Little Rascals Learning Center #2

AAC R9-5-509.C.17. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 17. 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 the Compliance Officer’s observations, the posted menu lacked the specific type/flavor of cheese slices and yogurt to be served to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-504.A.9.c. A. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall: 9. Ensure that: c. If a child is fed with a bottle, a staff member complies with the requirements in R9-5-502(C)(3); and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 1s room, there was a child sleeping with a bottle on their mat.”

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, on the playground there was a drain spout with sharp edges on the East wall, accessible to enrolled children.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Infant room, the staff-to-child ratio was 1:9, and a required ratio of 2:9.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observations, the health, safety and welfare of enrolled children was placed as risk of harm. In the 4/5s room, 7 children's heads were covered with a blanket during naptime. In the 1s room, 1 child's head was covered during naptime.”

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 observations, in the Infant room, 1 of 2 pacifiers lacked an identifier specific to an enrolled child.”

AAC R9-5-306.A. A. A licensee shall: 1. Maintain a dated attendance form containing an enrolled child’s name with the time of each admission and release, and the parent or staff member's signature or other unique identifier. 2. If an electronic signature is used to admit or release the enrolled child, 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; 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Maintain the attendance form on facility premises for 12 months after the date of attendance.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, it was determined that 4 out of 10 enrolled children's attendance forms reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1: Release signature on 1/15/2026. Child #2: Arrival time and signature in the afternoon on 1/23/2026. Child #3: Arrival signature in the afternoon on 1/22/2026. Child #4: Arrival times on 1/20, 1/21, 1/22, and 1/23/2026, release signature on 1/23/2026, and an arrival signature on 1/27/2026.”

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. Follows the current written dietary instructions of a parent when feeding the infant;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation, the Compliance Officer's observations and staff statement, the written feeding instructions for Child #5, Child #6, and Child #7 were not current. Staff stated they eat things that were not listed on the plans.”

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, in the 2/3s toilet room, 1 of 2 toilets was inoperable.”

AAC R9-5-511.C. C. A licensee shall provide an unobstructed passageway at least 18 inches wide between each row of cots or mats to allow a staff member access to each enrolled child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the 2/3s room, there were 8 children sleeping on mats located 1 - 2 inches apart, rather than at least 18 inches between each row of mats to allow a staff member access to enrolled children. In the 4/5s room, there were 12 children sleeping on mats located 4 - 6 inches apart, rather than at least 18 inches between each row of mats to allow a staff member access to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-511.A.1.2.3.4.5. 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, 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; 5. Each cot, mat, or crib is maintained in a clean and repaired condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, one crib was missing the back wheel and the crib was unsteady.”

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 observations, the diaper changing area in the 1's room was not clear of unrelated items. There was one green and one yellow plastic puzzle piece on the right side of the diapering sink, and a box of Kleenex on the left side of the diapering sink.”

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 observations, the water temperature in the following diaper changing sinks measured below 86 degrees F, rather than between 86 - 110 degrees F as required: 1s room: 76 degrees F. 2/3s room: 79.3 degrees F.”

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 CO's observation, in the 3's classroom, the fire extinguisher was not serviced every 12 months (Service Tag expired 08/2024).”

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 Younger playground, there was peeling paint located at the base of the brick wall near the 1's classroom door.”

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 2's toilet room, the taller toilet could not flush. On the Older and Younger playgrounds, the receptacle used for food waste lacked a lid.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.23. C. A licensee shall ensure that:23. A freezer at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 0° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the freezer at all times; and

“Findings: Based on the CO's observation, the Infant room freezer lacked a thermometer.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.22. C. A licensee shall ensure that:22. A refrigerator at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 41° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the refrigerator at all times;

“Findings: Based on the CO's observation, the Infant room refrigerator lacked a thermometer.”

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 CO's observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *In the 2's toilet room, there was a 10"x4" patch of peeling paint with exposed drywall located next to the toilet. *In the 2's and 4's toilet rooms, there were protruding screws located at the base of the toilet. *In the 1's classroom, there was peeling vinyl with exposed fabric on the children's couch located near the blocks.”

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 the CO's observation, the ratio in the Infant room was 1:6 instead of 2:6 as required for Infants.”

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 a violation-free fire inspection report (last fire inspection report dated 10/23/2023).”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the CO's observation, the roster in the following classrooms did not reflect the number of children present: *1's classroom: 3 children present and 4 listed on the roster *2's classroom: 7 children present and 6 listed on the roster”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's (CO's) observation, 2 out of 12 attendance forms reviewed lacked the following information: *Child #1 and Child #2: The admission time and signature for 01/27/2025, 01/28/2025, and 01/29/2025.”

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 CO's observations, in the 1's and the 2's classrooms, there were two small holes located on the diaper changing surface preventing it from being seamless.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. All designated exits, corridors, and passageways that provide escape from the building are unobstructed and unlocked during hours of operation;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, an occupied nap mat obstructed the designated exit in the 2-3 year old room that leads to the playground.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's review of the roster and a discussion with the Preschool room staff, 14 children were present in the room but the roster listed the names of only 13 children as present. The staff acknowledged that she had forgotten to mark a child who had arrived later that morning after the attendance had already been recorded.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation and a discussion with the Director, the following ratios were observed: 1) One year old room- a ratio of 0:6. The staff (the Director) was observed in front office and the staff stated she was retrieving an item; and 2) 2-3 year old room- a ratio of 0:7. The staff was observed walking down the hallway from the foyer and re-entering the room as the Compliance Officer arrived.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.1. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 1. Supervises each enrolled child at all times;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and a discussion with the staff, the children in the one year old room and in the two & three year old room were not being supervised when the teachers in these 2 rooms left the classrooms and no other staff were in the rooms during that time.”

AAC R9-5-511.C. C. A licensee shall provide an unobstructed passageway at least 18 inches wide between each row of cots or mats to allow a staff member access to each enrolled child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, occupied children's nap mats were obstructed in the following rooms: *1 year old room- a nap mat was obstructed by another child's mat; *Preschool room- 3 nap mats were obstructed by another child's mat; and *2 & 3 year old room- a nap mat had been obstructed by furniture, 2 large pillows and a pile of laundry.”

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 the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations and a review of the van’s AZ MVD registration form indicated that the registration had expired in 9/2023. During the inspection, the Director contacted the Owner and the Owner confirmed that the registration had not been renewed and was expired.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:4. Except as provided in subsection (5), when providing child care services for infants or children who require diapering, a diaper changing area that meets the requirements in R9-5-503 is available in each infant room or indoor activity area used by an enrolled infant or child who wears diapers or disposable training pants;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations, 2, two-year-old children who the Director acknowledged were in pull-ups were observed in the Preschool room. The Preschool room does not have an approved diapering area.”

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 and the Director's observations, the exhaust fan was not operating in the Preschool room bathroom.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. All designated exits, corridors, and passageways that provide escape from the building are unobstructed and unlocked during hours of operation;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations, the designated exit in the infant room that leads to the rear side of the playground was obstructed by a crib and a bouncer chair. **Note: This rule was also cited at the time of the February 2023 compliance inspection.”

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 the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations and on a discussion with Staff #2, a ratio of 0:4 was observed in the Preschool room. When the Compliance Officer arrived at the facility the preschool room teacher (Staff #2) was observed in the lobby area speaking with the Director and there was not a staff in the Preschool room. *Note: This rule was also cited at the time of the February 2023 compliance inspection.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.1. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 1. Provide a wall-enclosed room for infants that provides exits required by R9-5-601(1);

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations, the top half of the Infant room's Dutch door was left open. *Note: This rule was also cited at the time of the February 2023 compliance inspection.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation and on a discussion with Staff #2, 3 children were listed as present on the preschool room roster, but only 2 children were present in the room at the time. The staff stated the 3rd child had left earlier in the morning to go to school and had not been marked off the roster.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.5.b. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall:5. Develop, document, and implement tummy time policies and procedures that: b. Ensure a staff member who is supervising a non-crawling infant while the infant is flat on their stomach and on the floor: i. Is within reach of the infant; ii. Does not perform any other duties while supervising the infant; iii. Does not allow the use of pillows, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft products in the same floor space as the infant; and iv. Does not allow any product specified in subsection (A)(5)(b)(iii) to be within reach of the infant;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's discussion with the Infant room staff regarding where tummy time takes place, the Infant room staff acknowledged that she sometimes uses the soft, vinyl, pliable cushion mat area for tummy time for noncrawling infants. The Director stated that this mat was intended for crawling infants to use for large muscle development and was not intended for use for tummy time. **Note: This rule was also cited at the time of the February 2023 compliance inspection.”

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 the Compliance Officer's and the Director's observations and a discussion with the infant room staff, the infant feeding instructions for 7 of the enrolled infants that were posted in the infant room and that the staff stated were now eating food, were not updated and lacked the following required informing: 1) The forms for Children #1, #3, #5 and #7- The back of the feeding instruction forms that list the foods that the infants have tried was blank and had not been filled out. The type of foods to be fed, the quantity of food and the frequency of the feedings were also not filled out. 2) The dates on the forms for Children # 5, #6 and #7 indicated that they had not been updated in 5 months, 5 months and 7 months, respectively; and 3) The forms for Children #2, #4 and #6-The type of foods to be fed, the quantity of food and the frequency of the feedings were also not filled out. **Note: This rule was also cited at the time of the February 2022 and February 2023 compliance inspections.”