Little Branches Learning Center

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

“It was confirmed during visits to the program that staff have used nicotine vapes on property while children are in care. On at least one occasion a staff person vaped while seated on the floor within three (3) feet of an infant. As confirmed by the Program Director on 02/18/2026 and re-affirmed on 02/24/2026, vaping is no longer occurring on property. Corrective Action: Continue to review and train staff on the state laws, relevant regulations, and program policies that require all areas of the facility, either inside or outside, are required to be free of vaping or smoking. Send an email to elaine.crawford@vermont.gov that includes the additional education materials regarding the risks of secondhand smoke reviewed with staff and what signage is posted in program space reiterating vaping or smoking is not allowed. Also include what reporting requirements have been put in place for staff if they see vaping or smoking occurring on property. Status: Appeal Period.”

Regulation 6.2.7.2: Staff's expectations of children's behavior and responses to children's behavior shall be appropriate to each child's level of development and understanding. Guidance shall be designed to meet the individual needs of each child.

“Most interviewed staff reported that Staff D has responded to one-year-old children's behaviors with a loud, startling voice and short phrases like "No!", "Stop that!", and "Move out of the way!" Staff B reported that staff D told one-year-old children that they could not have their water cups because they were letting the water drip back out of their mouths. Staff A and B stated that Staff D has pushed a preschool-aged child off of their lap and blown in prechool children's faces when children ask Staff D a question more than one time. Corrective Action: Immediately develop and implement a safety plan which addresses Staff D's inappropriate responses to children's behavior. The plan shall include an assigned mentor for Staff D who will provide oversight and guidance during all times when Staff D is working with or near children. The plan shall also include how the mentor will give in the moment guidance and a schedule for weekly meetings will occur between the Mentor and Mentee and Director to discuss progress and needs for improvement. Lastly, the plan shall include identified trainings that will be assigned to Staff D, the names and dates of those trainings, and how the information from those trainings will be reviewed with Staff D and assessed as Staff D implements the learning in the classrooms through ongoing practice. How will progress be measured? What will minimum requirements be for Staff D to move forward in their position? Provide a comprehensive timeline and detailed steps that Staff D will be expected to complete and the Director and Mentor will be expected to monitor and respond to appropriately over the time line of the plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Dec 30, 2025

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

“All interviewed staff reported that cleaning staff, Vincent Brisson, is on site several days per week between the hours of 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, while the program is still operating and staff and children are still present. Most staff reported that Vincent Brisson is almost always in the kitchen prior to 5:00 PM. The kitchen has direct physical access to the Oaks/Summer Group classroom by way of a swinging door, and direct visual access to the Oaks/Summer Group classroom through the large window in the door. The Oaks/ Summer Group consists of preschool and school-aged children and multiple staff. Most interviewed staff reported that the kitchen is sometimes used by the program for cooking projects with the children, and that staff are expected to bring their classroom dishes into the kitchen between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Staff A reported that Vincent made inappropriate and alarming comments to them about an individual standing over his bed with a knife. Staff B reported an incident during the first week of their work at the program. Staff B had not yet been made aware that other staff do not enter the kitchen alone when Vincent is present. When Staff B did enter the kitchen alone, they found Vincent standing in the kitchen holding his phone. Staff B walked past Vincent to place the dishes on the counter and heard Vincent say something like, "Wow! I'm glad my camera works today." Staff B immediately turned around to see Vincent pointing his phone at their body. When Staff B asked what Vincent said, he replied that he wasn't doing anything and set his phone down onthe counter. Staff B left the kitchen and now refuses to enter the kitchen on days when Vincent is scheduled to clean. Staff C stated that many staff have reported that Vincent makes them feel uncomfortable and it is known that no one goes into the kitchen by themselves when Vincent is present. Staff C also reported that they know Vincent is not supposed to be in the kitchen or the program while staff and children are present bacause he had previously been caught handing marshmallows to children through the kitchen door when staff were not looking. Staff D reported that Vincent frequently stomps around the building and slams doors as though he is angry. Vincent Brisson is not on the program associated parties list and has not completed a fingerprint supported background clearance. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have the Director ensure that Vincent Brisson is not on the premises of 36 Elm Street, Woodstock, Vermont at any time during operating hours and/or when staff and/or children are present at the program. Immediately plan to have the Director send a written and signed statement that confirms that they will ensure that Vincent Brisson is not on the premises of 36 Elm Street, Woodstock, Vermont during the hours of program operation and/or any time when staff and/or children are present moving forward. Develop a system that ensures all staff are informed that Vincent Brisson is not permitted on the premises of 36 Elm Street, Woodstock, Vermont while staff and/or children are present. Develop a safety plan for steps that will be must be taken if any staff or parent confirms that Vincent Brisson is on site during these times. Include details of who shall be notified of this presence, how children and staff shall be removed from areas that allow physical or visual access by Vincent Brisson, and how the Director or person in charge will ensure that Vincent Brisson leaves the premises as required.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 30, 2025

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“Staff A, who was working with children the day of the visit had not completed Orientation as required by this rule. Staff A has been employed since 7/1/2024. Corrective Action: Since the licensing visit, Staff A completed the Orientation training. Identify the system the program will use to track that all staff required to complete Orientation do so within one (1) month of their hire date.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 6, 2025

Regulation 7.1.2.2: Staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and in infant and child CPR within three (3) months of beginning work in the CBCCPP and remain currently certified.

“Staff A, who has been employed since 7/1/24 and was observed working in the program the day of the visit had not completed CPR and First Aid certification as required by this rule. Corrective Action: Since the licensing visit, Staff A has completed the CPR and First Aid certification. Identify the system the program will use to ensure staff obtain CPR and First Aid within three (3) months and ensure that all staff obtain their recertification prior to the expiration date.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 8, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.8: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 18 V.S.A. Chapter 38 Vermont Lead Law and shall ensure that Essential Maintenance Practices (EMP) is performed. This includes but is not limited to protecting children from peeling or chipping paint, and dust build up from the friction of moving doors or windows.

“Upon consultation with Vermont Department of Health, it was confirmed the program is not in compliance with this rule. Corrective Action: Ensure the annual lead inspection is completed and filed with the Vermont Department of Health. Inform Licensing Supervisor Sheldrick-Humphries what the system will be moving forward to ensure this annual requirement is met.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 8, 2025