Ottauquechee School - Prekindergarten

Regulation 5.10.1.1.2: Children shall be protected from choking hazards presented by cords on window coverings, electric or electronic appliances or equipment and telephones.

“In room 138 a cord to a window shade was observed to be loose and accessible to children. In room 129, cords belonging to the following were observed to be loose and accessible to children presenting choking hazards: an electrical cord to a large monitor/screen, an electrical cord to a light table, a set of string lights, and a string draped to notify children to "stop." Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that all loose cords are secured or otherwise made inaccessible to children. Develop a system to regularly check classrooms for choking hazards. In the corrective action email provide photo evidence that the cords have been secured or removed, and include details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 26, 2025

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.

“Review of BFIS Qualifications and Credenial account for Staff C revealed no documentation available in their account to verify qualifications. Staff C has been employed with the program for more than six (6) months. Corrective Action: Submit verification of qualificiations for Staff C to Northern Lights at CCV using the cover sheet by the corrective action due date given.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 26, 2024

Regulation 2.3.9.3: The licensee shall ensure that all staff have met ongoing background check requirements by submitting at least once every five (5) years a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and as required shall submit to fingerprinting.

“Review of BFIS Associated Parties list revealed Staff A was due to complete this process by 3/1/24 and Staff B was due by 2/1/24. Program was notified of this requirement for these staff via an Annual Assurance letter issued to the program on 10/29/23. Corrective Action: By the corrective action due date below, ensure both Staff A and Staff B submit new Records Check Authorization forms and schedule appointments for fingerprinting. Create a system for tracking when staff are due to hit their five (5) mark on fingerprinting to ensure it is completed prior to the exparation date.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 25, 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 and a review of staff files, reflected that Staff A, B, C, and D, had not yet completed an approved Orientation Training. The Program Director confirmed that these four staff members had not yet completed an approved Orientation Training. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have Staff A, B, C, and D complete an approved Orientation Training. One option for this training is the Vermont Orientation Training offered online line by Penn State's Better Kid Care. The link to this training option can be found on the Child Development Division's website: dcf.vermont.org. Follow the path: Child Care for Providers> Professional Development> Required Trainings. Additionally, develop a system which will prompt you and/or new staff to complete an approved Orientation Training in a timely manner moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 4, 2021

Regulation 7.1.2: First Aid and CPR Staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR within six (6) months of beginning work in the CBCCPP and remain currently certified.

“[name] stated that not all staff members were currently certified in CPR and pediatric first aid. Laurie was able to provide documentation that at least one staff member was currently certified in CPR and first aid and stated that she is working on a plan to get everyone certified as soon as possible. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have all staff members attend and complete CPR and first aid training and to retain a copy of their first aid and CPR certificates on site. Create a system which will prompt you when each staff member is due for CPR and first aid certification renewal and to ensure that they sign up for and complete trainings to remain currently certified moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 18, 2019