have adequate staffing for the amount of children in attendance. By 4/16/2024, mail or email a copy of this letter as outlined above. Submit the list of currently enrolled children along with their parents/guardians names and contact information to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 16, 2024

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.

“Two (2) children were able to use the bathroom at the same time without staff supervision. Staff were not aware and did not intervene until one of the children came out of the bathroom to let the staff know that the other child had tried to touch them. Corrective Action: Immediately train all staff on how to supervise children when they use the bathroom. In particular, staff in the preschool room must be trained on how to supervise the multi-stall toilet in that classroom. Submit a plan on how staff will be trained and describe the plan on how the preschool bathroom will be supervised moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024