Phoenix Children's Academy Private Preschool # 224

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 Officers' observations, in Room 105 (2s), Room 108 (3s-5s), and Room 110 (3s-5s) restrooms, the children's stools had a build-up of dirt and dark smudges.”

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 Officers' observations, in Room 105, the water temperature measured 115° F.”

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 Officers' observations, a review of the written infant feeding instructions, and discussion with the infant room staff, the infant feeding instructions were not updated and lacked the following information: *Child #1 - Staff stated the child eats solid foods. The feeding instructions lacked the amount of food to be fed and the frequency of the feeding. *Child #2 - Staff stated the child eats puréed and solid foods, and formula. The feeding instructions lacked the amount of the puréed and solid foods and formula to be fed, and the frequency of the feedings of the purée, solids, and formula. *Child #3 - Staff stated the child eats soft solids and formula. The feeding instructions lacked the amount of solids and formula to be fed and the frequency of the feedings for both.”

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 Officers' observations and a review of 10 enrolled children's dated attendance forms, 3 of 10 children's forms lacked the following documentation: *Child #4: A time of release, and a parent or staff signature or other unique identifier for 9/2/2025, 9/5/2025, 9/18/2025, 9/23/2025, and 9/25/2025; *Child #5: A time of release, and a parent or staff signature or other unique identifier for 9/11/2025 and 9/17/2025; and *Child #6: A time of release, and a parent or staff signature or other unique identifier for 9/4/2025 and 9/11/2025.”

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 Officers' observations, the rugs in the following rooms had a buildup of dirt and dark stains: *Room 104 (2s); *Room 105 (2s); *Room 106 (PreK 4/5s); and *Room109 (Preschool 3-5s).”

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, in the Infant Room, 3 infants were on tummy time with soft products on the same floor space. The staff members in the room were not within reach of the infants.”

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, based on staff statement, a review of facility documentation, and the Compliance Officers' observations, the following classrooms were out of ratio: *Two-A (2s): There was 1 staff member with 9 enrolled children on 07-07-2025 with a required ratio of 2:9. *Two-B (2s): There was 1 staff member with 9 enrolled children on 07-28-2025 with a required ratio of 2:9, 1 staff member with 10 enrolled children on 07-15-2025 and 08-13-2025 with a required ratio of 2:10. *Infants: There was 1 staff member with 6 enrolled infants on 07-28-2025 and 07-29-2025with a required ratio of 2:6, and 1 staff member with 7 enrolled infants on 07-30-2025 with a required ratio of 2:7. Staff stated the following: *It happened once last week *It lasted about 30 minutes or so. *It happened in the Twos room. *We call and they send someone. *We aren't out of ratio for long. *It happened around Wednesday (13th) or Thursday (14th).”

AAC R9-5-503.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not:1. Permit a bottle, formula, food, eating utensil, or food preparation in a diaper changing area; 2. Draw water for human consumption from a diaper changing area sink; or 3. Except as provided in subsection (C), if responsible for food preparation, change diapers until food preparation duties have been completed for the day.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Two-B classroom, there was a staff cup on the diaper changing surface next to the handwashing sink.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.10. B. A licensee shall ensure that:10. Toilet rooms are ventilated to the outside of the building, either by a screened window open to the outside air or by an exhaust fan and duct system that is operated when the toilet room is in use;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the Preschool A classroom, Pre-K A classroom, and School-age classroom's toilet rooms lacked functioning exhaust fans.”

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 observation, in the Toddler A classroom, the sippy cups used for drinking water were on the countertop next to the sink and inaccessible to the enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains:1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Toddler-B classroom, there was a tablet on the diaper changing surface next to the hand washing sink.”

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

“Per allegation findings: Based on facility documentation, video footage, Staff statements, and the Compliance Officers' observations, staff failed to supervise an enrolled child at all times in the Todd B classroom. The video footage shows 2 enrolled children climbing on a single-sided three tiered bookshelf and Staff did not intervene. The video continues and Child #1's foot becomes wedged in the shelf. One staff member was changing diapers and the other staff member was facing away from the children. Staff stated that they did not see the children climbing on the bookshelf and facility documentation stated that the "teacher's unaware" and the "child was fussy".”

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 Compliance Officer #2's observation, the file for Staff #1 (Start date 01/18/2024) lacked documentation of the submitted DCS Central Registry Clearance form.”

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 Officers' observations, in the Todd B classroom, there was a green plastic tub on the diaper changing surface next to the hand washing sink.”

AAC R9-5-503.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not:1. Permit a bottle, formula, food, eating utensil, or food preparation in a diaper changing area; 2. Draw water for human consumption from a diaper changing area sink; or 3. Except as provided in subsection (C), if responsible for food preparation, change diapers until food preparation duties have been completed for the day.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the Todd B classroom, there were sippy cups and a water bottle on the diaper changing surface next to the hand washing sink.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the Todd B classroom, Staff failed to follow the diaper changing procedure by leaving a diaper wrapped in a glove, wipes, and diaper ointment on the diaper changing surface.”

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 facility documentation, video footage and the Compliance Officers' observations, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child was placed at risk of harm in the Todd B classroom. The video shows Child #1 climbing on the single-sided three tiered bookshelf when Child #1's foot becomes wedged in the shelf. Child #1 is struggling to free their foot and then falls onto their side. Child #1 is finally able to pull their foot free, resulting in a serious injury. Facility documentation stated "the teachers unaware" of an injury. Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, at the time of the inspection in the Toddler B classroom, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child was placed at risk of harm. A Staff member was observed sitting next to an enrolled child who was laying on their naptime cot. The Staff member was aggressively pounding on the child's back, producing a loud thumping sound, while attempting to get the child to sleep.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.2.a. 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;

“Per allegation findings: Based on staff statements and the Compliance Officer's observations, the diaper changing area hand-washing sinks in the following rooms lacked running water between 86° F and 110° F as required: Nursery A: 62.6 degrees Toddler B: 64.2 degrees Two A: 62.2 degrees Two B: 62.1 degrees Staff stated the "hot water wasn't very hot".”

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 observation, in the Two B classroom, there was sharp metal protruding through the wood along the top back-edge of the kitchen playset and accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.2.a. 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 observation, in the Two B classroom, the portable diaper changing surface was placed to the left and away from the hand washing sink rather than next to the hand washing sink as required.”

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 observations, in the School-age and Preschool B classroom's toilet rooms, the toilet paper was on top of the toilet paper dispensers, rather than mounted as required.”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the medication for Child #5 lacked the original container dispensed by a pharmacy and the 2nd dose as prescribed by the health care provider.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 4's/5's outdoor activity area, there was a 6X6 inch hole with exposed cement and crumbled stucco at the base of the column. There was a sharp piece of broken yellow plastic on the little tykes car.”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area: 1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the 4's/5's outdoor activity area lacked 4 of the required 6 inches of wood chips under the fall zones of the 2 yellow slides on the play structure.”

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, it was determined that 4 out of 15 enrolled child's attendance records lacked the following information: Child #1: A departure time and signature for 10/13/2023. Child #2: A departure time and signature for 10/4/2023 and 10/06/2023. Child #3: A departure time and signature for 10/16/2023, 10/17/2023, and 10/18/2023. Child #4: A departure time and signature for 10/06/2023.”