Montessori Academy

AAC R9-5-604.B.5. B. A licensee that uses a private pool for an enrolled child shall ensure that the swimming pool and its equipment meet the following requirements: 5. A licensee shall create a written swimming pool log at the swimming pool site while enrolled children are using the swimming pool that includes results of tests required in subsection (B)(4) and maintain the written swimming pool log on facility premises for three months after the last date the swimming pool water was tested and documented.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and staff statement, the licensee lacked documentation of a written swimming pool log. Staff stated children use the pool in June and July.”

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 Officers' observations, 19 children's attendance forms lacked the following information: *Child #1, Child #7, and Child #9: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026; *Child #14 and Child #18: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.02.2026; *Child #11 and Child #12: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026 and 06.02.2026; *Child #10: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026 and 06.04.2026; *Child #4: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026 and 06.05.2026; *Child #17: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.02.2026 and 06.04.2026; *Child #15: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.02.2026 and 06.05.2026; *Child #2: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026 and 06.08.2026; *Child #3: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026, 06.02.2026, and 06.04.2026; *Child #8: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026, 06.05.2026, and 06.10.2026; *Child #13: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.02.2026, 06.09.2026, and 06.11.2026; *Child #16: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.02.2026, 06.04.2026, and 06.11.2026; *Child #19: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.05.2026, 06.09.2026, and 06.10.2026; and *Child #5 and Child #6: A release signature or unique identifier for 06.01.2026, 06.02.2026, 06.04.2026, and 06.05.2026.”

AAC R9-5-301.I. I. At least once a month, and at different times of the day, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. An unannounced practice drill that includes evacuation, relocation, shelter-in place, and lock downs are conducted; 2. Each staff member, volunteer, and enrolled child at the facility participates in the practice drill; 3. If applicable, accommodations are made for an enrolled child with a special need or disability according to the enrolled child's individualized plan as specified in R9-5-507(A)(1); 4. If applicable, accommodations are made for an enrolled child or infant who is not yet walking; and 5. Document each practice drill and maintain the documentation on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the practice drill.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensee lacked documentation of fire evacuation drills for June 2025, July 2025, August 2025, September 2025, October 2025, November 2025, December 2025, January 2026, February 2026, and April 2026.”

AAC R9-5-203.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 Officers' observations, Staff #1's (DOE: 06.02.2026) file lacked documentation of the Central Registry background check results.”

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 Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed: Early Elementary Playground (3-6s): *7' of exposed concrete footing; *There was an 8.25" horizontal open space between the fence and the ground; *Algae buildup that created a slippery surface; and *There was a bougainvillea plant with thorns growing over the wall, accessible to children. On the Toddler Playground (2-3s), there was rotted wood with sharp edges at the bottom of the Toddler House building.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.4. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 4. A staff member: a. Administers a prescription medication provided by a parent only from a container dispensed by a pharmacy; b. Administers a nonprescription medication provided by a parent for an enrolled child only from a container prepackaged and labeled for use by the manufacturer and labeled with the enrolled child’s name; c. Does not administer any medication that has been transferred from one container to another; and d. Does not administer a nonprescription medication to an enrolled child inconsistent with the instructions on the nonprescription medication’s label, unless the facility receives written authorization from the enrolled child’s health care provider.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, Child #20's medication was not in the original container dispensed by the pharmacy., and only 1/2 of the medication was present.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.3. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 3. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, does not administer a medication to an enrolled child unless the facility receives written authorization signed by the enrolled child’s parent or health care provider that includes the: a. Name of the enrolled child; b. Type of the medication; c. Prescription number, if any; d. Instructions for administration specifying the: i. Dosage and route of administration; ii. If indicated, starting and ending dates of the dosage period; and iii. Times and frequency of administration; e. Reason for the medication; and f. Date of authorization; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Child #17 and Child #20 lacked a written medication authorization form.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.1. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, is responsible for the administration of all medications in the facility, including storing, supervising an enrolled child’s ingestion of a medication, and documenting all medications administered to an enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers’ observations, the facility lacked a staff member designated in writing who is responsible for administering medication.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.7. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in Room 18 (2-3s) toilet room, there was storage of electrical cords and plastic bags.”

AAC R9-5-503.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (C) states that an enrolled child’s diaper is changed as soon as it is soiled, and that a staff member, when diapering: 1. Uses a separate washcloth and towel only once for each enrolled child; 2. Washes and dries the enrolled child using the enrolled child’s individual personal products labeled with the enrolled child’s name; 3. Uses single-use non-porous gloves; 4. Washes the staff member’s own hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F before and after each diaper change; 5. Washes each enrolled child’s hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F after each diaper change; 6. Cleans, sanitizes, and dries the diaper changing surface following each diaper change; and 7. Uses single-use paper towels from a dispenser to dry the diaper changing surface or the hands of the enrolled child or staff member.

“Findings: Based on staff statement and the Compliance Officers' observations, in Room 18 (2-3s), the diaper-changing area lacked bleach and soapy water to clean and sanitize the diaper-changing surface after each diaper change. Staff stated that they go into the toilet room to use disinfectant on the table.”

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 Officers' observations and staff statement, on the Toddler Playground (2-3s), there was a portable splash pad that pooled water. Staff stated the children use the splash pad on water days.”

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 Officers' observations, in Room 18 (2-3s), there was a cracked outlet cover with sharp edges. In Room 1 (3-6s) toilet room, the right toilet was loose and wobbled easily when light pressure was applied.”

AAC R9-5-308.A. A. A licensee shall secure and maintain the following minimum insurance coverage: 1. General facility liability insurance of at least $300,000; and 2. Motor vehicle insurance coverage, required by A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 9, Article 4, for each motor vehicle provided by a licensee to transport enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensee had a waiver of liability included in the enrollment packet, the field trip forms, and the swimming permission forms that parents had signed.”

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 Officers' observations, Staff #2 (DOE: 03.30.2026) and Staff #3 (DOE: 11.03.2025) submitted the Central Registry background check after their starting date of employment. Staff #2 and Staff #3 submitted to the Central Registry on 06.10.2026.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. 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 Officers' observations, the Early Elementary Playground (3-6s) lacked the following required resilient surfacing: *5" of the required 6" of sand in the fall zones of the yellow climber and the big yellow slide; *4" of the required 6" of sand in the fall zones of the yellow spiral climber and the small yellow slide; *2" of the required 6" of sand in the fall zones of the dome climber and yellow ladder; and *1" of the required 6" of sand in the fall zone of the swings.”

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, in Room 2, there were 1/8" to 1/4" gaps in the engineered wood laminate in multiple areas on the floor, exposing raw wood. (There was debris in some of the gaps.)”

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 Officers' observations, the facility lacked documentation of a current fire inspection. The most recent fire inspection expired 12/27/2024.”

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 Officers' observations, 8 of 8 reviewed child attendance forms lacked the following required information: Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3: An arrival and release time from 6/9/2025 to 6/13/2025. Child #4: Complete arrival and departure signatures from 6/9 - 6/13/2025. Child #5: Release signature on 6/13, and arrival and departure times from 6/9 - 6/13/2025. Child #6: Release time and signature on 6/9, arrival time and departure time and signature on 6/11, arrival and departure times on 6/12, and arrival time and release time and signature on 6/13/2025. Child #7: Release signature on 6/9, 6/11 and 6/13/2025. Child #8: Arrival and release times from 6/9 - 6/13/2025, and a release signature on 6/13/2025.”

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 Compliance Officer's observation of 3 staff files, the files for Staff #1 (DOE 2/18/2025) & Staff #3 (DOE 9/23/2024) lacked documentation of a negative Mantoux skin test administered within 12 months before the starting date of employment. Staff #1's file lacked documentation of a negative test or chest x-ray. The test in Staff #3's file was dated 2/10/2025.”

AAC R9-5-302. A. A licensee shall prepare a written statement of child care services provided by the licensee that includes the following:1. A description of the facility’s child care services classifications in R9-5-204; 2. Hours of operation; 3. The facility’s street address, city, state, zip code, mailing address, and telephone number; 4. Child enrollment and disenrollment procedures; 5. Charges, fees, and payment requirements for child care services; 6. Child admission and release requirements; 7. Age-appropriate discipline guidelines and methods; 8. Transportation procedures; 9. Field trip requirements and procedures; 10. Responsibilities and participation of parents in facility activities; 11. A general description of activities and programs; 12. A description of the liability insurance required by R9-5-308 that is carried by the licensee and a statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises; 13. Medication administration procedures; 14. Accident and emergency procedures; 15. A notice stating inspection reports are available on-site; 16. A provision stating that the facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services including the Department’s local street address, city, state, zip code, and local telephone number; 17. The procedures for notifying a parent at least 48 hours before a pesticide is applied on a facility’s premises; and 18. A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services. B. A licensee shall provide a copy of the written statement of child care services: 1. To the Department: a. Before the facility receives a license, and b. Every 12 months after the date of the license as required by A.R.S. § 36-883.01; and 2. To a parent when the parent requests a copy of the written statement of child care services.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the statement of services lacked the following required information: *A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services; *A statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises; *Child admission and release requirements; and *The procedures for notifying a parent at least 48 hours before a pesticide is applied on a facility’s premises.”

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 Officers' observations, the following play structures on the Playgrounds lacked the required 6" of resilient surfacing: Toddler Playground: *A red teeter totter and blue teeter totter, and 2 stand-alone small climbing structures were placed on turf that lacked resilient surfacing. Early Ed Playground: There were 2 tires located on turf that lacked resilient surfacing.”

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 Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed in the following outdoor activity areas: *Toddler Playground: There were 2 rose bushes with protruding sharp thorns and a shade structure that were not secured into the ground. *Early Ed Playground: There was a pipe protruding from the ground near the side of Room 18, a loose lid on a toy box, and a black irrigation box protruding up from the turf, posing a tripping hazard.”

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, in Room 18 (1 - 2s), there was uncovered food waste inside a grey trash can.”

AAC R9-5-504.5.d. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:5. Ensure that: d. If a parent brings a sippy cup for the parent’s enrolled child, the sippy cup is labeled with the enrolled child’s name.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in Room 18 (1 - 2s), there were 3 unlabeled sippy cups, and 1 sippy cup labeled with the enrolled child’s first name only.”

AAC R9-5-503.F.1. F. A licensee shall ensure that in an activity area with a diaper changing area: 1. The containers required in subsections (A)(3) and (4) are inaccessible, and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Room 18 (1 - 2s) toilet room, the soiled diaper container was located on the floor, accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-503.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (D) states that an enrolled child’s diaper is changed as soon as it is soiled, and that a staff member, when diapering:1. Uses a separate washcloth and towel only once for each enrolled child; 2. Washes and dries the enrolled child using the enrolled child’s individual personal products labeled with the enrolled child’s name; 3. Uses single-use non-porous gloves; 4. Washes the staff member’s own hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F before and after each diaper change; 5. Washes each enrolled child’s hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F after each diaper change; 6. Cleans, sanitizes, and dries the diaper changing surface following each diaper change; and 7. Uses single-use paper towels from a dispenser to dry the diaper changing surface or the hands of the enrolled child or staff member.

“Findings: Based on staff statement and the Compliance Officers' observations, the diaper area lacked a bleach and water solution. Staff stated they wipe the surface with Ecosense at the completion of a diaper change, and at the end of the day they use bleach to sanitize the diaper surface.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3. 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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in Room 18 (1 - 2s), the diaper area lacked a soiled diaper container.”

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 observations of 3 staff files, the Licensee failed to contact DPS to determine the validity of the staff member's fingerprint clearance card before the individual becomes a staff member for the following staff: Staff #1 (start date 2/18/2025): The fingerprint clearance card was verified 5/29/2025. Staff #2 (start date 8/5/2024): The fingerprint clearance card was verified 6/2/2025. Staff #3 (start date 9/23/2024): The fingerprint clearance card was verified 6/2/2025.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observations, the Licensee failed to comply with the Department of Child Safety background checks prior to an individual's starting date of employment for the following staff: Staff #1's (DOE 2/18/2025) background check was submitted on 4/10/2025. Staff #2's (DOE 8/5/2024) background check was submitted on 6/2/2025.”

AAC R9-5-301.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a facility director: 1. Designates, in writing, an individual who meets the requirements of R9-5-401(2) to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility; 2. Supervises or assigns a teacher-caregiver to supervise each staff member who does not meet the qualifications of R9-5-401(3); 3. Prepares a dated attendance record for each day and ensures that each staff member documents on the attendance record the time of each arrival and departure of the staff member; and 4. Maintains on the facility premises, the dated attendance record required in subsection (B)(3) for 12 months after the date on the attendance record.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation, the Compliance Officers' observations, and staff statement, Staff #4 and Staff #5 lacked documentation of their times of arrival and departure. Staff stated they do not document their times.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations, in Room 18 (1 - 2s), there were 2 containers of wipes and a container of Vaseline labeled with an enrolled child’s first name only.”

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 Officers' observations, Room 1 (3 - 4s) lacked a posted lesson plan for the current calendar week.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.4. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:4. Except as provided in subsection (D), prepares and posts 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. 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 Officers' observations, Room 1 (3 - 4s) lacked a current schedule of children's age-appropriate activities.”

AAC R9-5-403.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 discipline; 6. Hand washing techniques; 7. Diapering techniques and toileting, if assigned to diaper changing duties; 8. Food preparation, service, sanitation, and storage, if assigned to food preparation; 9. If a staff member is assigned to feeding infants, the preparation, handling, and storage of infant formula and breast milk; 10. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; 11. Child abuse or neglect detection, prevention, and reporting; 12. Accident and emergency procedures; 13. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1 and this Chapter; 14. Sun safety policies and procedures; 15. Safety in outdoor activity areas; 16. Transportation procedures, if applicable; and 17. Field trip procedures, if applicable.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Staff #3's (DOE 9/23/2024) file lacked documentation of 10 day new staff training that was dated with the completion date.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, in the Toddler room, there were 12 children present with only 9 children marked on the roster.”

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 sand in the fall zones measured the following depths: *2 of the required 6 inches at the base of the yellow slide and under the climbing globe; and *1 of the required 6 inches under the yellow stairs.”

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 fan in the bathroom of Preschool Room 2 was not operating and there is not a window in the bathroom that can be opened.”

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 the Compliance Officer's review of Staff #1's file (DOE 10/23/23), the staff's fingerprint clearance card was not issued until 12/5/23. Staff #1 did not have a valid fingerprint clearance card that was issued before the staff's employment date.”

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 the Compliance Officer's review of staff files, it was determined that the fingerprint clearance cards for Staff #1 (DOE 10/23/23) and #4 (DOE 3/18/24) were issued prior to the staff's employment. The files for staff #1 and #4 lacked documentation of the licensee's verification of the fingerprint card's validity through DPS.”

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 observations, the following was noted regarding rosters: *13 preschool children were present on the playground but the names of only 11 children were listed as present on the roster; and *9 toddlers were present in the toddler room but the name of only 1 child was listed as present on the roster.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.19. A. A licensee shall ensure that:19. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings- Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, a plunger was stored on the floor in the bathroom of the Preschool room #1 and it was accessible to the children who were present.”

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, a brush, a sponge, a clock and a wicker basket were stored on the diapering counter in the toddler room.”

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 and on a discussion with staff, the staff acknowledged to the Compliance officer that they are changing the children’s soiled pull up diapers in the bathroom, rather than changing the soiled diapers on the approved diapering table in the classroom.”

AAC R9-5-503.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (D) states that an enrolled child’s diaper is changed as soon as it is soiled, and that a staff member, when diapering:1. Uses a separate washcloth and towel only once for each enrolled child; 2. Washes and dries the enrolled child using the enrolled child’s individual personal products labeled with the enrolled child’s name; 3. Uses single-use non-porous gloves; 4. Washes the staff member’s own hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F before and after each diaper change; 5. Washes each enrolled child’s hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F after each diaper change; 6. Cleans, sanitizes, and dries the diaper changing surface following each diaper change; and 7. Uses single-use paper towels from a dispenser to dry the diaper changing surface or the hands of the enrolled child or staff member.

“Findings- Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the diapering area in the toddler room was not equipped with the required bleach water and bottle of soap water, that is used to clean and sanitize the diapering area.”

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 observations, the following items were stored in the bathrooms: *Toddler room- 19 boxes of plastic storage bags , 5 boxes of gloves, a sheet of blue plastic and a roll of paper towels; and *Preschool Room 1- 4 plastic bins were stored on the floor. Due to reasons of sanitation, items are not allowed to be stored on bathroom floors and are required to be stored inaccessible to children, in either a closed cabinet or on shelves in water proof containers that are covered with lids.”

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 wood on one of the garden boxes was rough and splintering in several areas of the box.”

AAC R9-5-401.4. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:4. An assistant teacher-caregiver is 16 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class; b. High school or high school equivalency diploma; c. Enrollment in vocational rehabilitation, as defined in A.R.S. § 23-501; d. Employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months; or e. Service as a volunteer in a child care facility for 12 months;

“Findings- Based on the Compliance Officer's review of staff files the files for Staff #2 and #4 (both are assistant teachers) lacked documentation of the staff's education.”