The Bellwether School

Regulation 3.7.1.1: The licensee shall develop and maintain a written Emergency Response Plan to respond to a full range of emergencies both natural and man-made. A complete plan shall include how the licensee will address and manage the following situations and responsibilities: Evacuations or other emergencies such as leaving the premise and lockdown situations; Specific concerns related to the location of the program, such as proximity to a nuclear reactor, an area prone to flooding or power loss; Notifying the local authorities of the emergency; A system for notifying the parents of the emergency; Notifying the local emergency planning committee regarding the location of the CBCCPP and using the committee as a resource in emergency planning for the program; A system of identifying the children and staff present at the time of the emergency and maintaining knowledge of their whereabouts; A system for handling infants, toddlers, and children with special needs; An established evacuation meeting location within walking distance of the CBCCPP; A system to account for all children and staff at the evacuation meeting place; A process for relocation if necessary, including safe transportation; A system for shelter in place if the staff and children present need to remain in the CBCCPP for an extended period; and Staff chain of command and individual staff roles and responsibilities, (if applicable) during emergencies.

“During the visit, the program was not able to provide an emergency response plan which meets the requirements of this rule. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to develop an emergency repsonse plan which includes all details required by this rule and submit it to Licensor [name] for approval by 09/29/2023. If desired, an emergency response plan template may be found on the Child Development Division's website: dcf.vermont.gov. Follow the path: Divisions> Child Development Division> Child Care Providers> Forms for Providers. Plan to communicate with Licensor [name] and continue to make revisions to the Emergency Repsonse Plan until such a time when Licensor [name] confirms that the plan has been approved by the Division. Further, plan to review and revise the plan as necessary at least once every 365 days moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 22, 2023

Regulation 3.7.3: Emergency Preparedness Training: Within 365 days of opening a CBCCPP, the licensee shall attend emergency preparedness training which shall include content specifically related to sheltering in place in the event of an emergency in which the licensee and children present need to remain in the CBCCPP for an extended period.

“A review of staff BFIS accounts and staff files reflected that the licensee, prinicpal, director, or other representative of the licensee had taken an approved emergency preparedness training. Corrective Action: Plan to have the principal or director complete an approved emergency preparedness training by 09/21/2023 and submit documentation of completion with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV (NLCCV) upon completion. One approved emergency preparedness training, called Preparedness for Child Care Providers, can be found at https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-36.a&d=10/1/2021&lang=en. If you need assistance finding other approved trainings, you may reach out to your Northern Lights at CCV resource advisor, Adri Taylo-Behrman at 802-654-0730 or adri.taylo-behrman@ccv.edu. Additionally, plan to have the individual who completes the training participate in the creation of a complete Emergency Response Plan as required by rule 3.7.1.1.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 22, 2023

Regulation 5.1.2: General Health Examinations: Within forty-five (45) days of enrollment, the licensee shall obtain documentation of the child's age appropriate well care exam from the parent. Documentation shall include information regarding any health conditions and medications that may impact the care of the child.

“A review of four (4) children's files reflected that all four files lacked a well care exam form. All four children had been enrolled at the program for more than 45 days. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to collect well child exam forms for all children currently enrolled in the program. Develop a system which will ensure that well care exam forms are collected for all newly enrolled children within 45 days of enrollment moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 23, 2021

Regulation 7.3.1.3: The program director of a CBCCPP licensed to serve thirteen (13) - fifty-nine (59) children shall be qualified as a teacher associate, and shall have completed either: * A Vermont Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Step One (1) Certificate; or * Successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in program management for early care and education or for school age care and education, or in staff supervision related to early care and education of children; and a three (3) college credit course in curriculum.

“A review of the director's BFIS Quality and Credential Account reflects that the director does not meet qualifications. The director's transcript was assessed by Northern Lights at CCV and found to have no related coursework. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to reach out to your Northern Lights at CCV resource advisor, Adri Taylo-Behrman, at 802-654-0730 or adri.taylo-behrman@ccv.edu to discuss options for the current director or another staff member to become qualified as director. Develop a plan with a timeline that ensures a qualified director per rules 7.3.1.3 and 7.3.1.5 will be in place within 12 months from this visit. Additionally, identify a mentor who currently meets director qualifications who will meet with the intended director of your program at least one time per month to discuss programming, curriculum, and CBCCPP regulation application within the program until such a time when a qualified director is in place for your program and approved by the Division. It is required to contact the Division at least once every 4 months during this time to advise of progress made toward compliance.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 23, 2021