Newport Town School Early Education Program

Regulation 6.2.6.1: Staff shall be able to hear all children of pre-kindergarten age and younger at all times, shall be able to see the children with a quick glance, and shall be able to physically respond immediately.

“A four-year-old child was left alone in the classroom for 5 minutes without staff knowledge. The staff and children went to the playground and once there, realized the child was not with them. This is a repeat violation previously cited on 05/30/2023. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: By 5/02/2025, submit a program improvement plan to this Licensor detailing how internal training to educate existing staff will occur as well as onboarding of new staff on the newly developed plan for supervision during transition times. By 5/02/2025, complete the parental notification letter as outlined above. It is required to e-mail a list of names and phone numbers of parents who were sent the Parental Notification Letter to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2025

Regulation 6.2.1.2: The number of children served by the CBCCPP at any one (1) time shall not exceed the maximum capacity allowed written on the license certificate.

“Reviewing attendance for September, October and November it was discovered that on 11 occasions the classroom attendance indicated that more than 15 children were present in the classroom which exceed the maximum capacity allowed of 15. The program director confirmed that on 10/21/24, 11/5/24, 11/12/24, 11/13/24, 11/14/24, and 11/15/24 16 children were present. On 10/23/24, 10/25/24, and 10/30/24 17 children were present. On 9/18/24 and 9/19/24 18 children were present in the classroom. The children were all in the classroom to have lunch. Corrective Action: Immediately reduce the number of children to no more than 15 children in the classroom at one time . By 12/187/24, develop a program improvement plan which addresses the steps taken to come back into compliance with this regulation and the systems which will be put into place to ensure that your program will remain in compliance with the capacity listed on your license. Include in your plan the details of the location of lunch, which staff will provide supervision and identify the number of children to be excluded from the classroom, the time the group will be divided, when the first group leave and when the second group enters the classroom.”

Correction date in the state record: Dec 16, 2024

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

“A review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts showed that Staff A, B and C had not yet completed an approved orientation training. Staff A, B and C have been with the program for over a year and hold position titles which allow them to be counted in ratio. The program director stated that they had not completed the training and all three staff are counted in ratio. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have Staff A, B and C complete an approved Orientation Training and submit the certificate of completion with cover sheets to Northern Lights at CCV by 2/16/24.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 13, 2024

Regulation 3.3.5: The licensee, staff, and auxiliary staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“A review of staff BFIS credential accounts reflected that an auxiliary staff had not yet completed the required Mandated Reporter Training; Protecting Vermont's Children: Reporting Abuse and Neglect. The program director stated that the staff is counted in ratio with children and has been with the program for more than a year. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have the staff complete the required Mandated Reporter Training and submit the certificate of completion with cover sheets to Northern Lights at CCV by 2/16/24. The training may be found at https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1637126&tp_key=15bd5da240”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2024

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

“A review of staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts showed that Staff A, B and C had not yet completed infant and child CPR and pediatric First Aid certifications. Staff A, B and C have been employed by the program for over a year and hold position titles which allow for being counted in ratio. The program director stated that they had not completed the training and are counted in ratio. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have Staff A, B and C complete approved infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid certifications A variety of online only certification courses are still available and acceptable at this time. To find that list, you may visit the Northern Lights at CCV at https://northernlightsccv.org/. By 2/16/24 submit their CPR/First Aid certification to Northern Lights at CCV.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 13, 2024

Regulation 6.2.6.1: Staff shall be able to hear all children of pre-kindergarten age and younger at all times, shall be able to see the children with a quick glance, and shall be able to physically respond immediately.

“A child was left on the playground for a period of five (5) minutes. Once inside the school another child informed the staff that the child was missing . The program did not identify through their own systems that the child was missing. Corrective Action: By 8/8/2023, submit a program improvement plan to this Licensor that details a plan for supervision while children are transitioning from outside and during other transition times in which staff may be occupied with providing individual care to children. The plan should include internal training to educate existing staff as well as onboarding of new staff.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 8, 2023

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“After a review of BFIS Quality and Credential accounts, it was determined that staff A, B and C employed longer than six (6) months did not have up to date BFIS Quality and Credential Accounts as required and was mandated reporter training certification. Corrective Action: By 3/4/2021, submit Staff A, B and C mandated reporter training certificates to Northern Lights at CCV with the required cover sheet. The Verification Cover Sheet can be found at: https://northernlightsccv.org/resource/verification-cover-sheet/. Submit confirmation to this Licensor that all required information has been sent to Northern Lights at CCV.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 3, 2022

Regulation 7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that all new staff and auxiliary staff, prior to working with children in the CBCCPP; and any new individual designated as the representative of the licensee shall submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Upon review of the Associated Party list with the program Director, it was determined that two (2) individuals had not completed the fingerprinting process as required. Staff A and B had their fingerprint authorization forms generated on 4/20/2021. Corrective Action: By 3/08/2021, have two (2) staff member complete the fingerprinting process. Send an e-mail to this licensor on the date of the fingerprint processing to confirm completion.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 9, 2022

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

“After discussion with the Early Childhood Programs Coordinator, it was determined that the last Essential Maintenance Practice was conducted on the property in August of 2020. The Essential Maintenance Practice is to be completed yearly. Corrective Action: By March 14, 2022, complete the Essential Maintenance Practice assessment and file the report with Vermont Department of Health. Send an email to this licensor when the EMP is complete.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 14, 2022

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“Upon review of staff BFIS quality and credential accounts, it was found that staff had missing or incomplete documentation in their accounts. Staff A Quality and Credential account is missing CPR/First Aid certification, Emergency Preparedness, VT orientation training and Mandated Reporter training certifications. Staff B and C Quality and Credential account are missing Mandated Reporter training certifications. Corrective Action: By 5/1/2021, submit staff education and training documentation to Northern Lights at CCV, for all staff missing documentation in their BFIS Quality and Credential Accounts. Email ann.sparrow@vermont.gov when documentation has been forwarded to Northern Lights. Develop a plan on how the BFIS Quality and Credential Accounts will be updated and kept up to date in the future. Submit a copy of the plan to ann.sparrow@vermont.gov”

Correction date in the state record: May 3, 2021

Regulation 5.10.3.1.3: The play area shall be fenced or otherwise protected from traffic and other hazards. Fencing or natural barriers, such as hedges or other clear land boundaries, shall prevent children from exiting and allow for safe supervision of outdoor play.

“The gate, on the right side of the swing set, was wide open and partially off its hinges allowing children to walk the grassy path behind the school which provides access to a well-traveled road. This is a repeat violation and has previously been cited on 6/04/19. Corrective Action: By 5/1/2021 ensure that the gate is repaired/installed and can be properly closed. Increase supervision near that area until it is fixed to protect children from exiting the playground. Once complete, send documentation to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: May 3, 2021

Regulation 5.10.3.1.3: The play area shall be fenced or otherwise protected from traffic and other hazards. Fencing or natural barriers, such as hedges or other clear land boundaries, shall prevent children from exiting and allow for safe supervision of outdoor play.

“The playground fence has two (2) broken gates which does not prevent children from exiting the playground onto a path behind the school. The gate behind the swing sets leading to private property, was completely off its hinges and resting on the outside of the fence. The second gate, on the right side of the swing, was wide open and partially off its hinges allowing children to walk the grassy path behind the school which provides access to a well-traveled road. Corrective Action: By 6/30/19 ensure that the two (2) gates are repaired/installed and can be properly closed. Increase supervision near those areas until they are fixed to protect children from exiting the playground. Once complete, send documentation to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 15, 2019