Sunrise Preschools #300

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. The use of physical punishment including: a. Hitting, spanking, shaking, slapping, twisting, pulling, squeezing, or biting; b. Demanding excessive physical excercise or excessive rest; and c. Forcing a child to eat or consume soap, food, or foreign substances;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the licensee failed to ensure that staff do not use physical punishment on enrolled children based on the following: Staff Stated: *Two children were fighting over a toy. (Staff #1) grabbed the toy and hit the children's arms and hands 3 or 4 times. It was quick swats. *(Staff) was in the other room and heard something that sounded like a slap coming from the bathroom. (Staff #1) was alone in the bathroom with an enrolled child. Children stated: *(Staff) grabs my arm "tight" when I throw toys. It happens a lot.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, staff failed to supervise each enrolled child on two separate occasions during the inspection: *In the 2's/3's Classroom, two children had their heads covered with blankets during nap time. *In the Pre K Classroom, a child was observed chasing another child into a corner near the front entrance of the room. Once in the corner, the first child began punching and hitting the other child. The CO intervened before the classroom staff member was aware of the situation.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children were put at risk of harm when a staff member was observed hitting two enrolled children on the hands and arms.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility: 3. A child educator is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience if working with enrolled children five years old and younger, or three months of child care experience if working with school-aged children; and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 (DOE 3/10/26) lacked documentation of 6 months of child care experience to qualify as a child educator. Staff #1 was working alone and unsupervised in the Pre K classroom.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements, as applicable: 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;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officer's observation, upon the arrival of the Department Representative, there were children in the young 3's classroom wearing diapers. The young 3's classroom is not approved for diapering. Staff stated: *We take the children into another classroom to change them. *Yes, there are kids (in the young 3's) who are in diapers. *We send them to the potty and change them every 2 hours.”

AAC R9-5-301.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a facility director: 1. Designates, in writing, an individual who meets the requirements of R9-5-401(2) to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility; 2. Supervises or assigns a child educator to supervise each staff member who does not meet the qualifications of R9-5-401(3); 3. Prepares a dated attendance record for each day and ensures that each staff member documents on the attendance record the time of each arrival and departure of the staff member; and 4. Maintains on the facility premises, the dated attendance record required in subsection (B)(3) for 12 months after the date on the attendance record.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Staff #1 (DOE 3/10/26) was working alone and unsupervised in the Pre K classroom. Staff #1 lacked the experience to qualify as a child educator.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.3. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 3. For enrolled infants and children five-years or younger, drinking water is available to meet the needs of each enrolled child;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officer's observation, drinking water is not made available to meet the needs of enrolled children at all times on the Preschool and 2's Playground. Staff stated: *There have been times when we have asked to have fresh water brought out, where there is a delay on that, and kids will come up and ask for water. *Yes, water at times is empty. We wait for the front office to fill, it takes quite a while. *Water runs out every time we go outside. *Kids complain. Sometimes, they really need water.”

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 Officer's observations, the following was observed: 1's Room: The diaper changing area lacked paper towels; and 2's Room: The sink temperature was read at 70.3° F rather than between 86° F and 110° F as required. ***Previously cited 3/5/25 and 3/25/24.”

AAC R9-5-503.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (C) 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 Officer's observations, the following personal products lacked a label with the child's first and last name as required: Infant Room: 1 wipe was labeled with the child's first name only, and 2 baby lotions and an Aquaphor lacked a label; and 1's Room: 1 wipe was labeled with the child's first name and last initial only, and 1 wipe and 1 baby powder were labeled with the child's first name only. ***Previously cited 9/24/25.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.3.4. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 3. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled diapers; and 4. At least one waterproof, sanitizable container with a waterproof liner and a tight fitting lid for soiled clothing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the following was observed: Infant Room: The soiled diaper container lacked a lid; 1's Room: The soiled clothing container lacked a lid; and 2's Room: The soiled diaper container lacked a lid and the diaper changing area lacked a soiled clothing container. ***Previously cited 3/5/25 and 3/25/24.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. 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 following fall zones on the Preschool Playground lacked 6 inches of resilient surface as required: *Swings: Lacked 1 of the 6 inches required; and *Play structure: Lacked 4 of the 6 inches required.”

AAC R9-5-603.B. B. 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, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children in the outdoor activity area: 1's Playground: *A broken and disconnected PVC pipe was hanging loose under the playground sink, exposing an open drain pipe; *There were 2 large ditches with exposed tree roots, causing a tripping hazard. 1 ditch was measured at 6.5 inches deep, and the second ditch was measured at 3.5 inches deep. Toddler Playground: *2-wheel barrels were broken and missing their legs, exposing sharp plastic edging: Preschool Playground: *There was a 7-inch deep ditch with exposed tree roots causing a tripping hazard. ***Outdoor hazards previously cited 3/5/25.”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that when there are: 3. 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.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, two one-year-old children were observed in the infant room. Staff stated the two children were walking and transition back and forth from the 1's Room to the Infant room.”

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 observations, in the 2's Room, there was a 4-inch-long area of exposed raw wood with sharp edges near the door to the toileting room.”

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 Officer's observation, the infant feeding instructions for Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5 were incomplete.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, staff failed to supervise each enrolled child at all times in the Infant Room. Two staff members were observed entering the diaper-changing area with their backs turned, away from the 2 infants eating in high chairs and the 3 infants eating at a round table. ***Supervision previously cited 12/15/25, 9/22/25, 4/16/25, 3/5/25, 2/11/25.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the medication for Child #6 lacked the container dispensed by the pharmacy. The medication was located in a ziploc bag.”

AAC R9-5-516.B.3. B. If prescription or nonprescription medications are administered, a licensee shall ensure that: 3. A facility director, or a staff member designated in writing by the facility director, does not administer a medication to an enrolled child unless the facility receives written authorization signed by the enrolled child’s parent or health care provider that includes the: a. Name of the enrolled child; b. Type of the medication; c. Prescription number, if any; d. Instructions for administration specifying the: i. Dosage and route of administration; ii. If indicated, starting and ending dates of the dosage period; and iii. Times and frequency of administration; e. Reason for the medication; and f. Date of authorization; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the following medication authorization forms lacked the following: Child #6: lacked the prescription number, the start and end date of the dosage period, and the reason for the medication; Child #7: lacked the end date of the dosage period, the times and frequency of administration, the reason for the medication, and a parent's signature; and Child #8: lacked the end date of the dosage period, the reason for the medication, and a parent's signature. ***Previously cited 3/5/25 and 3/25/24.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.8.9. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 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 observation, on the 1's Playground, the water fountain did not drain, resulting in standing water in the fountain. ***Previously cited 3/5/25.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officer's observations, staff failed to provide age-appropriate positive guidance to enrolled children in the Young 3's Room. A staff member was observed speaking to enrolled children in an aggressive and loud tone, saying, "Sit your butt down in your chair at the table!" and "When you don't listen, I have to stop reading!" This was overheard and observed by the Compliance Officer over the pony wall of the 2's room. ***510 previously cited 2/3/26, 9/24/25, 12/15/25, and 5/21/25.”

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, the following diaper changing areas were not seamless and smooth and kept clear of items not required for diaper changing: Infant Room: There was a bottle of disinfecting spray located next to the diaper changing sink; 1's Room: There was a clip board and a brown/orange smudge on the diaper changing surface; and 2's Room: There was a clip board, socks, a sharpie, and a green toy located on the diaper changing surface. ***Previously cited 3/5/25 and 3/25/24.”

AAC R9-5-503.E.2. E. A licensee shall ensure that in an activity area with a diaper changing area: 2. A staff member: a. Documents each diaper change with the date and time, for an: i. Infant, in the infant’s dated, daily, documentation required in R9-5-502(C)(1)(d); or ii. Enrolled child who is not an infant, in a dated diaper changing log; b. Maintains the diaper changing log on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the diaper changing log; c. Empties clothing soiled with feces into a flush toilet without rinsing; d. Places an enrolled child’s clothing soiled by feces or urine in a plastic bag labeled with the enrolled child’s name, stores the clothing in a container used for this purpose, and sends the clothing home with the enrolled child’s parent; and e. Removes disposable diapers and disposable training pants from a diaper changing area as needed or at least twice every 24 hours to a waste receptacle outside the facility building.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 2's Room, there were two bags of soiled clothing labeled 2/24 and 2/26 that were not sent home with the enrolled child's parent and not located in a soiled clothing container. ***Previously cited 3/5/25.”

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 Officer's observation, 13 of 20 child admission and release records lacked the following: Child #10: A release time and signature on 2/13; Child #11: An admission time and signature on 2/18; Child #12: An admission signature on 2/11, an admission time and signature on 2/12, and a release time and signature on 2/26; Child #13: A release time and signature on 2/14/, 2/16, and 2/25; Child #14: An admission time and signature on 2/16 and a release time and signature on 2/17 and 2/18; Child #15: An admission time and signature on 2/26; Child #16: A release time and signature on 2/16; Child #17: An admission time and signature on 2/25 and 2/26; Child #18: An admission time and signature on 2/18, 2/19, and 2/20; Child #19: An admission and release signature on 2/2, 2/3, and 2/6 and a release time and signature on 2/17, 2/18, and 2/19; Child #20: An admission time on 2/25, an admission time and signature on 2/26, and a release time and signature on 2/2, 2/3, 2/5, 2/6, 2/17, 2/20, 2/23, and 2/24; Child #21: An admission time and signature on 2/25 and 2/26; and Child #22: An admission time and signature on 2/16, 2/25, and 2/26.”

AAC R9-5-305.A. A. A licensee shall not permit an enrolled child to attend a facility until the facility receives: 1. An immunization record for the enrolled child with the information required in 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7, documenting that the enrolled child has received all current, age-appropriate immunizations required under 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7: a. Provided by a healthcare provider, or b. Generated from the Arizona State Immunization Information System, which is the Department’s child immunization reporting system established in A.R.S. § 36-135; or 2. An exemption affidavit for the enrolled child provided by the enrolled child’s parent that contains a statement, signed by the enrolled child's: a. Health care provider, that the immunizations required by 9 A.A.C. 6, Article 7 would endanger the enrolled child’s health or medical condition; or b. Parent, that the enrolled child is being raised in a religion whose teachings are in opposition to immunization.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Child #1 and Child #9 lacked immunization documentation.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record that is no more than a two-page written notice, and is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, email address, and telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for the nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(14); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, 2 of 25 Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following: Child #1: The name, home address, and telephone number of the second parent of the child; and Child # 2: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the two exit gates of the 2's playground were secured with baby locks, obstructing the path to the playground's emergency exit.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 lacked the staff member's ending date of employment.”

AAC R9-5-510.D. D. A licensee shall not physically restrain an enrolled child, except when necessary to protect an enrolled child from physical injury, to protect persons on the premises from physical injury, or to protect property from damage. 1. When a child has an out-of-control behavior, the enrolled child may be removed from the company of other enrolled children until the enrolled child's behavior has stabilized. Removal of a child is only to be used when there is a safety concern that cannot be reduced or eliminated with reasonable accommodations; 2. After determining that an enrolled child’s behavior may result in harm, a staff member may safely hold the child until the enrolled child regains control or composure; and 4. A licensee shall develop and implement written policies and procedures on physical restraint to protect children’s safety and development.

“Findings: Per allegation, based on staff statements, and the Compliance Officer's observation, the licensee failed to ensure staff did not physically restrain an enrolled child when a staff member was observed holding an enrolled child's arms down when the child attempted to throw a stick over the fence. Staff stated: *(Staff) saw (staff) handling a child like they should not have; *(Staff) grabbed by both arms aggressively and held (child) down. *Child was aggressively held by (staff) and started to cry. *(Staff) aggressively grabbed a child.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.1. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 1. Provide a wall-enclosed room for infants that provides exits required by R9-5-601(1);

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, upon arrival into the facility the Director was holding an infant in the hallway.”

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

“Per Allegation: Findings: Based on staff statements the facility failed to supervise enrolled children at all times, when a child left the outdoor activity area through a door, entered into the building and into a classroom without staff supervision. Staff Statements: *A parent was dropping of a child, and the child got through the door. *Child was brought back outside, we were unaware the child was inside. *A parent opened the door, and the child ran into the building and the teacher was unaware.”

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

“Per Allegation: Findings: Based on staff statements the ratio was 0:1 when a child entered the building from the outdoor activity area. Staff Statements: *A parent was dropping of a child, and the child got through the door. *Child was brought back outside, we were unaware the child was inside. *A parent opened the door, and the child ran into the building and the teacher was unaware.”

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 staff statements and Compliance Officer, and Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled children was placed at risk of harm when a child left the outdoor activity area through a door, entered into the building and into a classroom without staff supervision. Staff Statements: *A parent was dropping of a child, and the child got through the door. *Child was brought back outside, we were unaware the child was inside. *A parent opened the door, and the child ran into the building and the teacher was unaware.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (DOE unknown) lacked documentation of the staff member's starting date of employment and two good faith effort references.”

AAC R9-5-401.3. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility: 3. A child educator is 18 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Six months of child care experience if working with enrolled children five years old and younger, or three months of child care experience if working with school-aged children; and: i. A high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; or ii. At least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; b. Associate or bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field; or c. N.A.C., C.D.A., or C.C.P. credential;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, it was determined that Staff #1 was acting in the capacity of a child-educator. The file for Staff #1 (DOE unknown) lacked documentation of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.”

AAC R9-5-203.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member completes, signs, dates, and submits to the licensee, before the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service: 1. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); and 2. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, the form in A.R.S. § 8-804(I).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (DOE unknown) lacked documentation of a completed Criminal History Affidavit.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 3. Abusive, profane, sarcastic language, verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or child’s family;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer, Compliance Officer Supervisor's observations and staff statements, a staff member was using verbal abuse while in the classroom with enrolled children. Staff Stated: *Staff got in the child's face. She was too rough verbally.”

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 and based on the Compliance Officers' observation and staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times, the ratio was 0:1, when a 2-year-old child was left alone on the playground. Staff stated: *(Staff) went out to the playground, and (child) was hiding in the play structure. *(Child) did not seem upset. (Child) was smiling. *(Child) was outside for 2 minutes. *(Child) was hiding in the tubes. *(Staff) panicked, (Staff) came up behind and said they would go check the playground.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the files for Staff #1 (DOE 11/12/24), Staff #2 (DOE 8/13/24), Staff #3 (DOE 9/17/22), Staff #4 (DOE 5/23/23), Staff #5 (DOE 1/9/24), and Staff #6 (DOE 9/24/24) lacked the staff's ending date of employment.”

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

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officers' observation and staff statements, the licensee failed to supervise each enrolled child at all times when a child was left alone on the playground. Staff stated: *(Staff) went out to the playground, and (child) was hiding in the play structure. *(Child) did not seem upset. (Child) was smiling. *(Child) was outside for 2 minutes. *(Child) was hiding in the tubes. *(Staff) panicked, (Staff) came up behind and said they would go check the playground.”

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. Change diapers until food preparation duties have been completed for the day.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Young 1's room, there was milk and spoons located on the diapering changing surface.”

AAC R9-5-503.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (C) 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: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officers' observation, staff statements, and facility documentation, enrolled children's diapers were not changed as soon they were soiled. Staff stated: *One time before nap, I told the other teacher to change, they only changed 2. After 2 they stopped. *They were not thoroughly done, some kids were missed. *Majority of the time, some are left wet. *2 or 3 come unchanged. Been wet since they got here. *They are a little more sat in, I noticed redness and tenderness from sitting in the diaper for a little bit. Diaper changing logs and child admission and release records on 9/19/25 documented; *Child #1 was picked up at 5:38pm and diaper was last checked at 2pm; *Child #2 was picked up at 4:50pm and diaper was last checked at 2pm; and *Child #3 was picked up at 5:44pm and diaper was last checked at 1pm.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 3. Abusive, profane, sarcastic language, verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or child’s family;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officers' observation and staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure a staff member does not use or permit profane, sarcastic, or verbal abuse remarks to a child. Staff stated: *Staff #7 was let go for tone of voice. They had a strong, threatening tone. *I had a lot of concern about Staff #7's behavior. *Staff #7 yelled at 3-year-olds. The tone was loud, to be forceful. *A child had an accident and Staff #8 kept say "god damnit". Staff #8 was in there changing (child), and I heard it a couple times. *Staff #7 yells sometimes, a little aggressive. Saying "no one has time for this". *(Staff) has seen Staff #6 yell at a student about lying down for a nap. Staff #6's tone was aggressive. *Staff #6 grabbed (child) and screamed in their face.”

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 the Compliance Officers' observation and staff statements, the health, safety, and welfare of enrolled children was placed at risk of harm when Staff #6 (DOE 9/24/24), who had previously been accused of conduct that posed a risk to children in the investigation conducted on 5/21/25, was permitted to continue working following the closure of the initial investigation. During the investigation conducted on 9/24/25, further allegations were made indicating that the same staff member continued to engage in actions that potentially endangered the health and safety of children under their care. Staff stated: *(Staff) could hear a raised voice. Staff #6, it was a louder tone, parents wouldn't like it. *(Staff) has seen Staff #6 yell at a student about lying down for a nap. Staff #6's tone was aggressive. *Staff #6 laid a child down on a cot aggressively and forcefully. *Staff #6 grabbed (child) and screamed in their face.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.1. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 1. A method of discipline that could cause harm to the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure each staff member does not use or permit a method of discipline that could cause harm to the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child. Staff stated: *Staff #3 would be sitting on a rocker, and if an infant fell back, they would say "that's what you get", and would not help them. *I saw Staff #2 grab (child) by the arm above the wrist and drag (child) from the cubby area to the window, and made (child) forcefully sit down next to them. *Staff #6 body slammed (child). *Staff #6 picked up a child by their shirt on their chest and forcefully slammed them down on the cot. (Child) was right below them on the cot. Staff #6 bent over in (child)'s face and was screaming in (child)'s face. *Staff #2 was observed kicking a 1-year-old to get up, "way too hard".”

AAC R9-5-208.B. B. At least 30 calendar days before the date of an intended change in a facility’s service classification, space utilization, or licensed capacity, a licensee shall submit a written request for approval of the intended change to the Department that includes:1. The licensee’s name; 2. The facility’s name, street address, city, state, zip code, mailing address, and telephone number; 3. The name, telephone number, and fax number of a point of contact for the request; 4. The facility’s license number; 5. The type of change intended: a. Service classification, b. Space utilization, or c. Licensed capacity; 6. A narrative description of the intended change; and 7. The following additional information, as applicable: a. If the intended change affects individual rooms, the following information about each affected activity area, as applicable: i. Identification of the activity area, ii. Current and intended square footage, iii. Current and intended operating hours, iv. Current and intended service classification, v. Current and intended licensed capacity, and vi. Whether the activity area has or will have a diaper changing area; b. If the intended change is to increase licensed capacity, the square footage of the outdoor activity area; and c. If the intended change includes an alteration or addition to the physical plant of a licensed facility, the following, as applicable: i. If the facility is not located in a public school or if providing child care services to infants, one-year-old children, or two-year-old children in a facility located in a public school, the information required in R9-5-201(A)(5)(g) and (A)(5)(h) showing the intended change; or ii. If the facility is located in a public school and provides child care only for three-year-old, four-year-old, or five-year-old, or school-age children, a set of final construction drawings or a school map, including the information required in R9-5-201(5)(j) showing the intended change.

“Findings: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officers' observations and staff statements, enrolled children were taken into an unlicensed space on multiple occasions for extended periods of time. Staff stated: *(Staff) would take an infant into the office for 2-3 hours, it was a while. *There had been kids up in the office for disciplinary purposes. *(Staff) would have children shadow (staff). *Normally there would be 1 or 2 (children) in the office before being picked up at 6. Happens every day, 15 minutes to an hour. *If they were over ratio by 1, the office would take a child. *(Staff) would take a child into the office to keep in ratio.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.3. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit: 3. Abusive language;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure that a staff member does not use or permit abusive language. Staff stated: *Staff #5 tells kids to "shut up", "you guys are so annoying", and calls them "ugly" and/or "monkeys" but not meant in a nice manner. *Staff #2 tells kids to "shut up" and yells at them.”

AAC R9-5-301.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that a facility director: 1. Designates, in writing, an individual who meets the requirements of R9-5-401(2) to act on behalf of the facility director when the facility director is not present in the facility; 2. Supervises or assigns a teacher-caregiver to supervise each staff member who does not meet the qualifications of R9-5-401(3); 3. Prepares a dated attendance record for each day and ensures that each staff member documents on the attendance record the time of each arrival and departure of the staff member; and 4. Maintains on the facility premises, the dated attendance record required in subsection (B)(3) for 12 months after the date on the attendance record.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation and staff statements, the licensee failed to supervise or assign a teacher-caregiver to supervise each staff member who did not meet the required qualifications for a teacher-caregiver. Staff stated: *Yes, assistant teachers were left in the rooms for lunch breaks. *Assistants were left alone, it was during nap times, when teachers would break each other. *Assistant teachers covered any room that needed a break. ***Previously cited 3/5/25”

AAC R9-5-307.2. A licensee shall ensure that the licensee or a staff member documents and reports all suspected or alleged cases of child abuse or neglect.2. The licensee or staff member shall report the suspected or alleged child abuse by a staff member to the Department and to a local law enforcement agency as prescribed in A.R.S. § 13-3620. A licensee or staff member shall also send documentation to the Department and to any law enforcement agency previously notified within three calendar days of the initial report, and maintain documentation of a child abuse report on facility premises for 12 months after the date of a report.

“Findings: Based on staff statements, the licensee and facility staff members failed to report the suspected or alleged child abuse by a staff member to the Department and to a local law enforcement agency. Multiple staff stated that staff members were observed physically and/or verbally abusing enrolled children.”

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: Per allegation and based on the Compliance Officers' observation of facility documentation, and staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure that the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child was not placed at risk of harm. Documentation provided by the facility stated on 5/7/2025 Staff #2 aggressively dragged a child and was seen hitting a child in the head repeatedly with a block. Documentation dated 5/19/2025 stated Staff #2 was seen flicking a child in the forehead. Staff stated: *Staff #3 would pat a child's back "real hard". *Staff #3 held down a child by the back of their head to keep them down. *I heard a loud pat on an infant's back that echoed in the room. *Staff #3 would be sitting on a rocker, and if an infant fell back, Staff #3 would say "that's what you get", and would not help them. *A few weeks ago, Staff #4 had an infant rocking on their thigh with the infant's body bobbling, unsteadily. *Staff #3 plops them into cribs, and some infants would cry. *Staff #2 would "kind of like throw" children on their bed. *Staff #2 dropped a child on their bed. *Staff #2 pushed a (child) on their head, and the (child) stumbled. *Staff #2 kicked a child on the 1's playground, on their torso and back area. The (child) was on the ground. *Staff #5 pushes a chair in too hard, and the child's body jerks. *Staff #5 grabs children and forcefully sits them on a little blue chair. *Staff #5 slams them down on a chair. *Staff #2 was hitting (child) on the forehead, and (child) fell backward. *Staff #2 was constantly hitting (child) on their head. *I saw Staff #2 grab (child) by the arm above the wrist and drag (child) from the cubby area to the window, and made (child) forcefully sit down next to them. *Staff #6 body slammed (child). *Staff #6 picked up a child by their shirt on their chest and forcefully slammed them down on the cot. (Child) was right below them on the cot. Staff #6 bent over in (child)'s face and was screaming in (child)'s face. *Staff #6 aggressively grabbed kids above the wrist and roughly laid them down. *Staff #2 fed an infant from a bottle that was about 200 degrees. *Staff #3 left an infant cry for 20 to 30 minutes, or longer. *Staff #7 tends to pick up babies by 1 arm. *Staff #5 is too hard on them, especially with how little they are; they could get hurt. *Staff #2 was observed kicking a 1-year-old to get up, "way too hard".”

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 and based on staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times. Staff stated: *We were constantly out of ratio when (staff) got fired. *We were out of ratio daily, in almost all of the rooms. *We were out of ratio sometimes all day. *We were out of ratio a lot. *It was 2:20 in the 2's room. Usually, for 30 minutes to an hour, and eventually, they split up the classes. *We were out of ratio once a week or every other week. *The ratio was 1:6 in the infant room. *We were constantly out of ratio. For about 2 weeks, every day. There were issues in almost all the classrooms. ***Previously cited 4/16/25, 3/5/25, 2/11/25, 3/25/24, and 8/16/22.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing:1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 lacked the staff member's date of hire. ***Previously cited 3/5/25”

AAC R9-5-401.4. A licensee shall ensure that staff members meet the following qualifications for employment or volunteer service at a facility:4. An assistant teacher-caregiver is 16 years of age or older and provides the licensee with documentation of one of the following: a. Current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class; b. High school or high school equivalency diploma; c. Enrollment in vocational rehabilitation, as defined in A.R.S. § 23-501; d. Employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months; or e. Service as a volunteer in a child care facility for 12 months;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation and facility documentation, the file for Staff#1 (DOE Unknown) lacked a copy of the staff's education documentation.”

AAC R9-5-510.A.2. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member: 2. Teaches, models, and encourages orderly conduct, personal control, and age-appropriate behavior;

“Findings: Per allegation and based on staff statements, the licensee failed to ensure that each staff member teaches, models, and encourages orderly conduct, personal control, and age appropriate behavior. Staff stated: *Staff #3 would be sitting on a rocker, and if an infant fell back, they would say "that's what you get" and would not help them. *I have heard raised voices telling the kids to lay down. *Staff #2 was kind of mean to kids in general. Staff #2 tells them to "shut up" and yells at them. *Staff #8 says "ew whats wrong with you" if they pee their pants. *Staff #5 tells kids to "shut up", "you guys are so annoying", and calls them "ugly" and/or "monkeys" but not meant in a nice manner. *Staff #9 yells at kids, "I don't have time for that, this is too much." *Staff #6 bent over in (child)'s face and was screaming in (child)'s face. ***Previously cited 4/16/25”