The Farmhouse Daycare Co.

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, in the outdoor activity area, the following hazard was accessible to enrolled children, there were 2 two-inch divots in the turf.”

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, in the Preschool women's toilet room. There was worn paint on the toilet seats with exposed wood, causing the toilet seats to be unsanitizable and the preschool toilet room was not maintained in a clean condition. There was a dark buildup in the toilet bowl of 2 of the stalls located in the women's toilet room. There was a dark buildup in the toilet bowl of 1 stall located in the men's toilet room.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 10 out of 30 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: Child #1:The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. Child #2:The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child.The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child. Child #3: The name and number of the child's healthcare provider.The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. The home address, city, and state of the second guardian. Child #4 and #5: The date of the child's enrollment. Child #6: The date of the child's enrollment.The name and number of the child's healthcare provider. Child #7: The date of the Child's enrollment.The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. Child #8: The date of the child's enrollment.The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child. Child #9:The date of the child's enrollment.The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child. An emergency contact. Child #10:The date of the child's enrollment.The name, home address, city, state, zip code, and contact telephone number of each parent of the child.”

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, in the 1's classroom, the diaper changing area was not seamless and smooth. There was rough caulking along the edging, and there was chipped paint with exposed wood on the back ledge of the changing table.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.13. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 13. Toys and play equipment, required in this Article, are maintained: a. Free from hazards, and b. In a condition that allows the toy or play equipment to be used for the original purpose of the toy or play equipment;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 1's classroom the following hazard was accessible to enrolled children, there was peeling vinyl with exposed cotton and fiberglass located on 2 of the multi colored climbers.”

AAC R9-5-309.C. C. A licensee shall maintain on facility premises: 1. A current fire inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the fire inspection report; and 2. If there are gas pipes that run from a gas meter to an appliance or location on the facility premises, a current gas inspection report including documentation of any repairs or corrections required by the gas inspection report.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the licensee lacked a violation-free fire inspection.”

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: Based on staff statements and the Compliance Officers' observations, the required staff-to-child ratios were not maintained at all times. Staff stated: *I would take 10 to the bathroom and leave 16. *Staff relieve each other for the bathroom. *We are out of ratio every morning. *I lose count after 20. *There were 25 3's and PreK children before PreK was taken out of the classroom.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 18 or more actual hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed in this subsection: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, which may include sudden infant death syndrome prevention; ii. Developmental psychology; iii. Language development; iv. Observation and child assessment; v. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vi. Child guidance and methods of discipline which may include training on the appropriate techniques to prevent a child from harm or to prevent the child from harming others; and vii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas; b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with special needs; and 2. As part of the required 18 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1’s observation, it was determined that 2 out of 5 staff files reviewed lacked the required training documentation: Staff #3: An additional 6 hours of annual training for the time period of 07/17/2023-07/17/2024. Staff #4: An additional 12 hours of annual training for the time period of 01/03/2023-01/03/2024.”

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: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the ratio in the 1's Classroom was 2:14 instead of 3:14 as required for 1-year-old children. In the 1's Classroom, the ratio was 1:13 instead of 2:13 when a staff member walked out of the classroom leaving an unqualified staff member alone and unsupervised.”

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 Officers' observations, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: 2's Classroom: *3 ceiling tiles were cracked, missing pieces, and shifted. 3's Classroom: *4 ceiling tiles were cracked, missing pieces, and shifted.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that Staff #1 was an assistant teacher-caregiver in the 1's classroom at the time of the inspection. Staff #1 was not qualified as a teacher-caregiver and was not supervised by a qualified staff member when a Staff member left the classroom to take an enrolled child to another classroom.”

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 Officers' observations the diaper changing surface was not seamless and smooth in the following classrooms: 1's Classroom: *The caulking around the diaper changing surface was cracked and peeling. *There was a build-up of dirt and debris in the corners. *The edge around the diaper changing surface was rough raw wood. *There were 2 clear bottles labeled bleach and soapy water on the sink next to the diaper changing surface. 2's Classroom: *The caulking around the diaper changing surface was cracked and peeling. *There was a build-up of dirt and debris in the corners. *There were 2 clear bottles labeled bleach and soapy water on the sink next to the diaper changing surface. 3's Classroom: *There was a build-up of dirt and debris in the corners. *There were 2 clear bottles labeled bleach and soapy water on the sink next to the diaper changing surface. ***Previously Cited 11/09/2023, 11/8/2022”

AAC R9-5-503.F.1. F. A licensee shall ensure that in an activity area with a diaper changing area: 1. The containers required in subsections (A)(3) and (4) are inaccessible, and

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observations, in the 1's classroom, the diaper changing container was accessible to enrolled children when a staff member used the food waste trash bin for diapers.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the 1's Classroom, the licensee lacked enough age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment for 14 enrolled 1-year-old children.”

AAC R9-5-505. A licensee providing child care services for 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old children shall provide a supply of age appropriate toys, materials, and equipment accessible to enrolled children in each activity area in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including:1. Art supplies, 2. Blocks, 3. Books and posters, 4. Toys and dress-up clothes, 5. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development, 6. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative and categorization skills, 7. Science materials, and 8. Musical instruments.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the licensee lacked enough age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment in the following classrooms; 2's Classrooms; *Not enough for 21 enrolled 2-year-old children. 3's Classroom; *Not enough for 22 enrolled 3-year-old children. 4's Classroom; *Not enough for 19 enrolled 4/5-year-old children.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the following areas were not maintained in a clean condition and accessible to enrolled children: 1's Classroom: *The trash can lid had a build-up of food waste and debris on the lid. *There was a build-up of sand and dirt debris in the corners of the diaper changing table. 2's Classroom: *The trash can lid had a build-up of food waste and debris on the lid. *The ceiling vents had a build-up of gray fuzzy substance. *There was a build-up of sand and dirt debris in the corners of the diaper changing table. 3's Classroom: *The trash can lid had a build-up of food waste and debris on the lid. *The ceiling vents had a build-up of gray fuzzy substance. *There was a build-up of sand and dirt debris in the corners of the diaper changing table. 4'sClassroom: *The trash can lid had a build-up of food waste and debris on the lid. *The ceiling vents had a build-up of gray fuzzy substance. ***Previously cited 11/08/2023”

AAC R9-5-511.A. A. A licensee shall provide each enrolled child who naps or sleeps at the facility with a separate cot or mat or a crib that meets the requirements of R9-5-502(A)(8) and ensure that:1. A cot, mat, or crib used by the enrolled child accommodates the enrolled child’s height and weight; 2. A staff member covers each cot, crib mattress, or mat with a clean sheet that is laundered when soiled, or at least once every seven days and before use by a different enrolled child; 3. A clean blanket or sheet is available for each enrolled child; 4. A rug, carpet, blanket, or towel is not used as a mat; and 5. Each cot, mat, or crib is maintained in a clean and repaired condition.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, in the 3’s classroom, 4 of the occupied mats meet the required accommodation for the enrolled child's height. In the 4's classroom, 7 of the occupied mats did not meet the required accommodation for the enrolled child's height.”

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: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1’s observation, it was determined that 5 out of 15 enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: Child #1, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, and Child #6: A release signature (Initials only)for 11/06/2024.”

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 Compliance Officer #1’s observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 lacked documentation of the DCS Registry.”

AAC R9-5-512.C. C. A licensee shall ensure that floor coverings are:1. Clean; and 2. Free from: a. Dampness, b. Odors, and c. Hazards.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, during the inspection, it was observed that the floor coverings throughout the facility had a build-up of sand and dirt debris.”

AAC R9-5-512.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that toilet bowls, lavatory fixtures, and floors in toilet rooms and kitchens are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitized condition or at least once every 24 hours.

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #2's observations, the toilet rooms were not maintained in a clean condition: Boys Toilet Room: *There was a build-up of sand and dirt debris around the base of the toilet. Girls Toilet Room: *There was a build-up of sand and dirt debris around the base of the toilet. *There was a build-up of white substance in the bowl of the toilet.”

AAC R9-5-512.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that:1. Each toilet room in a facility contains, within easy reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue; and b. Except as provided in subsection (G): i. A sink with running water; ii. Soap contained in a dispenser; and iii. Disposable, single-use paper towels in a mounted dispenser, or a mechanical air hand dryer; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 4. Except for a cup or receptacle used only for water, food waste is stored in a covered container and the container is clean and lined with a plastic bag; 5. Food waste and other refuse is removed from the facility building at least once every 24 hours or more often as necessary to maintain a clean condition and avoid odors; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 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 Compliance Officer #2’s observation, in the Girl's toilet room, 2 sinks were separating and detached from the wall.”

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 a review of facility records and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was found that Child #1’s prescription medication was dispensed as a two-pack but only one injection was present at the facility and a physician’s authorization to separate the injections was not present. It was found that Child #2's prescription medication was not kept in the original container dispensed by a pharmacy.”

AAC R9-5-516.G. G. A licensee shall return all unused prescription and nonprescription medications to a parent when the medication prescription date has expired or the medication is no longer being administered to the enrolled child or dispose of the medication if unable to locate the enrolled child's parent after the child's disenrollment

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2’s observation, it was determined that the medication prescription for Child #1 was expired (Expiration date: 10/2024). The expired medication had not been returned to the parent.”

AAC R9-5-403.A. A. Within 10 calendar days of the starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall provide, and each staff member who provides child care services shall complete, training for new staff members that includes all of the following:1. Facility philosophy and goals; 2. Names and ages of and developmental expectations for enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 3. Health needs, nutritional requirements, any known allergies, and information about adaptive devices of enrolled children for whom the staff member will provide child care services; 4. Lesson plans; 5. Child guidance and methods of discipline; 6. Hand washing techniques; 7. Diapering techniques and toileting, if assigned to diaper changing duties; 8. Food preparation, service, sanitation, and storage, if assigned to food preparation; 9. If a staff member is assigned to feeding infants, the preparation, handling, and storage of infant formula and breast milk; 10. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; 11. Child abuse or neglect detection, prevention, and reporting; 12. Accident and emergency procedures; 13. Staff responsibilities as required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1 and this Chapter; 14. Sun safety policies and procedures; 15. Safety in outdoor activity areas; 16. Transportation procedures, if applicable; and 17. Field trip procedures, if applicable.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1’s observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #2 lacked documentation for the 10-day training for new staff members. (DOE 03/08/2024).”

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 Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by the staff, classrooms are left out of ratio with "15 to 19 children" when a teacher "leaves the room for a potty break". Staff stated that there "are days where we are out of ratio" for the entire day due to staffing issues.”

AAC R9-5-510.B.4. B. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member does not use or permit:4. Discipline associated with: a. Eating, napping, sleeping, or toileting; b. Medication; or c. Mechanical restraint; or

“Per allegation findings: Based on Compliance Officers' observations and information provided by the staff, staff members have held children on cots with a "hand on (the child's) hand" in "self defense". Staff stated that children have laid "a leg over their bottom areas" to keep children on the cots during nap time.”

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 COs' observations and a review of facility documentation, the Facility Director lacked arrival and departure times when at the facility from 08/21/2024 - 08/28/2024.”

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: Based on Compliance Officers' (CO) observations, a school-age child was in the front office behind the desk waiting for the school bus. The office area is not an approved licensed area.”

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 review of facility documentation, At 9:45 a.m. on 08/22/2024, there were 11 one-year-olds (required ratio of 2:11), 27 two-year-olds (required ratio of 4:27), 13 three-year-olds (required ratio of 1:13), and 13 Preschool children (required ratio of 1:13), for a total of 8 staff needed for the number of children present in the facility. Based on staff attendance records, on 08/22/2024 at 9:45 a.m., only 5 staff signed in. At 1:00 p.m. on 08/22/2024, there were 16 one-year-olds (required ratio of 3:16), 25 two-year-olds (required ratio of 4:25), 14 three-year-olds (required ratio of 2:14), and 16 Preschool children (required ratio of 2:16) for a total of 11 staff needed for the number of children present in the facility. Based on staff attendance records, at 1:00 p.m., only 5 staff signed in.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.21. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 21. Except when used as part of an activity, the following are stored in an area inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. Garden tools, such as a rake, trowel, and shovel; and b. Cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a mop and mop bucket.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers’ observations, in the Women's toilet room (restroom is being used by enrolled children), there was a broom and dustpan accessible.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the 1's classroom, 2's classroom, and 3's classroom, there was sand and dirt debris located in the corners of the changing tables.”

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: Based on facility documentation Compliance Officer #1’s observation, it was determined that 4 out of 15 enrolled children's attendance forms lacked the following information: *Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3: An admission signature (initials only) for 11/1/11/2, 11/3, 11/6, & 11/7/2023 and a release signature (initials only) for 11/1 , 11/2, 11/3, 11/6 & 11/7/2023. *Child #4: A release signature for 11/2/2023.”

AAC R9-5-512.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. Each toilet room in a facility contains, within easy reach of enrolled children: a. Mounted toilet tissue; and b. Except as provided in subsection (G): i. A sink with running water; ii. Soap contained in a dispenser; and iii. Disposable, single-use paper towels in a mounted dispenser, or a mechanical air hand dryer; 2. Staff members wash their hands with soap and running water after toileting; 3. An enrolled child’s hands are washed with soap and running water after toileting; 4. Except for a cup or receptacle used only for water, food waste is stored in a covered container and the container is clean and lined with a plastic bag; 5. Food waste and other refuse is removed from the facility building at least once every 24 hours or more often as necessary to maintain a clean condition and avoid odors; 6. A staff member or an enrolled child does not draw water for human consumption from a toilet room handwashing sink; 7. Toys, materials, and equipment are maintained in a clean condition; 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 Officers' observations, in the 4's classroom, the food waste was stored in an uncovered container. The lid to the receptacle was broken and would not close.”

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: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: *1 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the airplane. *2 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the yellow and green climber.”

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 Officers' observations, in the 4-5's classroom, there was a baseboard detached from the wall and there was ripped vinyl with exposed foam located on the corners of 5 floor cushions.”

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 observations the diaper changing surface was not seamless and smooth in the following classrooms: 3's Classroom: *There were stickers located on the ledge of the diaper changing surface. 2's Classroom: *The caulking around the diaper changing surface was cracked and peeling.”

AAC R9-5-508.C. C. If a licensee provides food, a licensee shall prepare and serve food according to the meal pattern requirements found in Table 5.1, "Meal Pattern Requirements for Children."

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, the menu lacked 1 of the 2 components required by the meal pattern requirements for snacks. The children in the 1's classroom were served graham crackers, the 2's classroom was served veggie straws, and the 4's -5's classroom was served pretzels.”

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: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer#2's observation, the ratio in the 2's classroom was 1:11 instead of 2:11 as required for 2-year-old children.”