L.E.S.D.#25 - Estrella Mountain Elementary School

AAC R9-5-742.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, there was peeling paint with exposed rust located at the base of the Northeast fence (behind the large climber). There were 9-inch gaps located at the base of Northeat fence. *Previously cited: 4/23/2025 and 4/24/2024”

AAC R9-5-725.A. A. Within 10 calendar days of the starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall provide, and each staff member who provides child care services shall complete, training for new staff members that includes all of the following: 1. Facility philosophy and goals; 2. Names and ages of and developmental expectations for enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 3. Health needs, nutritional requirements, any known allergies, and information about adaptive devices of enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 4. Lesson plans; 5. Child guidance and methods of positive discipline, including separation; 6. Hand washing techniques; 7. Food preparation, service, sanitation, and storage, if assigned to food preparation; 8. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; 9. Child abuse or neglect detection, prevention, and reporting; 10. Accident and emergency procedures; 11. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1 and this Chapter; 12. Sun safety policies and procedures; 13. Safety in outdoor activity areas; 14. Transportation procedures, if applicable; 15. Field trip procedures, if applicable; and 16. Prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma and child maltreatment.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff#1's (DOE 8/19/2025) file lacked documentation of the completed 10-day training.”

AAC R9-5-721.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, the facility lacked documentation of repairs or corrections for violations listed on the fire inspection (2/23/2026).”

AAC R9-5-705.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, Staff #1 (DOE 4/18/2019) and Staff #2's (DOE 8/19/2025) files lacked documentation that DPS was contacted to determine whether the fingerprint clearance card was valid.”

AAC R9-5-705.C. C. Except as provided in A.R.S. § 41-1758.03, a licensee shall ensure that each staff member, before starting date of employment or volunteer service, submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card, front and back, issued under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff #1 (DOE 4/18/2019) and Staff #2's (DOE 8/19/2025) files lacked a copy of the back of the fingerprint clearance card.”

AAC R9-5-705.G. G. As 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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff #2's (DOE 8/19/2025) file lacked documentation of the submission of the DCS Central Registry.”

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 CO’s observation, in the outdoor activity area, there was an 8” gap located at the base of the Northwest fence behind the Gaga Ball pit. There was peeling paint with exposed rust located on the Northeast fence. *Previously cited: 4/24/2024”

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 CO’s observation, in the outdoor activity area, the receptacle that contained food waste lacked a lid.”

AAC R9-5-516.G. G. A licensee shall return all unused prescription and nonprescription medications to a parent when the medication prescription date has expired or the medication is no longer being administered to the enrolled child or dispose of the medication if unable to locate the enrolled child's parent after the child's disenrollment

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO’s observation, Child #1’s medication expired on 11/2021 and was not disposed or returned to the child’s parent.”

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 CO’s observation, Staff #1’s fingerprint clearance card expired on 4/15/2025. The renewed fingerprint clearance card was issued on 4/17/2025.”

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 facility documentation and the CO’s observation, Staff #1 (DOE 4/12/2019) lacked 14 hours of the required 18 of hours of training for the period 4/12/2024 to 4/12/2025. Staff #2 (DOE 4/18/2019) lacked 6.5 of the required 18 hours of training for the period 4/18/2024 to 4/18/2025.”

AAC R9-5-301.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member submits, on or before the starting date of employment or volunteer services, one of the following as evidence of freedom from infectious active tuberculosis: 1. Documentation of a negative Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered within 12 months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service, that includes the date and the type of tuberculosis screening test; or 2. If the staff member has had a positive Mantoux skin test or other tuberculosis screening test, a written statement that the staff member is free from infectious active tuberculosis that is signed and dated by a health care provider within six months before the starting date of employment or volunteer service.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, the TB skin test for Staff #1 and Staff #2 was not administered before the starting date of employment. *Staff #1: Start Date: 08/03/2023, TB test: 08/05/2023 *Staff #2: Start Date: 01/30/2024, TB test: 02/02/2024 *Previously cited:”

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 facility documentation and the CO's observation, the facility lacked documentation of a fire drill conducted in March 2024.”

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 facility documentation and the CO's observation, 4 out of 10 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following information: Child #1: The name and contact telephone number of the child's health care provider and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. Child #2: The name, home address, city, state, zip code and contact telephone of each parent of the child. Child #3: The name and contact telephone number of 1 of 2 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. Child #4: The name, home address, city, state, zip code and contact telephone of each parent of the child and the name and contact telephone number of 1 of 2 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.”

AAC R9-5-305.B. B. A licensee shall attach an enrolled child’s written immunization record or exemption affidavit, required in subsection(A), to the enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card, required in R9-5 304(B).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, 4 out of 10 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards lacked an attached written immunization record.”

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 CO's observation, the facility lacked documentation of current violation free fire inspection (last inspection: 02/02/2022). *Repeat deficiency: 04/27/2023”

ARS § 36-883.02.A. A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, child care personnel, including volunteers, shall submit the form prescribed in subsection C of this section to the employer and shall have valid fingerprint clearance cards issued pursuant to section 41-1758.07 before starting employment or volunteer work.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, Staff #1 and Staff #2 lacked a valid fingerprint clearance card prior to their starting date of employment: *Staff #1: Start Date: 08/03/2023, application received by DPS: 08/11/2023, Card Issued: 08/18/2023 *Staff #2: Start Date: 01/30/2024, application received by DPS: 09/23/2023, Card Issued: 04/11/2024”

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 CO's observation, on the Playground, there was peeling paint with exposed rust located at the base of the Northeast fence. There was an exposed concrete footing located on the fence post in the Northeast corner. There was a 9-inch and a 10-inch gap from the base of the fence to the ground behind the Gaga ball pit.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.6. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 6. If an activity in the lesson plan required in subsection (C)(5) includes screen time, include in the lesson plan the duration of the screen time in minutes;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, in Room 308, the lesson plan lacked documentation of screen time in minutes. The CO observed children watching a movie.”

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 facility documentation and the CO's observation, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children were placed at risk of harm. The licensee allowed two staff members to start work prior to having a valid fingerprint clearance card. They licensee did not maintain the required staffing report pertaining to fingerprint clearance cards. *Previously sighted: 04/27/2023”

AAC R9-5-203.C. C. Except as provided in A.R.S. § 41-1758.03, a licensee shall ensure that each staff member, before starting date of employment or volunteer service, submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card,front and back, issued under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 12, Article 3.1.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's (CO's) observation, the file for Staff #2 lacked a copy of the back of the fingerprint clearance card.”