New Beginnings Preschool

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 fans in the Pre-K and Preschool Restrooms were inoperable.”

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 Officer's observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *Infants: There was a multicolored playpen with peeling vinyl exposing the inner foam. *Two's Room: There was a rubber baseboard detaching from the wall, exposing loose drywall. **Previously cited on 12.19.24”

AAC R9-5-501.B.9. B. 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 Officer's observations, the personal products in the Infants and Two's Room were not labeled with the child's first and last name. **Previously cited on 12.19.24”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, when the CO entered the Infant Room, an unsupervised infant wearing a bib was lying on its back. While the staff was in the sink area, the infant rolled to its stomach, causing the bib to go on the Infant's face.”

AAC R9-5-502.B.7. B. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall not: 7. Permit an infant to sleep in a playpen, pack and play, car seat, stroller, swing, bouncer, high chair, or other equipment not intended for sleep purposes.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in the Infant Room, a child was sleeping in a swing; the facility lacked a doctor's note that allowed the child to sleep in the swing.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.g. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: g. Does not allow bumper pads, pillows, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, or other soft products in a crib when an infant is in the crib;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in the Infant Room, two children were sleeping with a stuffed toy attached to a pacifier.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.lk. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: k. Obtains written, current, and dated dietary instructions from a parent or health care provider regarding the method of feeding and types of foods to be prepared or fed to an infant at the facility;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and the review of the facility documentation, the feeding forms in the Infant Room lacked specific feeding instructions for Child #9, Child #10, and Child #11. Additionally, the form for Child #11 lacked date and signature.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.l. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: l. Posts the current written dietary instructions in the infant room and the kitchen and maintains the instructions on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the instructions; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations and the review of the facility documentation, the kitchen lacked the specific feeding instructions for Child #9, Child #10, and Child #11.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 2. A hand-washing sink next to the diaper changing surface for staff use when changing diapers and for washing an enrolled child during or after diapering that provides: a. Running water between 86° F and 110° F, b. Soap from a dispenser, and c. Single-use paper hand towels from a dispenser;

“findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the faucet in the diaper changing area sink in the Infants and One's Room had a brown grime buildup and soap accumulation. Additionally, the water in the diaper changing area in the Two's Room was not maintained between 86°F and 110°; the temperature was 113°F.”

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 Officer's observations, the lids for the soiled diaper containers in the Infants and One's Room were maintained open. Additionally, in the One's Room, the soiled clothing container was open, and in the Two's Room, a soiled clothing and diaper container lid was missing, and the soiled clothing was outside of the soiled clothing box.”

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 observations, in the Preschool Restroom, the tile was bowing below the stall and at the base of the toilet, causing a tripping hazard.”

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 observations, the file for Staff #1 (DOE: 02.21.17) lacked a background check submittal.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observations, in the School-Age Restroom, there was a brown grime buildup at the base of the toilet, and there was a toilet brush accessible to enrolled children. Additionally, in the Preschool Restroom, there was an unflushed toilet. *Previously cited on 12.19.24”

AAC R9-5-517.A.9. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall: 9. Ensure that the motor vehicle has: a. A working mechanical heating system capable of maintaining a temperature throughout the motor vehicle of at least 60° F when outside air temperatures are below 60° F; b. Except as provided in subsection (E), a working air-conditioning system capable of maintaining a temperature throughout the motor vehicle at or below 86° F when outside air temperatures are above 86° F; c. Except as provided in subsection (F), a first aid kit that meets the requirements of R9-5-514(A); d. Two large, clean towels or blankets; and e. Sufficient drinking water available to meet the needs of each enrolled child in the motor vehicle and sufficient cups or other drinking receptacles so that each enrolled child can drink from a different cup or receptacle;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, in Van #2, the handlebar on the back of the passenger seat was missing, creating two holes exposing the inner foam. Additionally, the first row seat was ripped, and the inner foam was coming out. **Previously cited on 12.19.24”

AAC R9-5-603.B. B. Except as provided in subsection (D) a licensee shall ensure that an outdoor activity area: 1. Is enclosed by a fence: a. A minimum of 4 feet high; b. Secured to the ground; and c. With either vertical or horizontal open spaces on the fence or gate that do not exceed 4.0 inches; 2. Is maintained free from hazards, such as exposed concrete footings and broken toys; and 3. Has gates that are kept closed while an enrolled child is in the outdoor activity area

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the following hazards were accessible to the enrolled children in the Outdoor Activity area: *One's: There were cracks on the caterpillar tunnel. *Two's: Weeds were growing from a water drain spout and through the outdoor area, and there was a wooden bench that was wobbling when small pressure was applied. *Three's & Up: There was a metal playhouse and a metal car with peeling paint exposing rusted metal, there was a rusted scooter, four scooters missing the handlebar cover, and a trike missing a wheel. Additionally, there was a yellow slide with bird feces on the climbing area. **Previously cited on 12.19.24”

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 Officer's observations, the following fall zones in the multi-person spring rider, the blue climbing structure, and the teeter totter, in three's and up outdoor activity areas lacked six inches of the required resilient surface. **Previously cited on 12.19.24”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, the designated exit in the Three's Room was blocked.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observations and the review of the facility documentation, eight out of 15 admission and release forms lacked the following: *Child #1: Release time and signature on 12.16.25 *Child #2: Afternoon admission time and signature on 12.15.25 and 12.16.25 *Child #3: Release time and signature on 12.05.25 and 12.12.25 *Child #4: Admission signature on 12.25.25, and afternoon admission time and signature on 12.08.25 *Child #5: Admission and release signature on 12.15.25, and release time and admission and release signature on 12.16.25 *Child #6: Admission time and signature on 12.16.25 *Child #7: Release time and signature on 12.12.25 *Child #8: Afternoon admission time and signature on 12.25.25”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observations, the 2's class roster indicated 8 children and 9 children were present.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observations, the facility lacked a violation-free fire inspection report.”

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 Officer #2's observations, the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. The high school transcript located in the file lacked a graduation date.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the 1's room, 3 of 7 water bottles reviewed lacked a label with the enrolled child's first and last name.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observation, 2 of 5 staff files reviewed lacked the following: Staff #1: Lacked 7 of 18 hours of annual training required; and Staff #2: Lacked 5 of 18 hours of annual training and 5 of 6 hours of infant training required.”

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 Officer #1's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Pre-K Bathroom: *There were multiple areas of rust along the base of the side walls of the bathroom stalls; School-Age Room: *There was a 4-inch tear in the vinyl fabric of the orange couch exposing the interior foam; *3 of 8 foosball poles were missing end caps exposing 1/2 holes at one end of the pole; and *There was a 2-inch chunk of paint missing at the base of the west wall exposing drywall.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, the following personal products lacked a label with the enrolled child's first and last name: 1's Room: 2 of 5 wipes were labeled with the child's first name only; and Infant Room: 2 of 2 wipes were labeled with the child's first name only.”

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 blue ship climber, multicolor teeter totter, blue and red teeter totter, green and yellow tractor climber, yellow and orange slide, and blue jungle climber on the Pre-K playground lacked unitary or resilient material in the fall zones. The climbing equipment was placed on top of artificial turf.”

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 Officer #1's observation, on the Pre-K playground, the sides and base of the wooden sensory table were splintering and fraying.”

AAC R9-5-517.A.10. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall:10. Ensure that the motor vehicle is: a. Maintained in a clean condition, b. In a mechanically safe condition, and c. Free from hazards; and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Van 49A7TJ: 2 seat belt buckles were missing the buckle covers exposing the inner metal mechanics.”

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 Officer #1's observation, there was food waste located in a waste bin with a lid that was broken only allowing 1 side of the lid to close.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, the written statement of childcare services lacked a statement on accident and emergency procedures.”

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 Officer #1's observation, the following areas were not maintained in a clean and sanitized condition: Pre-K Bathroom: In 1 of 4 toilets there was a build-up of toilet paper and a yellow substance inside the toilet bowl; and School-Age Bathroom: There was a build-up of dirt and dust on the walls throughout the bathroom.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on COs' observations and a review of 15 staff files, Staff #4 (DOE 08/22/2022) and Staff #5 (DOE 11/20/2023) lacked documentation of completion of 18 annual training hours. Staff #4 lacked 15 of 18 hours based on the review period 08/22/2023 - 08/22/2024, and Staff #5 lacked 9 of 18 hours based on the review period 11/20/2022 - 11/22/2023. **Previous deficiency 06/21/2024”

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: Per allegation and based on CO #2's observations, the ratio was at 0:1, with a required ratio of 1:1, when a 4-year-old was in the restroom alone with the door closed, while the rest of the group was on the Pre-K/School-Age playground. **Previous deficiency 01/03/2024 and 10/04/2023”

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 COs' observations, in the 2's room, there was a 1-inch gap at the top of an outlet exposing drywall and a hole in the wall, accessible to enrolled children. **Previous deficiency 01/03/2023”

AAC R9-5-203.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that each staff member submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card each time the fingerprint clearance card is issued or renewed every six years.

“Findings: Per allegation, and based on Compliance Officers' (CO) observation and a review of 15 staff files, per a DPS website search, Staff #1's (DOE 05/20/2024) fingerprint clearance expired on 08/06/2024.”

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: Per allegation, and based on COs' observations, a review of 15 staff files, and staff interview, Staff #2 (DOE 10/2023) and Staff #3 (DOE, 04/11/2024) lacked documentation to qualify as teacher-caregivers and were alone with enrolled children. At the time of inspection, Staff #3 was in the 2's room unsupervised, and staff stated that Staff #2 is left unsupervised with enrolled children while giving breaks to staff.”

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: Per allegation and based on COs' observations, and staff interview, the playground areas were not kept free from hazards and accessible to enrolled children. There were several used facial tissues on the ground in the 2's playground. Staff stated that children were blowing their noses and someone got into the tissues. On the Pre-K/School-Age playground, a screw was missing from a climber panel causing it to wobble. **Previous deficiency 01/03/2023”

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 COs' observations, the climbing equipment on the 2's playground lacked unitary or resilient material in the fall zones. The climbing equipment was placed on top of artificial turf.”

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

“Findings: Based on CO #2's observations, a 4-year-old was left unsupervised, in the restroom alone with the door closed, while the rest of the group was on the Pre-K/School-Age playground. **Previous deficiency 10/04/2023”

AAC R9-5-501.A.13. A. A licensee shall ensure that:13. Toys and play equipment, required in this Article, are maintained: a. Free from hazards, and b. In a condition that allows the toy or play equipment to be used for the original purpose of the toy or play equipment;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on COs' observations, on the 2's playground, the fabric covering the large cushion of the shaded area was torn across the front and up the center, exposing the foam, accessible to enrolled children.”

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: Per allegation, and based on COs' observations, a review of 15 staff files, and staff interview, Staff #2 (DOE 10/2023) and Staff #3 (DOE, 04/11/2024) act in the capacity of teacher-caregivers and lacked documentation to qualify. Staff stated that Staff #2 is alone with enrolled children when giving breaks to staff, and Staff #3 did not meet the minimum age requirement for a teacher-caregiver.”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that the roster in the School-Age classroom did not reflect the number of children present (27 children present, 32 children listed on the roster).”

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 Officer #2's observation, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children were placed at risk of harm. In the 2's classroom, there were 2 enrolled children sleeping with their faces covered with blankets during nap time.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that 2 out of 5 staff files reviewed lacked documentation of the required annual training: *Staff #1: 18 of 18 hours of annual training required for the period of 4/7/2023- 4/7/2024. *Staff #3: 18 of 18 hours of annual training required for the period of 2/21/2023-2/21/2024.”

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, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (Start date-4/7/2023) and Staff #2 (Start date- 8/31/2023) lacked documentation for the 10-day training for new staff members.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, there was dust built up on and around the exhaust vent in the South Hallway restroom.”

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, the paper towel dispenser in the School-age room restroom was empty.”

AAC R9-5-517.A.10. A. A licensee who transports an enrolled child in a motor vehicle that the licensee owns, or acquires for use by contract, shall: 10. Ensure that the motor vehicle is: a. Maintained in a clean condition, b. In a mechanically safe condition, and c. Free from hazards; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, facility vehicle #49A7TJ had the following: *The left rear light was non-operable *The right front tire had no tire tread.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 6. Except for a room used only for an enrolled school-age child, each unused electrical outlet is covered with a safety plug cover or insert;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Pre-K room, there was an uncovered outlet next to the sink.”

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: The Compliance Officer reviewed 7 staff files and found that Staff #1 (start date 8/30/2023) lacked documentation of two good-faith reference checks.”

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: The Compliance Officer reviewed 7 staff files and found that Staff #2 (start date 10/12/2023) lacked a 10-day training in their staff file.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the following was observed: *In the 2's room, the ratio was 1:10 instead of 2:8 as required for 2-year-old-children. *In the School-age room, the ratio was 1:21 instead of 2:21 as required for School-age children.”

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, the following was observed: *In the School-age restroom, there was a toilet scrub brush next to the toilet *In the North restroom, there was a toilet scrub brush next to the trash can.”

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, the following observed: *In the School-age room, there was a blue rug and a brown rug that had dark stains and loose debris *In the Pre-k room, there was a brown rug that had dark stains and loose debris.”

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 Officer's observation, it was determined that the following rooms did not maintain their roster: *In the 1-year-old room, 3 children were present, and 2 children were listed on the roster. *In the School-age room, 21 children were present, and 13 children were listed on the roster.”

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

“Findings include: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, an enrolled 4-year-old child was in the restroom unsupervised by a staff member.”

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 include: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, an enrolled 4-year-old child was in the restroom alone. The staff-to-child ratio was 0:1.”