Small World Preschool

AAC R9-5-510.B.4. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 4. Punishment associated with eating, resting, sleeping, toileting, and withholding outdoor play;

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officers’ observation, review of facility documentation and information provided by the staff, it was determined that Staff 1 was threatening children with statements of leaving them in soiled clothing, not allowing them to play with toys, and taking away water play during outdoor time. Staff stated: "[Staff 1] tells the children they can't play with toys, they have to write. And she makes them write at the table." "[Staff 1] gets angry with the children who have potty accidents and says they have to stay like that." "A child wet [their] pants and [Staff 1] said 'you wet your pants and now you're going to stay like that for the rest of the day." I heard her say the child would stay in their wet pants all day so I went in and took the child to the restroom and helped [them] change. Video and Compliance Officers' observations: Staff 1 was heard saying: "Starting now you're going to have to owe me two hours, Two hours without toys. Two hours with no fun activities. You guys are gonna sit down at tables and write down your name." "And now you guys aren't getting water day."”

AAC R9-5-510.A.1. A. A staff member shall provide guidance to help children respond to difficult situations. To develop self-regulation, children should receive adult support that is individual to the child and adapts as the child develops internal controls. This process should include: 1. Forming a positive relationship with the child, which occurs when the adult spends time talking to the child, listening to the child, following the child’s lead, playing with the child, and responding to the child’s needs; 2. Base expectations on the child’s developmental level; 3. Establishing and being proactive in teaching and supporting children in learning simple rules; 4. Modifying the learning/play environment to support the child’s appropriate behavior; 5. Creating a predictable daily routine and schedule; 6. Modeling desired behavior; 7. Showing children positive alternatives; 8.Using deliberate redirection, the staff member should encourage the child to use appropriate behavior, and provide positive feedback when the child exhibits the behavior; 9. Individualized positive discipline strategies based on the individual needs of children, such as using a buddy system, individualized schedule, special break, or another applicable positive discipline strategy; and 10. If applicable, a licensee shall develop a written plan with the enrolled child's parent to provide individualized social and emotional intervention supports for the enrolled child that includes methods for understanding the enrolled child's behavior, and developing, adopting, and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan.

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on Compliance Officers’ observation, review of facility documentation and information provided by the staff, it was determined that Staff 1 was yelling at children and calling them names. Staff stated: "[Staff 1] yells at the children and it makes me uncomfortable." "[Staff 1] yells 'Sit down!', 'Why aren't you listening?' "[Staff 1] is rude with the children talking down at them." "[Staff 1] tells them [children] to stop acting like buffoons." "[Staff 1] calls them names. She calls them "buffoons." "[Staff 1] tells the children they can't play with toys, they have to write. And she makes them write at the table." "[Staff 1] gets angry with the children who have potty accidents and says they have to stay like that." Video and Compliance Officers' observations: Staff 1 was heard saying: “How long do I have to babysit you guys?" "I am over it! Over it!" "Starting now you're going to have to owe me two hours, Two hours without toys. Two hours with no fun activities. You guys are gonna sit down at tables and write down your name." "And now you guys aren't getting water day."”

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;

“FINDINGS: Based on Compliance Officers’ observation, review of facility documentation and information provided by the staff, it was determined that children's health, safety, or welfare was placed at risk of harm when Staff 1 yelled at the children, threatened them and the called them names. Staff stated: "[Staff 1] yells at the children and it makes me uncomfortable." "[Staff 1] yells 'Sit down!', 'Why aren't you listening?' "[Staff 1] is rude with the children talking down at them." "[Staff 1] tells them [children] to stop acting like buffoons." "[Staff 1] calls them names. She calls them "buffoons." "[Staff 1] tells the children they can't play with toys, they have to write. And she makes them write at the table." "[Staff 1] gets angry with the children who have potty accidents and says they have to stay like that." Video and Compliance Officers' observations: Staff 1 was heard saying: “How long do I have to babysit you guys?" "I am over it! Over it!" "Starting now you're going to have to owe me two hours, Two hours without toys. Two hours with no fun activities. You guys are gonna sit down at tables and write down your name." "And now you guys aren't getting water day."”

AAC R9-5-501.B.4. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 4. Except for an enrolled child who can change the enrolled child’s own clothing, changes an enrolled child’s clothing when wet or soiled;

“Per Allegation Findings: Based on information provided by the staff, it was determined that Staff 1 was not helping children change out of their soiled clothing and into clean clothing when they needed assistance to do so. Staff stated: "[Staff 1] gets angry with the children who have potty accidents and says they have to stay like that." "A child wet [their] pants and [Staff 1] said 'you wet your pants and now you're going to stay like that for the rest of the day.'" "I heard her say the child would stay in their wet pants all day so I went in and took the child to the restroom and helped [them] change."”

AAC R9-5-605.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. All designated exits, corridors, and passageways that provide escape from the building are unobstructed and unlocked during hours of operation;

“FINDINGS: Compliance Officer 1 inspected the Infant Classroom and observed that the exit door leading to the Infant Playground was locked.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.1. A. A staff member shall provide guidance to help children respond to difficult situations. To develop self-regulation, children should receive adult support that is individual to the child and adapts as the child develops internal controls. This process should include: 1. Forming a positive relationship with the child, which occurs when the adult spends time talking to the child, listening to the child, following the child’s lead, playing with the child, and responding to the child’s needs; 2. Base expectations on the child’s developmental level; 3. Establishing and being proactive in teaching and supporting children in learning simple rules; 4. Modifying the learning/play environment to support the child’s appropriate behavior; 5. Creating a predictable daily routine and schedule; 6. Modeling desired behavior; 7. Showing children positive alternatives; 8.Using deliberate redirection, the staff member should encourage the child to use appropriate behavior, and provide positive feedback when the child exhibits the behavior; 9. Individualized positive discipline strategies based on the individual needs of children, such as using a buddy system, individualized schedule, special break, or another applicable positive discipline strategy; and 10. If applicable, a licensee shall develop a written plan with the enrolled child's parent to provide individualized social and emotional intervention supports for the enrolled child that includes methods for understanding the enrolled child's behavior, and developing, adopting, and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan.

“FINDINGS: The Compliance Officers were in the front office reviewing their notes when Staff 1 began speaking to children in a loud, harsh voice. Compliance Officer 1 approached Staff 1 and Staff 1 and mentioned that her tone and voice volume seem harsh. Compliance Officer 1 exited the classroom and both Compliance Officers overheard Staff 1 continue to speak in a harsh tone with the children.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.8.c. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 8. Provide a crib for each infant that: c. Is furnished with clean, sanitized, crib-size bedding, including a fitted sheet and top sheet or a blanket;

“FINDINGS: Compliance Officer 2 inspected the cribs that were located in the Infant Classroom and observed that the sheets were loosely fitted to the mattresses.”

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: Compliance Officer 2 inspected the diapering sink that was located in the Infant Classroom and observed that it measured 119ºF; therefore it exceeded the maximum allowable temperature.”

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: The Compliance Officers exited the Infant Classroom and observed Child 1 alone in the restroom that is located in the hallway, therefore the ratio was 0:1. Previously cited 7/23/25”

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: The Compliance Officer reviewed the children's sign in and out logs and observed that Child 1 was not signed out on 7/1 and 7/17.”

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: The Compliance Officer was at the front office with the Director when she observed Child 2 walk from the bathroom into the classroom alone and unsupervised. The restroom is located in the hallway outside of the classroom. Therefore, Child 2 was left in 0:1 ratio when they walked from the Preschool Classroom to the restroom and back alone and unsupervised.”

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: The Compliance Officer inspected the restroom located in between the Ones and Twos Classrooms and observed that 1 toilet contained feces and 1 toilet contained urine and toilet paper.”

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: The Compliance Officer inspected the diapering area in the Ones Classroom and the water temperature at the diapering sink in measured 80 degrees Fahrenheit.”

AAC R9-5-401.2. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:2. A facility director’s designee is 21 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. At least 12 months of child care experience, a high school or high school equivalency diploma, and: i. Three credit hours or more in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university, or ii. At least 30 actual hours of instruction, provided in conferences, seminars, lectures, or workshops in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. At least 12 months of child care experience and: i. An N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential; or ii At least 24 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; c. At least six months of child care experience and an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or d. At least three months of child care experience and a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field;

“FINDINGS: The Compliance Officer reviewed the file for Staff 1 (start date 6/26/23) and observed that it lacked documentation of education and therefore, they did not qualify to work as the Designee which is the capacity in which they work.”

AAC R9-5-404.B. B. A licensee shall:1. Determine and maintain the required staff-to-children ratio for each group of enrolled children based on the age of the youngest child in the group; 2. Allow a volunteer qualified as a director, teacher-caregiver, or an assistant-teacher caregiver to be counted as staff in staff-to-children ratios; and 3. Not allow a student-aide or an individual qualified as a teacher-caregiver-aide to be counted as staff in staff-to-children ratios.

“FINDINGS: The Compliance Officer observed that a staff stepped out of their classroom to open the front door. The staff left the Threes and Fours Classroom out of ratio at 0:8.”

AAC R9-5-504.3. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“FINDINGS: The Compliance Officer inspected the Ones Classroom and observed that the art supplies were stored inaccessible.”

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: The Compliance Officer inspected the diaper table in the Ones Classroom and observed two areas where the seams where open and needed to be filled with caulk.”

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: The Compliance Officer inspected the School Age Classroom and measured 3 inches of wood chips under and around the curling ladder and the fireman pole.”

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: The Compliance Officer inspected the Ones, Twos and Pre-K Classrooms and observed that they were equipped with unsecured shelves.”

AAC R9-5-602.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that the facility meets the following square footage requirements for indoor activity areas based on the child care services classifications:1. At least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each infant and 1-year-old child; 2. At least 25 square feet of indoor activity space for each child who is not an infant or 1-year-old child; and 3. When 1-year-old children are grouped together with children older than 1-year-old children in the same activity area, at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space for each child.

“Upon review of the facility video dated 2/20/24 and 2/26/24, Senior Compliance Officer observed an infant and a one year old child being cared for in four year old classroom. The four year old classroom is not licensed at 35 square feet as required for infant and one year old children.”

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: Senior Compliance Officer observed a toddler leaving their assigned classroom and walking down the hallway to go to the bathroom. The child was not being supervised en route to and from the bathroom. Based on a facility video dated 2/20/24, Senior Compliance Officer observed 7 children in the four year old classroom. The staff was observed walking out of the classroom into the office, leaving the 7 children unsupervised.”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that:3. When six or more enrolled children are present in a facility, an infant is not placed for supervision with a child who is not an infant.

“Per Allegation: Based on staff interviews and observation of the facility video dated 2/20/24 and 2/26/24, the following was found: Staff stated that there are never any Infants combined with the older children. Both stated that once the first infant arrives, that infant is immediately taken to their designated classroom and never combined with the older children. Upon review of the facility video dated 2/20/24, Senior Compliance Officer observed Child 1 arriving at 7:10 a.m. Child 1 was placed in the four year old classroom with 7 other children who are not infants. Child 1 remained in the classroom for 10-15 minutes before taken to their assigned classroom. On 2/26/24, Senior Compliance Officer observed Child 1 arriving to the facility at 7:15 a.m.. Child 1 was placed in the four year old classroom with 9 other children who are not infants. Child 1 remained in the classroom for 10-15 minutes before taken to their assigned classroom. During interview with staff, they stated that the infants are "sometimes" taken out of their classroom and taken to the one year old classroom for a "transition" period, then taken back to their assigned classroom.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:4. Except as provided in subsection (5), when providing child care services for infants or children who require diapering, a diaper changing area that meets the requirements in R9-5-503 is available in each infant room or indoor activity area used by an enrolled infant or child who wears diapers or disposable training pants;

“Upon review of the facility video dated 2/20/24 and 2/26/24, Senior Compliance Officer observed an infant and a one year old child being cared for in four year old classroom. The four year old classroom is not licensed for diapering.”

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;

“SCO observed a wooden beaded pacifier kept in a crib with a sleeping infant. Upon entering the 3/4 year old classroom, SCO observed a child sitting on their nap mat. The child had an object in their hands. SCO asked to see what the child had in their hands. The child showed the SCO a hard button nose that had come off of a cloth puppet they were playing with during nap time.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.m. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: m. Posts the current written dietary instructions in the infant room and the kitchen and maintains the instructions on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the instructions; and

“SCO reviewed the infant feeding instructions. The following information was observed: Child 3 is eating table food, but not documented on their infant feeding instructions. Child 4 and 5 are eating baby jarred food. Their infant feeding instruction food list was blank. Child 6 and 7 are eating table food, but is not documented on their infant feeding instructions.”

AAC R9-5-512.B. B. A licensee shall maintain facility premises and furnishings: 1. In a clean condition, and 2. Free from odor.

“SCO observed a vent in the one year old classroom that had a thick layer of dust.”

AAC R9-5-511.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that if an enrolled child is present at the facility during naptime, the licensee: 1. Does not permit the enrolled child to lie in direct contact with the floor while napping; 2. Prohibits the operation of a television set in a room where the enrolled child is napping; 3. Ensures naptime accommodations are available for the enrolled school-age child if requested by the enrolled child or the enrolled child’s parent; 4. Requires that a staff member remain awake while supervising the enrolled sleeping child; and 5. Prohibits the enrolled child from napping in an attic or a loft during naptime.

“SCO observed a child in the 3/4 year old sleeping; their head was in direct contact with the floor.”

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.

“Senior Compliance Officer reviewed the children's attendance records and observed that Child 1 was signed out on 10/13/23, with a time only; no signature. On 10/12/23, Child 2 was signed out with a time only; no signature.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.d. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: d. Keeps dated, daily, documentation of each infant including: i. A description of any activities the infant participated in, ii. The infant’s food consumption, iii. Diaper changes, and iv. Tummy time;

“SCO reviewed a random sample of infant activity logs. The logs did have documentation of the infant's activities. Previously cited on 10/27/22.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. Each enrolled child’s pacifier is labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child and maintained in a clean condition;

“SCO observed several pacifiers in the infant room that were not labeled.”