My Little School

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 Supervisor's observations, there was a plastic cow on the 2's Room diaper changing surface, and a plastic yellow toy in the 2's Room diaper changing sink.”

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 the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations and facility documentation, the files for Staff #1 (DOE: 08/06/24), Staff #2 (DOE: 01/05/26), and Staff #3 (DOE: 04/02/22) lacked Central Registry background checks.”

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 five years.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations and facility documentation, Staff #1 (DOE: 08/06/24) lacked a current fingerprint clearance card. The card expired on 7/1/2025, and was not renewed as of the date of the inspection.”

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 and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations and facility documentation, Staff #1 (DOE: 8/6/2024) and Staff #2 (DOE: 1/5/2026) possessed fingerprint clearance cards upon hire. The Licensee did not verify the fingerprint clearance card status with DPS prior to the staff members' date of employment.”

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 Supervisor's observations, the ratio in the 2's Room was 1:10 with children ages 1- and 2-years-old, and a required ratio of 2:10.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations and facility documentation, the files for Staff #2 (DOE: 01/05/26) and Staff #3 (DOE: 04/02/22) lacked documentation of good-faith reference checks.”

AAC R9-5-602.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that the facility meets the following square footage requirements for indoor activity areas based on the child care services classifications: 1. At least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each infant and 1-year-old child; 2. At least 25 square feet of indoor activity space for each child who is not an infant or 1-year-old child; and 3. When 1-year-old children are grouped together with children older than 1-year-old children in the same activity area, at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, care was provided for 1-year-old children in the 2's Room. The 2's Room is not approved for the care of 1-year-old children.”

AAC R9-5-209.3. B. A licensee shall: Permit the Department to interview each staff member or enrolled child as part of an investigation.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensee did not allow the Department to interview the staff members as part of an investigation. Upon the Compliance Officer's request to interview staff members, the licensee/Staff #1 stated, "No, I don't want you to interview anyone."”

AAC R9-5-208.I. Within 30 calendar days after a change in a controlling person, a licensee shall send the Department written notice of the change that includes: 1. The name of the licensee; 2. A description of the change made; 3. The name, title, street address, city, state, and zip code of each controlling person; 4. A statement that each controlling person has not been denied a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility for the care of children in this state or another state; 5. A statement that each controlling person has not had a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility revoked in this state or another state for reasons that relate to endangerment of the health and safety of children; 6. A statement that the information provided in the written notice is accurate and complete; and 7. The signature of the licensee.

“Findings: Based on the review of the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that Staff #1 (DOE: Unknown) has acted in the capacity of the facility's new owner/controlling person since May of 2025. The updated information of the controlling person has not been updated with or approved by the Department. **Repeat deficiency from 11.18.25”

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 Officers' observations, the licensee did not verify Staff #2's fingerprint clearance card with DPS prior to the staff member's employment on 12.18.25. **Previously cited on 11.18.25”

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, the file for Staff #2 (DOE: 12.18.25) lacked a background check submittal. **Previously cited on 11.18.25”

ARS § 36-883.02.C. C. Applicants, licensees and child care personnel shall attest on forms that are provided by the department that: 1. They are not awaiting trial on or have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement committing any of the offenses listed in section 41-1758.07, subsection B in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction. 2. They are not parents or guardians of a child adjudicated to be a dependent child as defined in section 8-201. 3. They have not been denied or had revoked a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility in this or any other state or that they have not been denied or had revoked a certification to work in a child care facility or child care group home.

“Findings: Based on the review of the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the file for Staff #2 (DOE: 12.18.25) lacked a Criminal History Affidavit. **Previously cited on 11.18.25”

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 fall zones of the climbing structure in the Preschool Outdoor activity area lacked 6” of the required 6” of wood chips. The resilient surfacing tiles in the Toddler Outdoor activity area were separating, exposing gaps between the tiles.”

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

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed in the Outdoor activity areas: *There was an area of cracked plastic on the blue steps of the small climber in the Toddler Outdoor activity area. There was a 4.5” gap on the Northeast corner of the activity area below the gate. There were holes in the ground in areas along the base of the fencing, one exceeding 2' in length. *In the Preschool Outdoor activity area, there was exposed particle wood along the base of the first and second steps of the rock climbing wall, and three hoses were unraveled near the outdoor area gate. There was wiring protruding from the gas meter into the pile of hoses. The inside of the mop bucket was coated with a thick dirt build up.”

AAC R9-5-602.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that the facility meets the following square footage requirements for indoor activity areas based on the child care services classifications: 1. At least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each infant and 1-year-old child; 2. At least 25 square feet of indoor activity space for each child who is not an infant or 1-year-old child; and 3. When 1-year-old children are grouped together with children older than 1-year-old children in the same activity area, at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, on 12.19.25, the COs observed the one- and two-year-olds in the Two's Room. The Two's Room is not licensed for one-year-old children. **Repeat deficiency from 11.18.25”

AAC R9-5-514. E. E. A licensee shall post, near an activity area or a room's designated exit, a building evacuation plan that details the designated exits from the activity area or room and the facility.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the designated exit in the Two's Room lacked an evacuation map.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.4.5. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 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;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the food waste in the Preschool Outdoor activity area lacked a lid.”

AAC R9-5-504.A.3. A. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall: 3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the Two's Room lacked the following toys to meet the needs of the children; there were multiple empty shelves: *Manipulatives. *Blocks. *Soft toys and dolls. *Musical instruments, and *Indoor large motor toys.”

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.

“Per allegation findings: Based on staff interview and the Compliance Officers' observations, the facility lacked sufficient materials to perform a diaper change as required. The Two's diaper changing area lacked gloves. A staff member was observed changing a diaper in the One's Room with only one glove on. Staff stated *We don't get extra gloves. *When we are close to running out, we inform the owner, but sometimes it takes them a few days to bring more gloves. When that happens, staff bring their own gloves or use the food prep gloves. *When the ones and twos need diaper changes, the staff may use the gloves from another diaper changing area.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the soiled clothing container in the Two's Room lacked a liner.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the One’s and Two’s Room lacked a dated specific lesson plan. The plan on the wall documented only basic skills and practical life lessons, rather than a weekly plan of specific activities as required.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the One’s and Two’s Room lacked a schedule.”

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

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, children were not supervised at all times as follows: *One- and two-year-old children were moving back and forth through the gate between the One's Room and the Two's Room, and the children had little to no direction from staff members. Three children were climbing and walking on tables and shelves. One child used a plastic bucket as a step stool to reach the play kitchen sink. One child was drawing directly on the table. One child was beating a toy on the outer exit door. Staff did not provide guidance or redirection to the children and were not accountable for the children's actions. *A three-year-old child exited the Three's restroom with their pants and underwear down around their ankles. The child shuffled around the East side of the room, following and attempting to give hugs to the COs and a parent who was dropping off a child. The staff member in the room was unaware of the child's actions and whereabouts, and the COs had to inform the staff member of the child's state.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.20. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 20. Except when used as part of an activity, the following are stored in an area inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. Garden tools, such as a rake, trowel, and shovel; and b. Cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a mop and mop bucket.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, a metal leaf rake and a mop bucket were accessible to the enrolled children in the School-Age Outdoor activity area patio, adjacent to the children's drinking fountain.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.12. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 12. The facility premises, including the buildings, are maintained free from hazards;

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed accessible to children in the One's and Two's Room: The latch on the gate that separated the two activity areas was missing, and a food waste container was placed in front of the gate to keep it closed. The two lower tethers (of four total) that are intended to attach the gate to the adjacent furniture were missing, causing the gate unit to swing back and forth from the bottom when in use. Multiple one- and two-year-old children were observed tripping over the gate threshold. **Previously cited on 05.12.25”

AAC R9-5-501.A.3. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 3. For enrolled infants and children five-years or younger, drinking water is available to meet the needs of each enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the One's and Two's Room, water was not accessible to the one- and two-year-old children. The water bottles were stacked in a basket, which was placed on a shelf out of the children's reach.”

AAC R9-5-404.E. E. In addition to maintaining the required staff-to-children ratios, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. Staff members are present on facility premises to perform facility administration, food preparation, food service, and maintenance responsibilities; and 2. Facility maintenance does not depend on the work of enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, upon arrival, the facility lacked a staff member present who was able to perform facility administration duties. The licensee/Staff #1 arrived at 9:15 am. **Repeat deficiency from 11.18.25 and 05.12.25”

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

“Per allegation findings: Based on staff interview and the Compliance Officers' observations, ratios were not maintained at all times. In the Two's Room, from 8:25 am to 8:45 am on 12.19.2025 the ratio was 1:10, with a required ratio of 2:10. A staff member walked into the facility with the Compliance Officers at 8:45 am and entered the Two's Room to assist with ratios. The original staff member in the Two's Room confirmed she collected the children from the cook at 8:25 am, and was alone with the children until the other staff member arrived. **Previously cited on 11.18.25”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on the review of the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the file for Staff #2 (DOE: 12.18.25) lacked the following required information: *The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency. *The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis. *Two good faith efforts to contact previous employers, and *TB test documentation or self-screening form. Reference R9-5-301.F **Previously cited on 11.18.25”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility: 3. A child educator is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience if working with enrolled children five years old and younger, or three months of child care experience if working with school-aged children; and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on the review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Staff #2 (DOE 12.18.25) was acting in the capacity of a child educator, and the file for Staff #2 lacked documentation of experience and education. **Previously cited on 05.12.25”

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 Officers' observations, in the Three's and Four's Room, there were 11 children present, and the roster reflected the presence of only seven children.”

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 child educator 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 the Compliance Officers' observations, Staff #2 (DOE 12.18.25) acted in the capacity of a teacher educator and was not qualified to be alone with children. Staff #2 was not supervised by a teacher educator. **Previously cited on 05.12.25”

AAC R9-5-303.A. A. A licensee shall post in a place that can be conspicuously viewed by individuals entering or leaving the facility or activity area, the: 1. Facility’s license; 2. Name of the facility director; 3. Name of the individual designated to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility, as prescribed by R9-5-301(B)(1); 4. Schedule of child care services fees and policy for refunding fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-882(P); 5. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack menus for each calendar week at the beginning of the calendar week; 6. Notice of the presence of any communicable disease or infestation listed in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 2, Table 2.2, from the date of discovery through the incubation period of the communicable disease or infestation; 7. Notice of the Department’s intent to deny, revoke, or suspend as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-888 at the expiration of time in the notice for the licensee to respond; 8. Notice of an intermediate sanction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-891.01 within 10 calendar days after the licensee received notice of the intermediate sanction; 9. Notice of a legal injunction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-886.01 when the licensee receives the legal injunction; and 10. Notice of the availability of facility inspection reports for public viewing at the facility premises.

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the main posting lacked a copy of the current license. The license posted had expired 05.31.25.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.4.h. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 4. When feeding an infant, a staff member: h. If an infant is no longer being held for feeding, seats the infant in a feeding chair or at a table with a chair that allows the infant to reach the food while sitting.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, an infant was sitting in a bouncy chair, drinking from a bottle.”

AAC R9-5-401.2. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility: 2. A facility director’s designee is 21 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. At least 12 months of child care experience, a high school or high school equivalency diploma, and: i. Three credit hours or more in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university, or ii. At least 30 actual hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;b. At least 12 months of child care experience and: i. An N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential; or ii At least 24 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; c. At least six months of child care experience and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or d. At least three months of child care experience and a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of facility documentation, Staff #3 (DOE: 01.05.25) acted in the capacity of director's designee, and lacked director's designee qualifications; they were younger than 21 years old.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the file for Staff #1 (DOE: Unknown) lacked the staff member's start date, the name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency, and a statement of immunity.”

AAC R9-5-402.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that, for a staff member who is currently working at the facility, the staff member’s information required by: 1. Subsections (A)(1) through (11) is maintained in a single location on facility premises, and 2. Subsection (A)(12) is maintained and provided to the Department within two hours of the Department’s request.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the staff files were not accessible for review. When the COs requested the staff files, the staff stated that the files were in a locked room and they did not have access to them.”

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 and information provided by the facility staff, ratios are not maintained at all times. Staff stated the following: *"There are times when I'm out of ratio, I have 8 or 9 one's and two's by myself". *"I have 6 infants by myself". *"We have been out of ratio a lot for about a month or two now." *"Sometimes I have 12 to 13 children by myself at night". *"I have seen two school-age children by themselves in a room".”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that when there are: 3. Six or more enrolled children are present in a facility, an infant is not placed for supervision with a child who is not an infant.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, review of facility documentation, and staff interviews, it was determined that two one-year-old children move back and forth between the One's Room and the Infant Room when more than five children are present in the facility.”

AAC R9-5-404.E. E. In addition to maintaining the required staff-to-children ratios, a licensee shall ensure that: 1. Staff members are present on facility premises to perform facility administration, food preparation, food service, and maintenance responsibilities; and 2. Facility maintenance does not depend on the work of enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, upon arrival, the facility lacked a staff member present who was able to perform facility administration duties. A staff member had to leave the children unattended to open the front door.”

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;

“*Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by facility staff, on two separate occasions, the facility failed to pick up a school-age child from school. In the first instance, staff reported that the vehicle’s battery had died and they were unable to start the vehicle. In the second instance, there were not enough staff available to leave the facility to pick up the child.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.5. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 5. An enrolled child is placed in an age-appropriate or developmentally-appropriate group;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by the facility staff, one-year-old children are placed with children up to school age in the One's room due to a lack of staff to maintain ratios when more than four children are present on the premises. Care for the one-year-old children with School-Age children is not an age-appropriate or developmentally-appropriate age grouping.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by facility staff, School-age children were not supervised at all times. A Staff stated, “While I was in the infant room, I observed two school-age children alone in the adjacent room.””

AAC R9-5-502.C.3.b. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 3. When preparing, using, or caring for an infant’s feeding bottles, a staff member: b. Ensures that a bottle is not: i. Heated in a microwave oven; ii. Propped for an infant feeding; or iii. Permitted in an infant’s crib unless the written instructions required by subsection (C)(1)(l) state otherwise;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, there was an infant in the crib drinking from a bottle.”

ARS § 36-883.02.C. C. Applicants, licensees and child care personnel shall attest on forms that are provided by the department that: 1. They are not awaiting trial on or have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement committing any of the offenses listed in section 41-1758.07, subsection B in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction. 2. They are not parents or guardians of a child adjudicated to be a dependent child as defined in section 8-201. 3. They have not been denied or had revoked a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility in this or any other state or that they have not been denied or had revoked a certification to work in a child care facility or child care group home.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of the facility documentation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (DOE: Unknown) lacked a Criminal History Affidavit.”

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.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the fire extinguisher was not serviced every twelve months. The tag shows that it expired in June 2024.”

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 Officers' observations, two cribs in the Infant Room were blocking the designated exit.”

AAC R9-5-602.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that the facility meets the following square footage requirements for indoor activity areas based on the child care services classifications: 1. At least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each infant and 1-year-old child; 2. At least 25 square feet of indoor activity space for each child who is not an infant or 1-year-old child; and 3. When 1-year-old children are grouped together with children older than 1-year-old children in the same activity area, at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each child.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, on 11.18.2025, the COs observed the one- and two-year-olds in the Two's room. The Two's room is not licensed for one-year-old children. Additionally, based on the information provided by facility staff, some afternoons there are 13 children, including one-year-olds, present in the Two’s room. The capacity of the classroom is 12 when one-year-olds are present.”

AAC R9-5-518.A.1. A. A licensee providing a field trip for an enrolled child shall: 1. Obtain written permission from a parent before the enrolled child participates in a field trip including the: a. Date and description of the field trip; b. Times of departure from and return to the facility; and c. Name, street address, and telephone number, if any, of the field trip destination;

“Per allegation findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, a group of eight enrolled children was taken on a field trip to the Veterans Day Parade on 11.11.2025 without obtaining parental consent.”

AAC R9-5-517.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that an individual who drives a motor vehicle used to transport an enrolled child: 3. Carries a list stating the name of each enrolled child being transported and a copy of each enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record including the attached immunization record or exemption affidavit, in the motor vehicle;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record Card for Child #1 was not carried in the van.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of the facility documentation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (DOE unknown), Staff #2 (DOE: 09.11.24), and Staff #3 (DOE: 01.05.25) lacked a background check.”

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 Officers' observations and the facility documentation, it was determined that the fingerprint clearance card on file for Staff #1 (DOE: Unknown) and Staff #2 (DOE: 09.11.24) lacked a DPS verification.”

AAC R9-5-208.I. Within 30 calendar days after a change in a controlling person, a licensee shall send the Department written notice of the change that includes: 1. The name of the licensee; 2. A description of the change made; 3. The name, title, street address, city, state, and zip code of each controlling person; 4. A statement that each controlling person has not been denied a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility for the care of children in this state or another state; 5. A statement that each controlling person has not had a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility revoked in this state or another state for reasons that relate to endangerment of the health and safety of children; 6. A statement that the information provided in the written notice is accurate and complete; and 7. The signature of the licensee.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of the facility documentation, it was determined that Staff #4 (DOE: Unknown) has acted in the capacity of the facility's new owner/controlling person since May 2025. The updated information of the controlling person has not been updated with, or approved by, the Department.”

AAC R9-5-209.1 A licensee shall: Allow the Department immediate access to all areas of the facility affecting the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child or to which an enrolled child has access during hours of operation, according to A.R.S. § 36-885;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, immediate access to the facility was not provided. The COs arrived at 9:07 a.m. and rang the doorbell. CO #1 attempted to call the facility but received no response. At 9:11 a.m., the COs approached the infant room window to gain a staff member’s attention. No staff member was available to admit the COs or parents, and the infant staff member had to leave the children unattended to open the door 6 minutes after the COs' arrival.”

AAC R9-5-303.A. A. A licensee shall post in a place that can be conspicuously viewed by individuals entering or leaving the facility or activity area, the: 1. Facility’s license; 2. Name of the facility director; 3. Name of the individual designated to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility, as prescribed by R9-5-301(B)(1); 4. Schedule of child care services fees and policy for refunding fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-882(P); 5. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack menus for each calendar week at the beginning of the calendar week; 6. Notice of the presence of any communicable disease or infestation listed in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 2, Table 2.2, from the date of discovery through the incubation period of the communicable disease or infestation; 7. Notice of the Department’s intent to deny, revoke, or suspend as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-888 at the expiration of time in the notice for the licensee to respond; 8. Notice of an intermediate sanction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-891.01 within 10 calendar days after the licensee received notice of the intermediate sanction; 9. Notice of a legal injunction imposed as prescribed by A.R.S. § 36-886.01 when the licensee receives the legal injunction; and 10. Notice of the availability of facility inspection reports for public viewing at the facility premises.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of facility documentation, the name of the designated person to act on behalf of the director was not posted on the main board.”

AAC R9-5-517.A.1. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall: 1. Obtain dated, written permission from the enrolled child’s parent before the licensee transports the enrolled child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations and the review of the facility documentation, it was determined that the file for Child #1 lacked a transportation permission form from the parent. Child #1 was transported on the day of the Complaint inspection.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that:21. Except when used as part of an activity, the following are stored in an area inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. Garden tools, such as a rake, trowel, and shovel; and b. Cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a mop and mop bucket.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, there was a rake accessible to enrolled children on the facility playground.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. Except for an enrolled school-age child, drinking water is provided sufficient for the needs of and accessible to each enrolled child in both indoor and outdoor activity areas;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, drinking water for enrolled children was not accessible in both the Toddler and 2's classrooms.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the following items were accessible to enrolled children: *Plungers in the 2's restroom. *Anti-bacterial wipes labeled "keep out of reach of children" were on a lower shelf in the 2's classroom.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, Staff #1 (start date 1/5/25) lacked documentation of the educational requirements to be a teacher/caregiver and was not being supervised by a staff member.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the following hazards were observed on the facility playground: *The metal shade posts had an accumulation of rust at the base of the posts. *The blue, wooden climbing wall had splintering wood at the base of the structure. *The wooden diaper changing table was outside adjacent to the building on a patio, and had rough splintering wood along the side of the structure.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation,10 of 30 Emergency Information and Immunization record cards reviewed lacked the following required documentation: Child #1: The health care provider's contact information. Child #2: Emergency contact's information; The name of the individual to be contacted in case of sudden injury/illness. Child #3: Parent/guardian's contact information. Child #4: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of sudden injury/illness. Child #5: Parent/guardian's contact information. Child #6: Parent/guardian's contact information; The name of the individual to be contacted in case of sudden injury/illness. Child #7: Emergency contact's information. Child #8: Emergency contact's information. Child #9: Date of enrollment. Child #10: Date of enrollment; Health care provider's contact information.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:3. A teacher-caregiver is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the files for both Staff #1 (start date 1/5/25) and Staff #2 (Start date 1/22/25) lacked the required six months of child care experience to qualify the staff members as teacher/caregivers.”

AAC R9-5-404.E. E. In addition to maintaining the required staff-to-children ratios, a licensee shall ensure that:1. Staff members are present on facility premises to perform facility administration, food preparation, food service, and maintenance responsibilities; and 2. Facility maintenance does not depend on the work of enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, the Director's designee was acting as a teacher/caregiver in the Infant classroom and there was not enough staff members present to perform facility administration, as the Director was not present.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.11. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 11. Label each food container received from the parent with the infant's name.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, there was an Infant bottle that lacked a label with the child’s name.”

AAC R9-5-517.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that an individual who drives a motor vehicle used to transport an enrolled child:3. Carries a list stating the name of each enrolled child being transported and a copy of each enrolled child’s Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record card including the attached immunization record or exemption affidavit, in the motor vehicle;

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the Emergency Information and Immunization record cards on the facility vehicle all lacked the attached immunizations or exemption affidavits.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and review of facility documentation, the facility lacked a date of authorization on the medication form for Child #11.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, there was a trash receptacle on the playground that contained food waste but lacked a cover.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the sink in the 2’s restroom was detaching from the wall and was in danger of falling to the floor.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations, the laminate flooring in the 3/4's restroom had a tear and was peeling from the ground below and was not able to be sanitized.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, there was an accumulation of grime on the wall leading to the restroom in the 3/4's classroom.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the facility lacked running water in diaper changing areas of the Infant, 1's and 2's classrooms.”

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 Compliance Officers' observations, the facility lacked running water as the water meter providing water to the facility had been shut off by the City of Phoenix.”

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 file for Staff #1 lacked documentation that a DCS Central Registry form was submitted.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:3. A teacher-caregiver is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff #1 was a teacher-caregiver in the Preschool classroom. Staff #1 was not qualified as a teacher-caregiver because the staff file lacked documentation of an evaluated diploma issued in a foreign country that is equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing:1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of 2 good-faith effort professional references.”

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, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (Start date- 7/29/2024) lacked documentation of the10 day new hire orientation for new staff members. *Previously cited 5/20/2024”

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 Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 lacked a Criminal History Affidavit and documentation that the fingerprint clearance card was verified valid through the DPS website before hiring. *Previously cited 6/6/2023”

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 item was found: 1) There were hard water stains on all the sink faucet areas in the bathroom between the 2B Room and 3's Room.”

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 observations, the following toy/sand box was not maintained free from hazards on the Outdoor Playground: TODDLER/PATIO PLAYGROUND: 1) The plastic turtle sandbox had cracked plastic on the top cover.”

ARS § 36-883.02.C. C. Applicants, licensees and child care personnel shall attest on forms that are provided by the department that:1. They are not awaiting trial on or have never been convicted of or admitted in open court or pursuant to a plea agreement committing any of the offenses listed in section 41-1758.07, subsection B in this state or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction. 2. They are not parents or guardians of a child adjudicated to be a dependent child as defined in section 8-201. 3. They have not been denied or had revoked a certificate to operate a child care group home or a license to operate a child care facility in this or any other state or that they have not been denied or had revoked a certification to work in a child care facility or child care group home.

“Findings: Based on a review of facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observations, it was determined that the following Staff files, 4 of 5, lacked completed Criminal History Affidavits: *Staff #1 (Start Date 3/18/24) *Staff #2 (Start Date 4/12/24) *Staff #3 (Start Date 3/25/24) *Staff #4 (Start Date 5/13/24)”

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 Compliance Officer’s observations, the file for Staff #2 lacked documentation of a valid fingerprint clearance card prior to employment: (DOE 4/12/2024) App rec’vd 4/09/24, Card issued 4/12/2024).”

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 Officer's observations, the attendance records for 4 out of the 20 enrolled children whose records were reviewed lacked: *Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, and Child #4: Admission Signature for 5/17/2024”

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 Compliance Officer's observations, the Mantoux skin test for Staff #3 was not administered on or before the starting date of employment (Date of employment- 3/25/24, date of TB test- 1/16/22).”

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 the Compliance Officer’s observations, Staff #1 and Staff #2 worked alone and unsupervised in the capacity of a teacher-caregiver in the 2's (2B) room. Staff #1 and Staff #2 lacked teacher-caregiver experience qualifications.”

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 observations, the exhaust fan in the bathroom just outside the School Age Room was not working.”

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, there were 6 children present for the 1's classroom but the attendance roster had 7 children recorded while on the outdoor activity area. In addition, there were 12 children present in the 2's (2B) classroom but the attendance roster had 11 children recorded.”

AAC R9-5-309.C. C. A licensee shall maintain on facility premises: 1. A current fire inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the fire inspection report; and 2. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a current gas inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the gas inspection report.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation and a review of facility documentation, a current violation-free fire inspection from a local fire department was not available for the facility.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 2. Except for an enrolled school-age child, drinking water is provided sufficient for the needs of and accessible to each enrolled child in both indoor and outdoor activity areas;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations, there was no drinking water available to the enrolled children on the Toddler and Preschool outdoor activity areas. It was outside the fence areas.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observations, the 1's Room and the 2's (2B) Room lacked a dated lesson plan for the class for the current week.”