Puffer Child Care Center

Regulation 7.2.1: The licensee shall ensure that any new individuals regularly present at the CBCCPP submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division prior to working with children in the CBCCPP.

“A partner staff who has worked with an individual for the last six (6) plus months was not listed on the associated parties list during this licensing visit. They stated the record check was believed to be sent to the Child Development Division but follow up from the program did not occur when the partner staff was not listed on the associated parties list. Corrective Action: Immediately have the partner staff send the record check authorization form to the Child Development Division. By 8/10/26, submit confirmation that the record check authorization form has been sent and a system is place to make sure all partner staff have sent a record check authorization form to be placed on the programs associated parties list. Status: Appeal Period.”

Regulation 6.2.1.3: The program director shall ensure that the number of staff present meets requirements described in the chart below for ages of children, maximum group size, and staff/child ratios at any time of day.

“On 04/21/2026 the program self reported to the Child Development Division, that two (2) staff members were caring for nine (9) children in a group. The youngest child in the group was four (4) months old. Ratio and group size is determined by the youngest child in the group, therefore the staff/child ratio is one (1) staff member per every four (4) children. The maximum group size is eight (8). The program operated out of compliance with staff/child ratio and group size requirements for five (5) minutes. This is a serious violation. It should be noted that on 04/23/2026 the Director emailed Licensor [name] Livingston and explained the immediate steps that were taken to ensure compliance with staff/child ratio and group size requirements. This email will be added to the corrective action notes to capture steps the program has taken to come into and maintain future compliance with this regulation. Corrective Action: The Director created a drop off policy and procedure, the policy and procedure was reviewed with staff on 04/22/2026 and all staff members signed a statement of understanding, please email a copy of the policy and procedure document to Licensor [name] Livingston for review. A Parental Notification Letter (PNL), which is a copy of this licensing report, must be provided to each parent of every child enrolled in the program within ten (10) days of the report submission. Please also send the parent contact information for each child enrolled at the program.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 8, 2026

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.

“A review of the staff's BFIS quality and credential accounts, staff files, and the support from Northern Lights to find missing documentation, it was determined that six (6) staff members employed longer than six (6) months did not have an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential account as required and was missing education documentation, professional development certificates, CPR and First Aid certificates and the required training certificates. It is the responsibility of staff to manage uploaded training documentation to their BFIS quality and credential account. This violation was cited previously on 3/11/2025. Corrective Action: By 4/6/2026, Submit confirmation to this Licensor when all required information has been sent to Northern Lights at CCV and a plan with how required training certificates and education documentation will be submitted to Northern Lights to be uploaded into staff's BFIS accounts.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 22, 2026

Regulation 5.6.5: All prescription medication administered by staff shall be in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container.

“A child's rescue inhaler was not in the original box properly labeled for the child. The child was in care during this licensing visit. Corrective Action: Immediately have the parent provide the original box for the inhaler and provide confirmation of understanding to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 15, 2026

Regulation 6.2.6.5: Children shall be protected from the harmful acts of other children.

“During rest time, 2 children were allowed to be in the loft area. One staff member was helping a child in the bathroom, another staff member was helping other children to rest on their mats. Neither of them had the ability to supervise the loft area. When they went to check on them, the children were under a blanket engaging in inappropriate play. Corrective Action: Develop a plan that details how additional oversight and structure during rest time will be implemented. Include in this plan, strategies to identify and assist children to prevent inappropriate behavior from taking place. Submit a copy of this plan to your licensor by 5/21/2025”

Correction date in the state record: May 27, 2025

Regulation 6.2.5.2: Staff shall appropriately hold, touch, smile and talk to children.

“A video clipped showed a staff member grabbing a child by the arm and restraining a child down on the floor for two (2) minutes before letting the child go. The child was heard saying loudly let me go. Corrective Action: In collaboration with the preschool staff, create and implement a behavior plan for their classroom that includes strategies, goals, and interventions that will be used to assist with supervision, classroom management, and positive methods of guidance. The Director shall monitor the implementation during weekly required support and supervision. By 5/21/2025, submit a copy of the behavior plan to your licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: May 27, 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.

“After a review of BFIS Quality and Credential accounts and discussion with the program director, it was determined that three (3) staff employed longer than six (6) months did not have up to date BFIS Quality and Credential Accounts as required and were missing educational documentation and required training certification Corrective Action: All existing documents must be submitted electronically to Northern Lights at CCV, copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov by 4/15/25. Submit all documents to Northern Lights on an on-going basis moving forward. The Verification Cover Sheet can be found at: https://northernlightsccv.org/resource/verification-cover-sheet.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 19, 2025

Regulation 6.1.4.2.3: Children shall be engaged in developmentally appropriate play, sensory activities, and learning experiences in each of the following areas: * Communication and Expression: Language and literacy development, and creative arts; * Learning about the world: social studies, science, and math; and * Developing of self: approaches to learning, social and emotional development, growing, moving, and being healthy.

“During the visit, it was observed that classroom schedules and/or planned curriculum was not posted in the classroom. Staff testimony reflected that no curriculum had been planned or implemented for at least two weeks due to staff turnover and low staffing. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to develop, post and implement a daily schedule which includes opportunities for developmentally approropriate learning experiences for all children as defined by this rule. In the Learning Activities and Curriculum section of the program improvement plan, include details of: 1.how the program will engage with community partners with the goal of continued program improvement and curriculum development, 2. the newly established daily schedule of activities for each group of children, 3. who will be responsible for planning activities and implementing the schedule for each group of children, 4. who will be responsible for oversight of the curriculum planning and implementation in each classroom, 5. a comprehensive plan for the Director to regularly observe and provide feedback in regard to their appropriate interactions and curriculum implementation in the classroom, and 6. who will be properly trained and responsible for utilizing a system to regularly document the learning and growth of each child and share that documentation regularly with families.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 8, 2024

Regulation 6.2.1.4: Staff who are qualified as defined in the rules in section 7.3 of these regulations, meet professional development requirements as defined in the rules in section 7.4 of these regulations, and are physically present and working with children may be counted in staff/child ratios.

“Upon arrival at the program, there were nine (9) preschool children and five (5) infants and toddlers in care. Staff A and Staff B were supporting the preschool group in the room known as the PreK room. Staff C and Staff D were supporting the infant and toddler group in the room known as the rainbow room. The two classrooms are separate aside from a shared doorway. A review of staff files and BFIS accounts indicated the following: 1. Staff D had not yet completed Orientation training, CPR, first aid and had not submitted documentation of qualifications as trainee. Lack of orientation training, CPR and first aid required Staff D to have oversight by an individual who has completed orientation training and current certifications in CPR and first aid at all times. 2. Staff C had not yet completed Orientation training or submitted documentation of qualifications as Trainee. Lack of orientation training required Staff C to have direct oversight by an individual who has completed orientation training at all times. 3. Staff B began work at the program on 04/01/2024 and had not completed or submitted any required training or qualification documents. Lack of orientation training, mandated reporter training, CPR and first aid required Staff B to have oversight by an individual who has completed orientation and mandated reporter training and current certifications in CPR and first aid at all times. Further, Kassidy had also been out of the Child Care field for more than six (6) months and therefore is required to resubmit to fingerprinting prior to working alone with children. Staff A had completed all trainings and requirements to be counted in ratio and left alone with children. Lay out of the classrooms did not allow for Staff A to provide eyes on and ear shot oversight of the three (3) additional staff at all times. The two classrooms operated independently for approximately ninety (90) minutes until this licensor addressed the issue with Staff A. Staff A immediately combined the children and staff in the preschool room in order to provide proper oversight. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to ensure that all staff are qualified as defined in the rules in section 7.3, meet required professional development requirements as defined in section 7.4, have completed an approved orientation training per rule 7.1.3, completed the required mandated reporter training per rule 3.3.5, and completed infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid certifications per rule 7.1.2.2 prior to being counted in staff child ratio and/or being left alone with children. Due to the global nature of these violations, a program improvement plan has been assigned. In the Staff Development portion of the program improvement plan, include details of; 1. how the program will consult with community partners with the intent of improving staff development processes moving forward, 2. how program policies will be reviewed, revised or created to ensure staff onboarding includes a process for assessing and verifying staff qualifications per section 7.3, verifying staff completion of required trainings such as the required mandated reporter training and an approved orientation training prior to working with children, and additionally have become certified in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR and received a background clearance letter from the Division stating that the staff member has no history which prevents them from working with children prior to being left alone with children, 3. a system for tracking the due dates for recertifications, five-year background check and fingerprint requirements and annual professional development requirements, 4. who will be responsible for using the system and ensuring staff are not counted in ratio or left alone with children until all necessary actions have been completed, 5. who will be responsible for training all staff on the program policies and of the requirements for working with and being left alone with children, including assessing their solid understanding of this training, 5. how staff will be routinely reminded of and trained on program policies and licensing regulations, and 7. a plan for assuring that all newly hired staff are constantly supervised until they have completed all requirements moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 8, 2024

Regulation 5.4.3.2: Children shall not be required to sleep. Children who do not nap shall be provided space and equipment for quiet play.

“Upon entry to the preschool room, it was observed that two preschool students were awake on their rest mats. Staff testimony reflected that children who are not asleep by the time the lunch area is cleaned up, are invited to the tables to engage in quiet activities. The children were still awake on their mats when this licensor left the preschool room after approximately 15. When this licensor re-entered the preschool room after approximately 20 more minutes, one of the children was still lying awake on their rest mat with no alternate activities. The lunch area appeared to be cleaned up and the staff member was working on the computer. This does not meet the requirements of this rule. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to ensure all children who do not readily fall asleep are provided with space and equipment for quiet play in a timely manner. Review and revise policies in the staff and paretn handbooks to align with this requirement and provide detail on how to accommodate children who do not readily fall asleep moving forward. In the corrective action email, provide details of how the program has immediately come back into compliance, any policy changes within the handbooks, how the changes were made available to and reviewed with staff to ensure understanding and willingness to comply, and how staff will be supported in following this policy moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024

Regulation 5.2.3.12: The licensee shall post the diaper changing procedure at each diaper changing area.

“The diaper changing procedure was not posted near the diapering stations in the infant or toddler rooms. While the toddler room is not currently in use, staff testimony reflected that the preschool staff utilize the diaper changing station in the toddler room when diaper changes are needed. Corrective Action: As discussed, immediately plan to post the up-to-date diaper changing procedure at each diapering area. Develop a system which ensures that proper diapering procudures are posted at each diapering area after rearranging or changing the loaction of diapering areas moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 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.

“During the visit, there were several areas of fencing on the playground utilized by children that had gaps between the bottom and the ground that measured between 4.5 and 8 inches. The playground sits adjacent to the parking lot and the road. This does not meet the requirements of this rule. This is a repeat violation. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to ensure that there are no gaps in fencing on the playground have larger than 3.5 inches. Develop a system which prompts you and/or staff to regularly check and maintain the fencing in a manner that ensures compliance with this rule. Include in the system; 1. who will be responsible for regular checks of the fencing and gates, 2. who will be notified if issues are identified, 3. who will be responsible for repairing or replacing the fencing or ground under the fencing when issues are found, 4. who will ensure that additional safety measures are in place or that children do not have access to the playground until all issues are remedied moving forward. If the children will be barred access to the playground until the issues are remedied, provide details on the alternate space children will temporarily use on a daily basis for outdoor play.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024

Regulation 6.2.6: Supervision of Children Staff shall ensure visual supervision of children, except as allowed in rules 6.2.6.1-6.2.6.4 of these regulations.

“During interviews, Staff A, B, C, and the Director stated that Child X, who is one (1) year old, left the infant classroom without staff knowledge and was unsupervised for an undetermined amount of time. Child X was found by the Director of the program in an empty classroom and returned to the infant room. Staff A, who was leading the infant room at the time, was not aware that Child X had left until the Director brought the child back to the classroom. Staff A, B, C and the Director stated that on a separate occasion, Child Y, who is one (1) year old, left the infant classroom without staff knowledge and was unsupervised for an undetermined amount of time. Child Y entered the Preschool classroom some time after leaving the infant classroom and was found by the Director and returned to the infant classroom. Staff A and B had begun to look for Child Y before the Director brought the child back. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to ensure all children are visually supervised at all times. Since this is a serious violation, a Program Improvement Plan has been assigned. In the supervision section of the Program Improvement Plan, provide details of ; 1. any conversations that have been or will be had with staff pertaining to the supervision rules, polices and procedures for the program, 2. updated, clear, supervision policies within the Staff and Parent Handbooks for the program and signed statements from all current staff attesting to their understanding of those rules, policies and procedures, 4. any physical safety provisions put in place and 4. an updated staffing plan which provides additional oversight of the infant classroom until it is clear that strong processes are in place and consistently practiced to ensure children are not leaving the room unsupervised.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 28, 2024

Regulation 6.2.7.6: Profanity and obscene language shall not be used in the CBCCPP while children are present.

“Staff B and C stated that they had overheard Staff A using inappropriate language in front of the children in the infant room. Staff A confirmed that they had used inappropriate language in front of the children in the infant room on at least one occasion. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that Staff A is not left alone with children, has additional support and oversight, and is appropriately interacting with children at all times. In the Interactions poriton of the Program Improvement Plan, include details of; 1. How staff policies around appropriate language expectation will be revised as necessary and reviewed formally with all staff, 2. details of the updated policies within the staff handbook, and 3. signed statements from all current staff attesting to their understanding of the appropriate language policies.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 28, 2024

Regulation 6.2.5.2: Staff shall appropriately hold, touch, smile and talk to children.

“During interviews, Staff B and C stated that they had witnessed Staff A picking up infant Child Z by one arm and moving the child from one side of the room to the other while the child hung from Staff A's grasp. Additionally, Staff B stated that they had witnessed Staff A placing their hand over Child Z's mouth in order to get the child to stop crying. Staff A confirmed that they had lifted and moved Child Z by one arm on at least one occasion and placed a hand over Child Z's mouth to get them to quiet down during rest time. Corrective Action: Immediately ensure that Staff A is not left alone with children, has additional support and oversight, and is appropriately interacting with children at all times. In the Interactions portion of the Program Improvement Plan, include details of; 1.how program policies regarding appropriate responses to children's behavior will be revised as necessary and formally reviewed with all current staff, 2. the revised policies regarding appropriate responses to children's behavior, and 3. signed statements attesting to each staff's understanding of these policies.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 28, 2024