Ready, Set, Grow Childcare

Regulation 7.4.4: All staff shall complete fifteen (15) clock hours of annual professional development activities as required in the rule 7.4.2 of these regulations. Substitutes filling a staff position for less than thirty (30) consecutive days within a 365 day period shall be exempt.

“A review of the staff BFIS credential accounts, support from Northern Lights to find documentation, as well as discussion with the program director, revealed that a staff person had not completed four (4) hours of professional development for the period of 6/02/24 to 6/02/25. Corrective Action: By 6/25/2026, the identified staff must complete the missing hours for their past year. Develop a system to ensure that required professional development hours are completed by staff in a timely manner moving forward. In the corrective action email include certificates of completion for staff training and details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 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.

“69% of the staff BFIS Quality and Credential accounts were not up to date. All staff had been employed for over six (6) months. Corrective Action: By 6/25/25, submit all staff training certificates and educational documents to Northern Lights. In the corrective action email include details of the system developed to ensure compliance moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: May 29, 2026

Regulation 5.1.1: The licensee shall ensure that the CBCCPP environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“A staff member removed an empty medication capsule from a one-year old's mouth before the child was able to swallow it. Corrective Action: By 2/10/26, submit the program employee storage and administration plan for medication, supplements and other products labeled "keep out of reach of children". This plan should include at a minimum how these products will be stored, locked and kept out of reach of children, clearly define a location where staff may administer and dispose of personal medication. The plan should also include how you will be training your current and future staff on the newly developed plan as well as indicating how you will ensure staff compliance with the plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 20, 2026

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.

“The Bear room sound machine was on the floor near cots of children and with the cords easily accessible to children. The Beavers room had a radio/walkie talkie cord dangling over a cot of a child. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to secure all cords which may present a choking or strangulation hazard. Develop a system which ensures that staff are routinely checking the classroom for any and all hazards prior to children being allowed in the room moving forward. Include details of this plan in your corrective action email.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2025

Regulation 5.10.4.5.5: Hard surfaces accessible to children shall be smooth, non-porous, and easy to clean. See the rules in section 5.2.6 of these regulations for a schedule for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing of specific surfaces and items.

“The floor throughout the center classrooms had black tape on the floor covering cracks on the floor. Corrective Action: Immediately contact the landlord to discuss the issue with the cracking floor. By June 25, 2025, provide the date you spoke with the landlord and the plan detailing steps to remedy the floor and the time frame in which this work will be completed.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2025

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.

“Dirt, pebbles, sand, dust, grimes crumpled paper and debris were visible in the Bears, Raccoons, Hedgehogs, Ducks and Beavers classrooms floors and containers of toys. Floors had tape residues. A variety of mixed toys were piled in dirty containers, dress-up clothes on the floor or bottom of cubbies, blankets used for naps were on the floor, a variety of clothing, blanket, cloth were on top of cubbies, tables and on the floor in various corners of the rooms. The Minnow room had a bunch of toys for infants all piled up in the corner of the room. Staff and children were seen walking on books in the raccoon room. Corrective Action: Immediately instruct staff to remove dirt, pebbles, sand, paper and other debris from floor and toys containers, as well as placing toys in an organized way. By June 25, 2025, develop a system which ensures that furnishings and toys are kept in a clean and orderly condition. Submit a program improvement plan that identifies how the program will maintain compliance to this rule to include the frequency of tasks to be done, when those tasks are to be completed, who completes the tasks and who assesses the program to ensure compliance to this rule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2025

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.

“Upon review of staff BFIS credential accounts it was noted that four (4) staff members had certifications in First Aid and CPR that had expired. Testimony from staff reflected that no current certifications have been obtained by any of the four (4) staff. Staff A CPR/First Aid expired on 04/09/25. Staff B CPR/First Aid expired on 05/18/25. Staff C CPR/First Aid expired on 11/07/24. Staff D CPR/First Aid expired on 9/19/24 Corrective Action: Immediately, and before being left alone with children, plan for all four (4) staff to obtain current certifications in First Aid and CPR. Once certifications have been obtained submit documentation to CCV at Northern Lights with copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov on the submission email. Develop a system to prompt staff to obtain current certifications in CPR and First Aid before the date of expiration on their certifications moving forward. In the corrective action email include details of the system that has been developed and implemented.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2025

Regulation 6.1.4.1.1: Toys, materials and equipment shall be varied and available in a quantity that allows all children to benefit from their use, allows a range of choices, and reduces conflicts between children.

“The Raccoons, Beavers and Hedgehogs classrooms experience conflicts with children over toys. Two children were arguing over one (1) dinosaur in the Raccoon, and one child stated they had nothing to do. Three children fought for 2 flat pieces of wood after a staff member suggested they could individually build a ramp in the Hedgehog room. One small container of blocks was available with 4 children playing. The Beavers room play kitchen set was missing the sink, the stove was reversed to the wall and could not be used, the fridge shelving was piled on one shelf and the play food and dishes were piled in one container. Corrective Action: Immediately instruct staff to view their classrooms and add additional toys for children to play to help reduce conflict. By June 25, 2025, develop a system which ensures that staff are routinely checking the classroom for the number of toys allowed for play in each area of the classroom, especially when changing the classroom over. Include details of this plan in your corrective action email, this plan should also include how staff will determine the quantity and variety needed.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 26, 2025

Regulation 5.10.3.1.6: The outdoor play area shall be free of dumpsters, uncovered trash cans, highly flammable materials, standing pools of water and other hazards. Staff shall inspect the outdoor play area before children begin to play to make sure there are no hazards present such as, but not limited to, animal feces, litter, adult tools, or other items that might injure a child.

“The 2-3 years old outdoor play area fence had 27 screws protruding toward the inside of the fence at children's levels. The infant and 1 years old outdoor play area fence had 10 screws protruding toward the inside of the fence at children level. In both outdoor play areas, children were playing around the fences. Corrective Action: By 8/9/24, ensure that all screws are covered or cut to prevent injury to children. Notify this licensor how and when you have remedied the issue.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 9, 2024

Regulation 5.10.3.3: Safe Use Zones For all play equipment that is thirty (30) inches or higher from the ground, including climbing equipment, slides, swings and other similar equipment, the licensee shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, including recommended use zones, is of approved resilient material that protects children if they fall. * Materials in the use zone shall consist of wood chips, pea stone, mulch, engineered wood fibers, sand, safety-tested shredded or rubber like material or rubber mats designed for protective cushioning; * Materials used in the use zone shall follow the recommendations listed in the most recent publication of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook regarding critical depth of tested materials determined by the height of the highest climbing surface of the equipment; * Materials used in the use zone shall be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions; * If the loose material such as sand, mulch, or shredded rubber is used in use zones, the licensee shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, staff shall ensure that children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“The monkey bars located in the pre-k outdoor play area allow children to reach a height above 30 inches and did not have sufficient cushioning material around it. While reviewing the space with the director she stated that they had added cushioning material but could see where it was still needed. Corrective Action: The monkey bar must immediately be blocked from children's use, until it has the required cushioning material under and around it, to a sufficient depth as required by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook, available at : https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/playgrounds/public-playground-safety-handbook. By 8/9/2024 submit photos of the structure with the required cushioning material in place or block from use.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 9, 2024

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 provider BFIS Quality and Credential account indicated missing training certification. The provider stated that not all training certifications had not been sent or added to staff BFIS Quality and Credential. The provider was able to show all documentation requested. Corrective Action: All existing documents must be submitted electronically to Northern Lights at CCV, copying ann.sparrow@vermont.gov by 8/09/24. Submit all documents to Northern Lights on an on-going basis moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 12, 2024

Regulation 5.6.2: The program director shall ensure that only staff, who have completed a training course approved by the Division, administer medication in the CBCCPP. With written parental permission, a school age child may self-medicate under the direct supervision of staff who meets the training requirement within this rule.

“The program director stated that she had given a controlled substance medication to a child. The program director could not provide documentation of having taken medication administration training. Corrective Action: Ensure medication will only be administered by staff who have completed acceptable medication administration training. By 9/28/23, indicate who will be responsible for administering medication to children and how you will inform the remaining staff.”

Correction date in the state record: Oct 6, 2023

Regulation 5.1.1: The licensee shall ensure that the CBCCPP environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“The program director stated she over medicated a child by administering twice the dosage of a controlled substance as was prescribed, on three separate occasions. In a separate situation, a controlled substance that was in a locked cabinet was removed from the prescription bottle and replaced with a purple liquid. On a third occasion, a controlled substance was sent home with the parent and was found to have an unknown pill in it's place. The unknown pill was later identified as a prescription medication used to treat adults, most often for anxiety. The program director could not provide documentation of having taken a medication administration training. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: By 9/28/28, submit the program medication administration plan. The plan shall include at a minimum: the system put in place to ensure that controlled substances are locked and secure, how the program will limit access to the keys, identify staff who will have access to the medication and who will be administering medication to children, clearly define the steps on how controlled substance will be administered and how the program will ensure that only staff having completed the Medication Administration training will administer medication. Include with the plan a sample form used to log the medication administration. Complete the parental notification letter as outlined above and an e-mail with 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: Oct 6, 2023

Regulation 5.2.1.1: CBCCPP staff shall ensure that adults and children wash their hands: * Upon arrival at the CBCCPP; * Before they eat, prepare or handle food; * Before and after handling raw meat; * Before feeding children; * After toileting or diapering; * After cleaning; * After taking out the garbage; * After handling animals; and * After outdoor play.

“A staff was observed changing a diaper on an infant which was returned to play without washing the child's hand. Pre-k classroom #2 four (4) staff and children returning from outside play were observed entering the classroom and began playing without first washing their hands. Corrective Action: By September 5th , 2023, review the handwashing regulation with all staff to ensure they understand when staff and children shall wash their hands. Identify what strategies will be used to ensure new staff will wash their and children's hands as required.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 28, 2023

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 the program BFIS quality and credential accounts and a verbal confirmation from the program director stating that a staff had not completed the required mandated reporter training, Protecting Vermont's Children: Reporting Abuse and Neglect. Corrective Action: By September 5th, 2023, have the staff complete the required mandated reporter training and submit the documentation of completion with cover sheets to Northern Light at CCV and cc this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 28, 2023

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 the program BFIS Quality and Credential account indicated that a staff person employed over a year had not completed the Vermont Orientation Training as required. The program Director confirmed that the employee had not completed the training. Corrective Action: By September 5th, 2023, have the staff complete the Vermont Orientation Training. Submit the training certificate to Northern Lights with the required cover sheet and cc this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 29, 2023

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.

“After reviewing the BFIS account for the program and speaking with the program director, it was determined that Staff A and B had not submitted an updated record check and completed fingerprint supported clearances as required. Staff A was due on 12/18/22 and Staff B was due on 11/02/22. Corrective Action: Immediately submit a new record check authorization form to the Division. By September 5th, 2023, schedule an appointment for both individuals affiliated with the programs to comply with the fingerprint supported clearance. Submit confirmation of when fingerprinting appointment is scheduled and has been completed for both individuals to your licensor. Develop a system to ensure record checks are submitted to the Division as stated by this rule, and that fingerprinting is completed in a timely manner.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 31, 2023

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 on the playground for 20 minutes without staff knowledge. The staff realized the child was left on the playground when the children were getting ready for rest time, and they saw the empty cot. This is a serious violation. Corrective Action: By 5/19/2023, 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. A Parental Notification is required by 5/19/23. Submit a list of the families you forwarded the letter to with their contact information, by 5/19/23.”

Correction date in the state record: May 18, 2023

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.

“Ten (10) days after the incident, the parent still have not received a copy of the incident report describing how the incident occur as stated in this rule. Corrective Action: Immediately provide a copy of the incident report to the parents.By 11/15/22, create a system to ensure that parents are provided a written report of incidents on the same day it occurred. Forward a copy of this plan to your licensor as well as indicating how staff will be trained”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 22, 2022

Regulation 6.2.7.3: Staff shall use positive methods of guidance and behavior management that encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation.

“Video footage showed a staff grabbing a child by her right arm and forcefully moving her. The child was then grabbed by the left arm, her toes touching the ground, was forcefully being pulled in the direction the teacher wanted her to go. Immediately after being released the child cried and held her arm. The staff is no longer employed by the program. Corrective Action: Effective immediately instruct staff to use developmentally appropriate expectations of children's behavior. By 11/15/22 submit a program improvement plan to this licensor that states how the program will ensure staff's children behavior expectations and responses are developmentally appropriate to each child's level of understanding and meets the individual needs of each child. The plan shall include the program's management team ensuring trainings with all staff about positive guidance of children, providing ongoing observations of each staff member's work with children to ensure positive guidance, and ongoing mentor time to support current and future staff in positive guidance of children.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 22, 2022