Pitter Patter Childcare Center

Regulation 5.10.3.1.4: If fencing is used, it shall be sturdy, safe, and reinforced to give support, constructed to discourage climbing, and shall not prevent visual supervision of children by staff.

“The fence had some leaning panels, chipping and peeling paint, pickets were missing, and gates to the outside leading to the outside were difficult to open in the preschool and toddler playgrounds and unable to open in the infant playground, causing safety hazards. There must be at least one gate that leads to the outside that is able to be opened. Corrective Action: The Licensee said that since the visit, the landlord has been contacted and that they said they will fix or replace the fence. By 11/22/2024, email Licensor [name] to confirm that the fence will be fixed or replaced and confirm when this will occur. Ensure that if fencing is replaced, that it will meet criteria in rule 5.10.3.1.5.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 16, 2024

Regulation 5.10.4.5.1: The program director shall ensure that the CBCCPP, its furnishings, and toys are kept in a clean and orderly condition.

“In the preschool room, there were many fruit flies. The lower cabinets in the room and the woodwork around the door to the bathroom appeared dirty. There were food spills on the lid of the garbage can, and there was a vase of flowers that were decomposing next to the sink, creating an odor. In addition, in the preschool, two-year-old room, and toddler room, there were many stains on the fabric of the adult sized chairs in the reading areas. Corrective Action: Send Licensor [name] confirmation that all areas have been cleaned. In addition, send a plan for what will be done with the cloth-covered chairs to ensure that they are cleaned regularly, and a plan for ensuring cupboards, trash cans, and door jams are cleaned regularly.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 16, 2024

Regulation 5.10.1.10.4: Materials required for routine cleaning shall be stored and used in a safe manner out of the reach of children.

“In the preschool and two-year-old bathrooms, the sanitizing spray was kept low enough that a child could access it if they were using the stepstools that are in the bathrooms. Corrective Action: Email Licensor [name] to confirm where sanitizing spray is being kept and that it is out of reach of children.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 16, 2024

Regulation 5.10.3.2.1: All outdoor play equipment shall be sturdy, safe, clean and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters, and exposed bolts. To prevent entrapment, no openings in equipment shall be between 3.5 and nine (9) inches. Chains on swings shall have protective coverings and swing seats shall be made of soft materials with no sharp edges.

“The wooden climber is observed to have many splintering boards and a bolt on the climber/slide that is protruding more than two (2) threads, which is a strangulation hazard. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure children do not have access to the climber/slide portion of the structure. By 11/22/2024, email Licensor [name] a statement confirming that the children are not using the climber/slide portion of the structure. In addition, email Licensor [name] a plan that confirms what the long-term plans are for the structure. In the plan include how the program will keep children from using the climber/slide until it is repaired or removed and what the plan is for removal of the structure, including a timeline.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 16, 2024

Regulation 5.10.3.1.5: Fencing installed after the effective date of these regulations shall: * Be a minimum of four (4) feet in height with openings no larger than 3.5 inches; * Equipped with gates with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms; and * Include at least two (2) exits with one (1) that does not lead into the CBCCPP.

“On the preschool playground, there was a small plastic pool that was overturned, but was caved in, and there was a pool of water in the caved in part that was at least three (3) inches deep, which could be a drowning hazard or could breed mosquitos. There were two (2) indoor tables that were becoming delaminated due to the elements which could be a sanitary or pinching hazard. Corrective Action: Confirm that these items have been removed from the playground.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 16, 2024

Regulation 6.2.8.4.3: When a child is expelled from the program, a full copy of the child's file must be provided to the child's parent(s) on or before the child's last day in the program. The CBCCPP shall retain documentation that the file was provided to the parent.

“Child X was expelled from the program and the program did not give the family a copy of the child's file on or before the last day of attendance. Corrective Action: By 9/10/2024, email Licensor [name] to confirm that the family received a copy of Child X's file. Email a statement confirming that in the future, families will receive a copy of their child's file on or before their last day of attendance.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 18, 2024

Regulation 6.2.8.4.2: In the event that the concerns cannot be resolved, written notice to the child's parent(s) is required with at least five (5) days' notice prior to expulsion.

“Staff testimony confirms that Child X was expelled from the program without a five day written notice. Corrective Action: By 9/17/2024, email a plan to Licensor [name] that describes how the program will ensure that if a child is at risk of losing child care, the program will give the family five days' written notice and will work with the family to ensure that the child is able to attend for the full five days.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2024

Regulation 5.8.3: Staff shall create and file an incident report for each accident, injury or medical emergency that leaves a visible mark, or first aid has been administered, even when medical treatment is not required. An incident report shall include the name of the child, date, description of the injury or medical emergency, how it occurred, adult witnesses, first aid provided, and medical care required. The child's parent shall be provided a copy of the report at pick up that day. Serious injuries, animal bites and death must be reported to the Division as specified in the rules in section 3.2 of these regulations.

“Staff A observed scratches on Child X's neck. Staff A notified Staff B, who was the scheduled staff person in Child X's classroom. Staff B did not complete a child incident report to give to the parent and did not notify the parent of the injury when the parent picked up. The child incident report was completed by the Licensee the following day, and not signed by Staff B. There was no mention in the incident report of any medical care that occurred after the scratches were noticed by Staff A or Staff B. Corrective Action: Review with all staff first aid requirements and how and when to complete incident reports to inform families on the day of an injury. Email Licensor [name] to confirm that this review has been completed. In addition, email Licensor [name] a plan that describes how the director will ensure that incident reports are completed the same day as an injury and that the reports contain the necessary information.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 19, 2024

Regulation 6.2.8.4.2: In the event that the concerns cannot be resolved, written notice to the child's parent(s) is required with at least five (5) days' notice prior to expulsion.

“The program issued a five-day expulsion notice and then rescinded the five-day notice. Corrective Action: Email a plan to Licensor [name] that describes how the program will ensure that if five-day expulsion notices are issued, the program will work with families to assure that the child(ren) can attend the program for the full duration of the notice.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 15, 2023

Regulation 6.2.4.3: The program director shall ensure that each group of children is led by a staff member who is at least qualified as a teacher associate for at least 75% of the hours of operation.

“There are three classrooms that are not led by staff that at least qualify as Teacher Associates. Corrective Action: In November, the program submitted variance requests for three staff who were acting as leads for the three classrooms. By 2/6/2023, submit a plan to Licensor [name] that describes how the program will assure that each of the three classrooms are led by a staff member who qualifies as a Teacher Associate or a Teacher present in the classrooms at least 75% of the time that the program is open.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2023