Kathryn Farnham

Regulation 2.3.8.3: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCP; all individuals residing in the home; staff; and any individuals who are left alone with children have met ongoing background check requirements by submitting at least once every five (5) years a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and as required shall submit to fingerprinting.

“The provider said that there were some extenuating circumstances that prevented the five-year fingerprinting from occurring on time. Corrective Action: The provider submitted a new record check authorization to the Division during this visit. Licensor [name] fingerprinted the provider on 3/20/2026. Please submit a plan to Licensor [name] that describes how you will ensure fingerprints are taken in a timely manner for the next five-year renewal.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 23, 2026

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff, with the exception of substitutes, shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations.

“Reviews of BFIS and the provider's files show that the provider completed two (2) out of fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development between 10/4/2024 and 10/3/2025. The provider completed twenty (20) hours of annual professional development since 10/3/2026 and therefore has made up the professional development missed in the 2024 - 2025 year. Corrective Action: Ensure that an additional eight (8) hours of annual professional development are completed by 10/3/2026. Additionally, send Licensor [name] a plan that describes how you will remember to complete all training before your October 3 due date each year.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 23, 2026

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff, with the exception of substitutes, shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations.

“An audit of the provider's BFIS quality and credential account and documents onsite show that the provider is missing nine (9) hours of annual professional development between 10/4/2022 and 10/4/2023. Corrective Action: Prior to the completion of this report, the provider completed five (5) hours of professional development. The provider stated in an email that she would finish the remaining four (4) hours this week. Email certificates to Licensor [name] upon completion of the remaining four (4) hours of professional development. Email a plan to Licensor [name] that describes how fifteen (15) hours of annual professional development for the current year will be completed by 10/4/2024.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 4, 2024

Regulation 5.10.4.5.1: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCH, its furnishings, and toys are kept in a clean and orderly condition.

“There is dirt buildup in corners and around where baseboards had been removed in the kitchen, and visible dirt buildup on the large plastic dramatic play toys and the bench in the playroom. Corrective Action: By 5/11/2023, clean areas and objects indicated and email photos of all the cleaned areas and toys to Licensor [name]. In addition, by 5/11/2023 email a plan to Licensor [name] that describes a system to assure that toys and floors are regularly cleaned.”

Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.15: Disruptive or Dangerous Behavior The FCCP shall prohibit any person, including but not limited to household members, parents, staff, partner staff or volunteers, from the FCCH and property when his/her presence or behavior disrupts the program, distracts the staff from their responsibilities, intimidates or promotes fear among the children and/or staff, or when there is reason to believe that his/her actions or behavior presents a risk of harm to children present.

“On 11/30/2022, Adult A became escalated while child care children were present in another room of the house and broke a window, requiring Adult B to request police presence. Corrective Action: Adult A has submitted a new record check authorization indicating that they are a household member only. By 1/20/2023 email Licensor [name] to confirm that Adult A will not act in a staff capacity and will not be left alone with child care children.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 13, 2023

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The fire extinguisher had not been properly inspected and tagged since 2019. Corrective Action: The fire extinguisher must be inspected and tagged by 4/20/21 and maintained yearly moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2021

Regulation 7.3.1: A Registered FCCP that operates a registered FCCH shall ensure and maintain documentation that he/she is at least eighteen (18) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications prior to licensure or within twelve (12) months of initial licensure: * At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) Certificate or higher; or * At least successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course; or * At least a current CDA (Child Development Association Credential) from the National Council for Professional Recognition); or * At least a Child Care Certificate from Community College of Vermont; or * At least successful completion of twelve (12) college credits in content consistent with the core knowledge areas identified by NLCDC.

“A review of the provider's BFIS Quality and Credential account prior to the visit and personnel file on site confirms the provider does not meet qualifications to be a registered family child care provider. Corrective Action: By 4/13/21, submit an improvement plan on how the provider will meet qualification requirements by 6/30/2021.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2021

Regulation 5.1.1: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCH environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“There was visible dirt and dog hair on the floors in the kitchen dining room, hallway, living room and playroom where children are cared for. There was food smashed onto a lower cabinet in the kitchen that was accessible to children. On the day of this compliance visit, the provider stated she had not had a chance to clean the floors and cabinets yet that day. This was cited previously on 4/15/2016 and on 1/15/2019. Corrective Action: The floors and lower kitchen cupboard need to be cleaned immediately and maintained on a daily basis. By 4/13/21, submit an improvement plan that includes the creation of a system to maintain cleanliness on a daily basis per regulation 5.2.6.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2021

Regulation 5.1.1: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCH environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“The living room where children play and nap had visible dirt, dog hair and small pieces of papers. The lower kitchen cupboards where food is being prep has several dried liquid and food spills. The stove and the counter next to the stove were filled with old dried food, sticky residue and debris from cooking. The provider made several statements that she knows she needs to clean and that her house isn't usually this dirty. This was cited previously on 4/15/2016. Corrective Action: The counter top, stove, lower kitchen cupboards and living room carpet need to be clean immediately and maintained on a daily basis. Create a system to maintain cleanliness on a daily basis per regulation 5.2.6. Submit the plan to ann.sparrow@vermont.gov by 02/04/2019”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2019

Regulation 5.2.3.4: The FCCP shall ensure that there is a sturdy diaper changing area with a clean, washable and non-absorbent surface. The diapering changing area shall not be located in the kitchen or any area where food is stored, prepared or served.

“The provider stated she changes diapers on the couch using a cloth towel for a barrier between the child and the couch, which is not a non-absorbent surface. Corrective Action: Effective immediately, the diaper changing shall be done on a sturdy, clean, washable and non-absorbent surface.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2019