The Learning Tree Child Care Center

Regulation 7.3.2.2: Teacher Associate A teacher associate is at least twenty (20) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three (3) Certificate; or * At least an associate degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or * At least a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; or * At least a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or * At least successful completion of twenty-one (21) college credits with an early childhood or school age focus and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

“A staff member who has been working as a teacher associate, lead teacher, since 9/2025, does not meet teacher associate qualifications. This staff member will not be considered a lead teacher until all college credits have been completed and in their BFIS Quality and Credential account. Corrective Action: By 6/26/2026, submit a program improvement plan which outlines how and when the staff member will meet teacher associate qualifications. The plan will include the course titles, with dates of completion, the college advisor, and the staff member name who will mentor this staff member that meets teacher associate qualifications and the weekly mentoring schedule.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 25, 2026

Regulation 5.6.4: Written permission from parents to administer medication must include all of the following information for each prescription and non-prescription medication administered to children: * Name of the child; * Child's date of birth; * Any medication allergies; * Name of medication; * Dosage to be given; * Time when medication is to be given; * Route of administration (mouth, ear, nose, topical, inhalation); * Reason for the medication; * Start and end dates for administration of the medication; and * Any special instructions.

“The written parent permission form or asthma plan for a child's inhaler was not in the classroom or in the child's file reviewed. It is required to have the medical permission form giving staff permission to administer the medication to a child. Corrective Action: Immediately have the parent complete a mediation release form and get the asthma plan for the rescue medication. By 6/17/2026, submit confirmation of completion to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 29, 2026

Regulation 6.2.4.3: The program director shall ensure that each group of children is led by a staff member who is at least qualified as a teacher associate for at least 75% of the hours of operation.

“A review of staff's BFIS quality and credential accounts, review of the staff placements/schedule and director's statement concluded that the program does not have qualified staff leading the PreK Three (3) classroom, the Toddler one (1) and the school age classroom 75% of the hours of operation. The staff who have been working as lead teachers do not meet the emergency rule for 7.3.2.2, teacher associate expedited variance from the Division in October of 2021. Corrective Action: By 6/26/26 submit a program improvement plan that identifies how the program will ensure each classroom has a teacher associate or higher as required by this rule. The plan should identify the following: 1) how current qualified staff or combination of qualified staff could be used to meet a portion of the 75% requirement in addition to the classrooms they are currently serving in, 2) identification of what additional coursework and timeframe it would take for current staff to meet teacher associate qualifications they are currently serving in but not qualified as, and with the direct consult of a Northern Lights at CCV Resource Advisor, 3) how the program will ensure all staff meet qualifications moving forward for the position they serve.”

Correction date in the state record: Jun 25, 2026

Regulation 5.6.5: All prescription medication administered by staff shall be in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container.

“Two (2) rescue inhalers were not in the original boxes properly labeled with the children's names. The children were in care during this licensing visit. Corrective Action: Immediately request the box for the rescue inhalers with the children's name and expiration date. Maintain future compliance to only accept medications that are in the original box label with the child's name.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 18, 2025

Regulation 2.3.9.3: The licensee shall ensure that all staff have met ongoing background check requirements by submitting at least once every five (5) years a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and as required shall submit to fingerprinting.

“A staff member did not submit to fingerprinting or complete a new record check authorization form prior to the expiration date of 1/3/2025. Corrective Action: Immediately submit a new record check authorization form and complete the fingerprint process once the fingerprint letter is received. Submit confirmation of completion to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 12, 2025

Regulation 6.2.6.6: The program director shall ensure that no person be left alone with children without approval from the Division based on the results of a background check that includes fingerprinting; with the exception of a parent may be left alone with his/her own child(ren).

“There were two (2) new staff working together in the school age classroom during this licensing visit that did not have the results of their fingerprints from the Child Development Division. This rule was cited previously on 7/30/2024 and 11/1/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately do not leave staff alone with children who have not been cleared to be alone according to the Child Development Division. By 8/18/2025, submit a program improvement plan which will prevent new staff from being alone with children. Include in the program improvement plan a staff schedule which will show times staff work in each classroom.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 18, 2025

Regulation 7.1.3: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written program policies and procedures and provide these to staff and to auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations during an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees under eighteen (18) years of age and other staff not left alone with children shall complete the orientation training within at least one (1) month of their first date of working with children. Complete written information and the orientation training session shall include: Basic knowledge of child growth and development; Routine and emergency health protection of children including health related exclusions; Safety and sanitation requirements including handling and storage of hazardous materials and disposal of bio contaminants; Positive behavior management; Supervision of children; Child accident and injury procedures including building and physical premises safety; Safe sleep practices; Administration of medication requirements; Emergency and evacuation requirements; Nutrition and food safety including prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; Recordkeeping; Transportation and child passenger safety; Release of children; Respectful engagement of families; Preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect; including information about the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, sexual violence, grooming processes, recognizing the dangers of child sexual abuse, and other predatory behaviors of sex offenders; Recognition of and response to the symptoms of common childhood illnesses; Preventing the spread of infectious disease; Providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children; Inclusion of children with special needs; Guidelines for volunteers, partner staff, auxiliary staff, and business managers; Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“A review of each staff's BFIS Quality and Credential account and confirmation from the program that five (5) staff members had not completed the VT Orientation as required. The five (5) staff members have worked in the program longer than one (1) month. Corrective Action: By 8/18/2025, have the five (5) staff members complete the Vermont Orientation training and maintain compliance by having new staff members complete the Vermont Orientation by one (1) month of hire and before they are alone with children as required in the rule. Submit confirmation of completion to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 18, 2025

Regulation 6.2.7.4.1: No form of inappropriate discipline or corporal punishment shall be used with children such as but not limited to: Hitting, shaking, biting, pinching;

“A staff member confirmed during an interview that they do on occasion tap children on the bottom when the child misbehaves, or they hurt another child and are asked to leave the classroom. The staff member stated they say, "You know better than that", and tap them on the bottom. Tapping a child after they misbehave is an inappropriate form of discipline and tapping is a form of hitting which is in violation of this rule. Corrective Action: Immediately instruct all staff to stop tapping children. By 8/8/2025, have staff time the Better Kid Care Training, Big Emotions & Self-Regulation for Adults and Children and review and modify the programs guidance and behavior management practices and policies.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 26, 2025

Regulation 5.10.2.1.1: The licensee shall ensure that all on-site meal preparation shall have approval by the Division. The on-site preparation of snacks only does not require approval by the Division.

“The program has been making and preparing lunches on site without the approval of the Child Development Division. The program understood they needed the Water and Wastewater permit changed and approval from the Agency of Natural Resources prior to being approved to make lunches on site. The current license for the program states no meals on site. Corrective Action: Immediate stop preparing meals on site until you receive the approval letter, the kitchen has been reviewed by the Licensor and you receive a new license certificate that states meals are approved.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 24, 2025

Regulation 6.2.6.6: The program director shall ensure that no person be left alone with children without approval from the Division based on the results of a background check that includes fingerprinting; with the exception of a parent may be left alone with his/her own child(ren).

“There were two (2) new staff working together in the toddler classroom during this licensing visit that did not have the results of their fingerprints from the Child Development Division. This rule was cited previously on 7/30/2024. Corrective Action: Immediately have staff who have not completed the fingerprint process which includes results work with another staff member who has been cleared to work alone with children. By 11/14/2024, submit a program improvement plan which will include the new plan which will prevent new staff to be alone with children.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 24, 2025

Regulation 6.2.6.6: The program director shall ensure that no person be left alone with children without approval from the Division based on the results of a background check that includes fingerprinting; with the exception of a parent may be left alone with his/her own child(ren).

“There were two (2) staff members working alone in staff/child ratio who were not listed on the programs associated parties list which indicates they had not been approved by the Division to be alone with children. Corrective Action: Immediately do not leave staff alone with children who have not been cleared to be alone according to the Child Development Division. By 8/19/2024, submit confirmation of understanding and the plan which will prevent new staff from being alone with children.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 16, 2024

Regulation 3.7.1.2: The licensee shall ensure that all staff are trained on the Emergency Response Plan and are aware of where to find the written plan in the CBCCPP.

“Three (3) new staff interviewed stated they were not trained on the Emergency Response Plan or the Evacuation Plan for the program. Two (2) of the staff interviewed were working alone with children during this licensing visit. Corrective Action: Immediately train all new staff members on the Emergency Response Plan and the Evacuation Plan. By 8/16/24 submit a program improvement plan on how and when new staff will be trained on the Emergency Response Plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 16, 2024

Regulation 7.3.2.4: "Trainee" A trainee is at least fifteen (15) years of age, able to comprehend basic written format, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications: 1) At least a high school graduate or has completed a GED and completes the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals'course or the Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or 2) At least a high school graduate or has completed a GED and successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in child or human development or in school age care and education within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or 3) At least is enrolled in or has received a State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate that emphasizes child development or early childhood education.

“Two (2) staff members who have been working since the start of summer, have not completed High School and are not enrolled in the Human Service program at the Tech Center which are the requirements to be considered working as a Trainee according to this rule. Corrective Action: By 8/19/2024, submit a program improvement plan with how the two trainees will meet compliance by taking the Fundamentals course. The plan shall include the date the course will be completed.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 15, 2024

Regulation 3.7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that evacuation drills are conducted at least once a month, and children and staff are evacuated in under three (3) minutes. Licensees of a CBCCPP located within a public or independent school building may count a lock-down drill performed while the CBCCPP is in operation in place of a monthly evacuation drill with the CBCCPP children and staff and at least three (3) of the monthly drills conducted within 365 days shall be evacuation drills.

“The program has not had a whole building evacuation drill since the program opened in April. The two infant classrooms stated they had not practiced an evacuation drill since April. Corrective Action: Conduct two fire drills in the month of August and two in the month of September then monthly thereafter to comply with this rule. By 8/15/2024 submit confirmation of understanding and explain how fire drills will be documented to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 15, 2024

Regulation 6.2.1.2: The number of children served by the CBCCPP at any one (1) time shall not exceed the maximum capacity allowed written on the license certificate.

“The program's license capacity is fifty-nine (59) children, the program had sixty-two (62) children in care during this licensing visit. Corrective Action: Immediately maintain compliance with the number of children allowed stated on the license certificate which is fifty-nine (59) children. By 8/15/2024, submit a program improvement plan with what the program implemented to maintain fifty-nine (59) children moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 15, 2024

Regulation 4.7: The licensee, in consultation with the program director, shall establish written policies and procedures. Written information provided to parents of all children enrolled in the CBCCPP shall include, at minimum: * Assurance that parents have access to the CBCCP and their child(ren) without prior notice and have access to their children's records as required in the rule 3.4.4.6 of these regulations; * A description of information needed from parents for child's enrollment file as required in the rule 3.4.4.1 of these regulations; * A typical daily schedule of activities; * Information about fees and payment policies; * Information about hours of operation and closings; * Procedures for signing children in and out; * Procedures for emergencies as required in the rules in section 3.7 of these regulations; * Information about the nutrition, meals and meal preparation at the CBCCPP; * Safe sleep policies, as applicable; * No smoking policy; * Information about results from the test for lead in the drinking water and any plan for remediation; * CBCCPP policies on field trips, other off-site activity and transportation; * CBCCPP health policies including illness exclusions, administration of medication, and immunizations; * CBCCPP policies and practice regarding positive guidance and behavior management; * Assurance that confidentiality of child and family information is maintained; * Information about the requirement to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as required in the rules in section 3.3 of these regulations; * Assurance that non-discrimination and respect for each child's family and culture is maintained; * CBCCPP approach to ensure wholesome growth and positive developmental experiences for children enrolled; * CBCCPP policies related to the inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities; * A description of religious activities, if any; * Information on how to access these CBCCPP regulations and other information about child development on-line; * Information concerning complaint procedures; * Information about the Child Care Consumer Line, including the telephone number (1-800-649-2642); and * CBCCPP policies and procedures related to the expulsion of children.

“The Parent Handbook was reviewed in March and the program was given time to add the missing policies and bullet points. As of this Licensing visit, the program had not added the missing policies and bullet points to the Parent Handbook that were requested in March. Corrective Action: By 8/30/2024, review all the bullet points in this rule to the Parent Handbook, add the missing bullet points and submit the programs new Parent Handbook to this Licensor for review.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2024

Regulation 6.2.1.3: The program director shall ensure that the number of staff present meets requirements described in the chart below for ages of children, maximum group size, and staff/child ratios at any time of day.

“The infant two classroom had nine (9) infants with three (3) staff eating lunch. The maximum group size allowed for infants is eight (8). Operating out of compliance with group size is a serious violation. Corrective Action: Immediately operate in compliance with group size for all age groups listed in this rule. By 8/19/2024, submit a program improvement plan indicating the understanding of group size and staff/child ratio. Submit this report as a Parent Notification Letter to all parents enrolled in the program and send the list of parents with their contact information to this Licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 26, 2024