Kindercare Learning Center

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 observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 and #2 lacked documentation of a Central Registry background check before the starting date of employment. *Previously cited-6/16/2025”

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 Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the fingerprint clearance card for Staff #1 ( starting date of employment:1/20/2026) and Staff #3 (starting date of employment 9/22/2025) was validated on the starting date of employment. The fingerprint clearance card for Staff #2 ( starting date of employment: 7/1/2025, validated: 8/8/2025) was validated after the starting date of employment.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the Licensee lacked documentation of a current fire inspection report.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of two Good Faith effort references.”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that when there are: 3. Six or more enrolled children are present in a facility, an infant is not placed for supervision with a child who is not an infant.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, there was a walking one-year-old present enrolled with infants.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the PreK Classroom that was chipped paint with exposed concrete along the window. There was also buckling baseboards at the base of the brown wall.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.11. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 11. Label each food container received from the parent with the infant's name.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, there were four containers of food that lacked a label.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.l. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: l. Posts the current written dietary instructions in the infant room and the kitchen and maintains the instructions on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the instructions; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, 4 of 8 written feeding instructions were incomplete.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.3.a. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 3. When preparing, using, or caring for an infant's feeding bottles, a staff member: a. Labels each bottle received from the parent with the infant's name;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, there were 3 bottles that lacked a label.”

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, in the Discovery Preschool classroom, the diaper changing area was not maintained in a clean condition, there was a dirt buildup throughout the caulking. The diaper changing table ledge contained cracked, rough wood with an exposed nail. The wall around the diaper changing table was falling off, and there was chipped paint located on the wall.”

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 observation, in the PreK classroom, there was dark buildup and a brown buildup on the stall walls.”

AAC R9-5-512.C. C. A licensee shall ensure that floor coverings are: 1. Clean; and 2. Free from: a. Dampness, b. Odors, and c. Hazards.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the baseboards throughout the facility were not maintained in a clean condition, there was a white substance splashed on the baseboards.”

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 Officer's observation, in the outdoor activity area, on the Toddler Playground, there was cracked plastic located on the play treehouse. On the Preschool Playground, there was one bike that lacked a pedal.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the exhaust fans in the following toilet rooms were inoperable: School Age Pre-K (2 Prek rooms) Discovery Preschool *Previously cited -6/15/2025”

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 Toddler B Classroom, there was a fan on top of the cubby that was not mounted. *Previously cited- 6/16/2025”

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 observation, in the Prek classroom, there was a dirt buildup at the base of the toilet in the caulking.”

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 main posting area lacked the following information: *The name of the Director. *The name of the designated individual to act on behalf of the director. *A current menu for the calendar week.”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. If 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 the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #3 lacked documentation of a submitted Central Registry Background check.”

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's observation, it was determined that the fingerprint clearance card for Staff #2 expired on 9/19/2022. The new card was issued on 10/14/2022. Staff #2 worked for 26 days with an expired fingerprint clearance card. Staff stated she was out for a month waiting on the card, but the facility lacked documentation of the sign-in and out reports.”

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 observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of the Central Registry Background check.”

AAC R9-5-504.3. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the 2's classroom lacked books and rubber or soft plastic balls.”

AAC R9-5-512.F. 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; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 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; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 8. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a clean and working condition; and 9. Chipped or cracked sinks and toilets are replaced or repaired.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, there was a crack on the lid of the toilet. Tape was placed on top of the crack.”

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 observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children in the outdoor activity area: Toddler Playground: *There was bird feces located in the sensory table. *There was a cracked and broken wheel located on the red bike with exposed sharp plastic edging.”

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 observation, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: Toddler 1: Playground: *2 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the slides. Preschool /School Age Playground: *2 of the required 6 inches of wood chips in the fall zones of the climbing wall. *4 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the tube slide.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that:10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the PreK and the School Age toilet rooms lacked an exhaust fan.”

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 and the identification of the person who serviced the fire extinguisher; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the first extinguisher in the toddler classroom lacked a current tag for servicing. The fire extinguisher was last serviced in January 2024.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.n. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: n. Follows the current written dietary instructions of a parent when feeding the infant;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the feeding instructions for Infants lacked the following information: Child #1 and #2: No schedule and the amount of formula per feeding. Child #3: The amount of formula per feeding.”

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 following diapering changing areas were not kept clear of items not required for diaper changing: Infants: There was a laundry basket located at the end of the diaper changing table. The diaper changing area was not seamless and smooth because there was warped and cracked wood located on the ledge of the diaper changing area. 1's and 2's class: There was a rag and a cup located on the diaper changing table.”

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 toddler classroom, there were two fans located on a high shelf that were not mounted.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.g. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: g. Does not allow bumper pads, pillows, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft products in a crib when an infant is in the crib;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant Room, there were soft elastic fabric rings located on the bars of the cribs accessible to Infants.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Toddler Room: *There was cracked wood with rough edges located at the top of the shelf. *There was cracked laminate with exposed wood located at the base of the handwashing sink.”

AAC R9-5-401.1. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:1. A facility director is 21 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. At least 24 months of child care experience, a high school or high school equivalency diploma, and: i. Six credit hours or more in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university; or ii. At least 60 actual hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field, and an additional 12 hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in the area of program administration, planning, development, or management; b. At least 18 months of child care experience and: i. An N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential; or ii. At least 24 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; c. At least six months of child care experience and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or d. At least three months of child care experience and a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #4, the facility director, was not qualified as the facility director because the staff file lacked documentation of 60 hours of Early Childhood Education. The staff file lacked 58 hours of training.”

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 CO #1's observations, the following toilet rooms were not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition: **Preschool - Gray ring in toilet bowl; dirt build-up on exhaust vent **Pre-K - Gray, streak stains in 2 toilet bowls; dark build-up on the floor and caulking around the base of the toilet **School-Age - West restroom - rust colored buildup on the caulking at base of toilet and gray ring in toilet bowl *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

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 CO #1's observations, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition: **Infants - Food debris on the high chairs and trays **Toddler B - Heavy calcium buildup around the fixture at the diaper changing sink *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-501.A.13. A. A licensee shall ensure that:13. Toys and play equipment, required in this Article, are maintained: a. Free from hazards, and b. In a condition that allows the toy or play equipment to be used for the original purpose of the toy or play equipment;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, 3 wooden, children's chairs were unstable/wobbly in the Preschool room. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-509.C.18. C. A licensee shall ensure that:18. A staff member: a. Prepares a weekly menu at least one week in advance, b. Includes on the menu the specific foods to be served on each day, c. Dates each menu, d. Posts each menu at least one day before the first meal on the menu will be served, and e. Writes food substitutions on a posted menu no later than the morning of the day of meal service;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations and a review of facility documentation, the children in Toddler B were served biscuits, bananas, and milk for breakfast. The menu stated oatmeal, blueberries, and milk, but the substitution hadn't been written on the menu.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the following areas were not maintained free from hazards and accessible to enrolled children: **Discovery Preschool A - North window molding chipped exposing a sharp edge; corner molding missing creating a 1/2" gap from 2 corners on the north wall, exposing the drywall behind **Pre-K - protruding nail head and a 1/4" hole on the east wall **School-Age - Floor drain cap not secured to the floor in the east children's restroom, exposing the pipe beneath the floor *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of 6 staff files, the following staff lacked the minimum required 18 hours of annual training: **Staff #2 (DOE 02/06/2023) - Lacked 13 of 18 hours based on the review period 02/06/2023 - 02/06/2024 **Staff #3 (DOE 01/31/2021) - Lacked 10 of 18 hours based on the review period 01/31/2023 - 01/31/2024 **Staff #4 (DOE 07/21/2015) - Lacked 16 of 18 hours based on the review period 07/21/2022 - 07/21/2023 **Staff #5 (DOE 08/13/2020) - Lacked 16 of 18 hours based on the review period 08/13/2022 - 08/13/2023”

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 COs' observations and a review of facility documentation, the facility lacked documentation of a current Staffing Report per Enforcement agreement dated 07/25/2023. A report was not available for review. *Previous deficiency 06/13/2023”

AAC R9-5-404.B. B. A licensee shall:1. Determine and maintain the required staff-to-children ratio for each group of enrolled children based on the age of the youngest child in the group; 2. Allow a volunteer qualified as a director, teacher-caregiver, or an assistant-teacher caregiver to be counted as staff in staff-to-children ratios; and 3. Not allow a student-aide or an individual qualified as a teacher-caregiver-aide to be counted as staff in staff-to-children ratios.

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the ratio in the School-Age room with 4-year-olds was 1:17 with a required ratio of 2:17.”

AAC R9-5-504.3. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, the Toddler B room lacked balls and puzzles. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-512.F. 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; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 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; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 8. Plumbing fixtures are maintained in a clean and working condition; and 9. Chipped or cracked sinks and toilets are replaced or repaired.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, there was no toilet tissue in 2 of 2 School-Age restrooms, and there was food waste in an uncovered garbage can on the east playground. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-517.A.3. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall:3. Ensure that the motor vehicle is registered by the Arizona Department of Transportation as required by A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 7;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of facility documentation, a van used to transport enrolled children lacked documentation of current AZ registration. *Previous deficiency 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-503.F.2. F. A licensee shall ensure that in an activity area with a diaper changing area:2. A staff member: a. Documents each diaper change: i. For an infant, in the infant’s dated, daily, documentation required in R9-5-502(C)(1)(d); or ii. For an enrolled child who is not an infant, in a dated diaper changing log; b. Maintains the diaper changing log on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the diaper changing log; c. Empties clothing soiled with feces into a flush toilet without rinsing; d. Places an enrolled child’s clothing soiled by feces or urine in a plastic bag labeled with the enrolled child’s name, stores the clothing in a container used for this purpose, and sends the clothing home with the enrolled child’s parent; and e. Removes disposable diapers and disposable training pants from a diaper changing area as needed or at least twice every 24 hours to a waste receptacle outside the facility building.

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, in the Toddler A room, there were several bags of children's clothing in the soiled clothing bin that had not been returned to parents.”

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 CO #1's observations, in Discovery Preschool A, the paper towel dispenser at the diaper changing station was not operational. The paper towels were stuck inside and could not be pulled through the bottom slot.”

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 CO #1's observations, the following diaper changing areas were not seamless and smooth and/or clear of items: **Infants - 2 sets of keys and a marker on diaper changing surface **Toddler B - Diaper changing surface taped with duct tape at one end; caulking at wall/backsplash separating **Discovery Preschool A - Unsealed gaps around the perimeter of the sink; 2 Ipads, a clipboard, and a box of facial tissue on the low ledge next to the diaper changing surface *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.l. C. A licensee shall ensure that:1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: l. Obtains written, current, and dated dietary instructions from a parent or health care provider regarding the method of feeding and types of foods to be prepared or fed to an infant at the facility;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations and a review of facility documentation, 1 of 1 infant feeding instructions was not available for review. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.m. C. A licensee shall ensure that:1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: m. Posts the current written dietary instructions in the infant room and the kitchen and maintains the instructions on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the instructions; and

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations and a review of facility documentation, 1 of 1 infant feeding instructions was not posted in the kitchen.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.9. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:9. Does the following when a parent permits or asks a staff member to apply personal products on an enrolled child, such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sun screen or sun block preparations, toothpaste, and baby diapering preparations: a. Obtains the enrolled child’s personal products from the enrolled child’s parent or, if the licensee provides the personal products for use by the enrolled child, obtains written approval for use of the products from the enrolled child’s parent; b. Labels the personal products with the enrolled child’s name; and c. Keeps the personal products inaccessible to enrolled children;

“Findings: Based on CO #1's observations, children's personal products were not labeled with a child's name: **Infants - Wipes labeled with first names only **Toddler B - Wipes labeled with first names only; diaper ointment with no name **Discovery Preschool A - Wipes labeled with first name only or not labeled with a name; diaper ointment labeled with a first name only *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. If 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 Compliance Officers' (CO) observations and a review of 6 staff files, Staff #1 (DOE 10/23/2023) and Staff #2 (DOE02/06/2023) lacked documentation of affidavit submission to DCS to complete a background check. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

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 CO #2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the facility lacked documentation of fire drills conducted from January 2024 - May 2024. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-517.A.9. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall:9. Ensure that the motor vehicle has: a. A working mechanical heating system capable of maintaining a temperature throughout the motor vehicle of at least 60° F when outside air temperatures are below 60° F; b. Except as provided in subsection (E), a working air-conditioning system capable of maintaining a temperature throughout the motor vehicle at or below 86° F when outside air temperatures are above 86° F; c. Except as provided in subsection (F), a first aid kit that meets the requirements of R9-5-514(A); d. Two large, clean towels or blankets; and e. Sufficient drinking water available to meet the needs of each enrolled child in the motor vehicle and sufficient cups or other drinking receptacles so that each enrolled child can drink from a different cup or receptacle;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations, a van used to transport enrolled children, lacked 1 clean towel or blanket.”

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. A statement, signed by the enrolled child’s 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. A statement, signed by the enrolled child’s parent, that the enrolled child is being raised in a religion whose teachings are in opposition to immunization.

“Findings: Based on CO#2's observations and a review of facility documentation, 10 of 25 Emergency Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked immunizations or an exemption affidavit: **Child #3, Child #4, Child #7, Child #8, Child #11, Child #12, Child #13, Child #14, Child #15, Child #16 *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

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 CO #1's observations, on the east playground, there were 2-8" x 1/2" vertical gaps in the east block wall accessible to enrolled children. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-306.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a dated attendance form containing an enrolled child’s name with the time of each admission and release of the enrolled child. 1. Except as provided in subsection (A)(2), a licensee shall ensure that the attendance form is signed with at least a first initial of an individual’s first name and the individual’s last name by each enrolled child’s parent or individual designated by the enrolled child’s parent, each time the enrolled child is admitted or released. 2. An electronic fingerprint verification or an electronic signature may be used in place of a signature of the enrolled child’s parent or designated individual to admit or release the enrolled child. 3. If an electronic signature is used to admit or release the enrolled child, the licensee shall adopt policies and procedures to ensure that the individual whose signature the electronic or digital method of identification represents is accountable for the use of the electronic or digital method; 4. A licensee shall develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the identity of an individual is known to the staff member or is verified with picture identification before releasing an enrolled child to the individual. 5. A licensee shall not release the enrolled child to an individual other than the enrolled child’s parent or other individual designated in writing by the enrolled child’s parent except when the enrolled child’s parent is unable to collect the enrolled child and authorizes the licensee by telephone to release the enrolled child to an individual not so designated. a. The licensee shall verify the telephone authorization using a means of verification that has been agreed upon between the licensee and the enrolled child’s parent at the time of enrollment. b. The licensee shall document the means of verification in subsection (A)(5)(a) on the enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card. 6. A licensee shall not permit the self-admission or self-release of an enrolled child unless the enrolled child is of school age and the licensee has obtained and verified written permission from the enrolled child’s parent. 7. A licensee shall maintain the attendance form on facility premises for 12 months after the date of attendance.

“Findings: Based on CO#2's observations and a review of facility documentation, 9 of 20 children's attendance records reviewed lacked the following required information: **Child #1 - Departure time and signature on 06/12/2024 **Child #14 - Departure time and signature on 06/05/2024 **Child #16 - Arrival time on 06/17/2024 **Child #17 - Departure times and signatures on 06/10/2024, 06/12/2024, and 06/17/2024 **Child #18 - Arrival time and signature on 06/14/2024 **Child #19 - Arrival and departure signatures signed with a line on 06/04-2024 - 06/06/2024, 06/11/2024, and 06/12/2024 **Child #20 - Arrival and departure signatures signed with a line on 06/03-2024 - 06/07/2024, and 06/10/2024 - 06/12/2024 **Child #21 - Departure time and signature on 06/03/2024 **Child #22 - Departure signature on 06/12/2024 *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-309.B. B. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a licensee shall ensure that a licensed plumber or individual authorized by the local jurisdiction conducts a gas inspection that verifies there are no gas leaks in the gas pipes that run from the gas meter to any appliance or location on facility premises at least once every 12 months after the issue date of the license.

“Findings: Based on CO#2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the facility lacked documentation of a current violation-free gas inspection.”

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 CO #1's observations, unused outlets in the following areas lacked safety plugs or inserts: **Discovery Preschool A - South wall **Pre-K - South wall *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

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 CO#2's observations and a review of facility documentation, the facility lacked documentation of a current violation-free fire inspection. *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”

AAC R9-5-401.1. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:1. A facility director is 21 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. At least 24 months of child care experience, a high school or high school equivalency diploma, and: i. Six credit hours or more in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university; or ii. At least 60 actual hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field, and an additional 12 hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in the area of program administration, planning, development, or management; b. At least 18 months of child care experience and: i. An N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential; or ii. At least 24 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; c. At least six months of child care experience and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or d. At least three months of child care experience and a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations and a review of 6 staff files, Staff #1 (DOE 10/23/2023) was acting in the capacity of a Facility Director and lacked documentation of education and related college credits or 60 hours of training.”

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 CO #1's observations and a review of facility documentation, lesson plans in the Toddler B and Discovery Preschool A were not current. **Toddler B - Dated 06/03 - 06/14/2024 **Discovery Preschool A - Dated 05/13 - 05/17/2024 and 05/20 - 05/24/2024 *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023”

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 a Department-provided Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card that is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, city, state, zip code, home telephone number, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact 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 nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(9); 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 CO#2's observations and a review of facility documentation, 17 of 25 Emergency Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: **Child #1 - 2nd emergency contact same as parent/guardian **Child #2 - 2nd parent/guardian name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number; individual to contact in case of sudden injury/illness **Child #3, Child #8, Child #12, Child #24, Child #25, Child #27 - Date of enrollment **Child #4 - Date of enrollment; child's medical/dietary needs (page 2 blank); parent signature **Child #5 - 2nd parent/guardian name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number **Child #6 - Date of enrollment; 2nd parent/guardian name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number; health care provider's name and phone number; individual to contact in case of sudden injury/illness **Child #7 - 2nd parent home address, city, state, zip code **Child #9, Child #10 - 2nd parent/guardian name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number; health care provider phone number **Child #11 - Date of enrollment; 2nd parent/guardian name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number **Child #23 - EIIR card was incomplete on both pages except for a parent/guardian name and phone number **Child #26 - Date of enrollment; health care provider's name and phone number *Previous deficiency 06/28/2023 and 07/12/2022”