Kindercare Learning Center

AAC R9-5-603.G. G. A licensee shall provide a shaded area for each enrolled child occupying an outdoor activity area at any time of day.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the toddler playground lacked shade. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

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, it was determined that the fencing around the air conditioning unit on the toddler playground was rusted and beginning to deteriorate. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.8.9. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 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, it was determined that the toilet bowls in the 1's restroom, the 3's girls' restroom, and the 4’s boys' and girls' restrooms had a build-up of a brown substance. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

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, it was determined that the caulking was separating at the base of the toilets in the 4's boys' and girls' restroom, making the surface unsanitizable.”

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, it was determined that the boys' restroom in the 4’s classroom had a strong smell of urine. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 3. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled diapers; and 4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the container for soiled diapers lacked a liner in the 1's classroom, and the container for soiled clothing lacked a liner in the Infant B classroom. Additionally, in the 2's classroom, the container for soiled clothing was not in the diaper changing area. It was located on a shelf in the restroom. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 2. A hand-washing sink next to the diaper changing surface for staff use when changing diapers and for washing an enrolled child during or after diapering that provides: a. Running water between 86° F and 110° F, b. Soap from a dispenser, and c. Single-use paper hand towels from a dispenser;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the hand-washing sink was not next to the diaper changing surface in the 3's classroom. The Compliance Officer measured a distance of 6 feet between the two.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the infant feeding schedule was not posted in the kitchen.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 6. For enrolled children five-years or younger, and except as provided in subsection (C), prepares, posts, and implements a dated lesson plan in each indoor activity area for each calendar week, which is maintained on facility premises for 12 months after the lesson plan date and provides opportunities for each child to: a. Gain a positive self-concept; b. Develop and practice social skills; c. Think, reason, question, and experiment; d. Acquire language skills; e. Develop physical coordination skills; f. Participate in structured large muscle physical activity; g. Develop habits that meet health, safety, and nutritional needs; h. Express creativity; i. Learn to respect cultural diversity of children and staff; j. Learn self-help skills; and k. Develop a sense of responsibility and independence;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the lesson plan was not dated in the 2's and 3's classroom. Additionally, there was no lesson plan posted in the Pre-K classroom. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-501.B.5. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 5. For enrolled children 12-months and older, except as provided in subsection (C), prepares, posts, and implements in each indoor activity area, a current schedule of children’s age-appropriate activities, including the times the following are provided: a. Meals and snacks; b. Naps; c. Indoor activities; d. If weather and air quality permit, outdoor or large muscle development activities; e. Quiet and active activities; f. Teacher-directed activities; g. Self-directed activities; h. Activities for individuals, groups of five or fewer children, and groups of six or more children; and i. Activities that develop small muscles;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that a schedule was not posted in the toddler classroom.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.17. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 17. Each enrolled child’s pacifier is labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child and maintained in a clean condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that 6 pacifiers lacked an identifier in the Infant A classroom. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

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

AAC R9-5-514. C. C. A licensee shall: 1. Prepare and date a written fire and emergency plan that contains: a. The location of the first aid kit; b. The names of staff members who have adult and pediatric first aid and CPR certification, as required by R9-5-403(E); c. The directions for: i. Initiating verbal notification of an enrolled child’s parent by telephone or other equally expeditious means within 30 minutes of a fire or emergency; and ii. Providing written notification to the enrolled child’s parent within 24 hours; and d. The facility’s street address and the emergency telephone numbers for the local fire department, police department, ambulance service, and poison control center; e. The procedures for evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place and lockdown, staff and volunteer emergency preparedness training and practice drills, communication and reunification with families, continuity of operations, and accommodation of infants, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions, as specified in R9-5-301; 2. Maintain the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in a location on facility premises that has an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the facility with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone service; 3. Post the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in any indoor activity area that does not have an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the indoor activity area with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone services; and 4. Update the plan in subsection (C)(1) every 12 months after the date of initial preparation of the plan or when any information changes.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the written fire and emergency plan posted in the Infant A classroom, 2A classroom, and the 4's classroom was last updated on 3/27/2023. Previously cited at the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/18/2024.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's, review of facility documentation and information provided by the staff at the time of the inspection, it was determined that the staff-to-children ratios were not maintained at all times on 6/24/2025. The staff stated the following: "Staff called out sick and one staff was running late." "One staff member stepped out to use the restroom leaving me alone and out of ratio." "There were moments on 6/24 when we were out of ratio." *This was previously cited at the time of the Complaint investigation conducted on 5/20/2025.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Per allegation findings for Case # 00131239: Based on the Compliance Officer's, review of facility documentation and information provided by the staff at the time of the inspection, it was determined that the staff-to-children ratios are not maintained at all times. The staff stated the following: "I was out of ratio in my classroom." "Three staff called out the same day and we were out of ratio for a few minutes." "There are moments we are out of ratio." Upon review of the rosters, it was determined that on: 5/7/2025 the ratio in the infant classroom at 8:49 am was 2:12 instead of the required ratio of 3:12. 5/19/2025 the ratio in the 1;s classroom at 9:25 am was 2:14 instead of the required ratio of 3:14.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 3. Abusive language;

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, interview of facility staff and review of facility documentation it was determined that a staff member was heard cussing in front of children. Staff stated the following: "She always did not talk appropriately to the kids." "I have heard her cuss in front of parents and kids." "She was stern and kind of mean with the kids."”

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

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, interview of facility staff, and review of facility documentation it was determined that a staff member used a method of discipline that caused harm to the health, safety, and welfare of an enrolled child when a staff member grabbed and pulled a child by their hand. Staff stated the following: "She yanked the child's hand." "I have seen her yank kids in the past." "She grabbed a child and pulled the child's hand. It was quite strong."”

AAC R9-5-603.H. H. A licensee shall provide a shaded area for each enrolled child occupying an outdoor activity area at any time of day.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the toddler playground lacked shade.”

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, it was determined that the fencing around the air conditioning unit on the toddler playground was rusted and beginning to deteriorate. Additionally, the fencing between the 2's and 4's playground was rusted, deteriorating and detaching at the base.”

AAC R9-5-514. C. C. A licensee shall:1. Prepare and date a written fire and emergency plan that contains: a. The location of the first aid kit; b. The names of staff members who have the first aid training required by R9-5-403(E); c. The names of staff members who have the CPR training required by R9-5-403(E); d. The directions for: i. Initiating verbal notification of an enrolled child’s parent by telephone or other equally expeditious means within 30 minutes of a fire or emergency; and ii. Providing written notification to the enrolled child’s parent within 24 hours; and e. The facility’s street address and the emergency telephone numbers for the local fire department, police department, ambulance service, and poison control center; 2. Maintain the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in a location on facility premises that has an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the facility with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone service; 3. Post the plan required in subsection (C)(1) in any indoor activity area that does not have an operable telephone service or two-way voice communication system that connects the indoor activity area with an individual who has direct access to an in-and-out operable telephone services; and 4. Update the plan in subsection (C)(1) every 12 months after the date of initial preparation of the plan or when any information changes.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the written fire and emergency plan posted in the Infant A classroom, 2A classroom and the 4's classroom was last updated on 3/27/2023.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the toilet bowls in the 4’s boys' and girls' restroom had a build-up of a brown substance.”

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, it was determined that the boys' restroom in the 4’s classroom had a strong smell of urine.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the diaper changing area in the Infant A classroom and the 3’s classroom lacked a container for soiled clothing. Additionally, the container for soiled clothing lacked a liner and a tight fitting lid in the 2B classroom.”

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, it was determined that the exhaust fan was not operable in the boys restroom in the 4’s classroom.”

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, it was determined that the caulking was cracked along the edges of the diaper handwashing sink in the 2A classroom and the 2B classroom making it unsanitizable. Additionally there was a white plastic scoop and a yellow plastic plate next to the diaper handwashing sink in the 2B classroom.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the lesson plans were not dated in all the classrooms.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that:18. Each enrolled child’s pacifier is labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child and maintained in a clean condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that 3 pacifiers lacked an identifier in the Infant A classroom”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and review of facility documentation, it was determined that Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5 and Child #6 lacked immunization records ( 20 children files were reviewed).”

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, it was determined that there was a black fan in the Infant B classroom that was not mounted.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, the staff-to-child ratio in the Pre-k room was 1:18 with 4-year-old children present. A second staff member was needed to maintain the required ratio of 2:18.”

AAC R9-5-511.A. A. A licensee shall provide each enrolled child who naps or sleeps at the facility with a separate cot or mat or a crib that meets the requirements of R9-5-502(A)(8) and ensure that:1. A cot, mat, or crib used by the enrolled child accommodates the enrolled child’s height and weight; 2. A staff member covers each cot, crib mattress, or mat with a clean sheet that is laundered when soiled, or at least once every seven days and before use by a different enrolled child; 3. A clean blanket or sheet is available for each enrolled child; 4. A rug, carpet, blanket, or towel is not used as a mat; and 5. Each cot, mat, or crib is maintained in a clean and repaired condition.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, a child was sleeping on a cot without a sheet in the Preschool room.”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that:3. When 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 a staff interview and Compliance Officer #2's observation, a 12-month-old child, who was walking, was placed in Infant A for supervision when 88 children were present at the facility.”

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 Officers' observations, items not related to diaper changing such as a broom and shoes were on the diapering surface in Toddler B. In Infant room A, a washcloth was placed over the faucet of the diapering changing hand washing sink.”