The Little Prospector

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 observation,in the Discovery room , the baseboards were buckling from the wall.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Critters Classroom, there were loose sheets on 9 of the infant mattresses.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Critters Room, 5 of 5 written dietary instructions were incomplete. In the Sprouts Room,5 of 8 written dietary instructions were incomplete.”

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 Critters Room, the diaper changing area was not free of items unrelated to diapering, there was a rag and a bottle cleaner on the diaper changing area sink. In the Sprouts Room, there was a pencil holder on the diaper-changing area sink. In the Pooh Room, there was peeling paint on the ledge surrounding the diaper-changing table.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.21. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 21. A refrigerator at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 41° F or below and a freezer maintains a temperature of 0° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the refrigerator and in the freezer at all times;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the Critter's Room lacked a thermometer in the refrigerator and in the freezer to maintain the required temperature. The Discovery Classroom lacked a thermometer in the refrigerator to maintain the required temperature.”

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 Officer's observation, in the Discovery Classroom, the freezer was not maintained in a clean condition, there was dust and a substance splashed in the freezer.”

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 Officer's observation, throughout the facility, there was a dust buildup located on the floor vents accessible to enrolled children.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the following were not maintained in a clean condition: *Rainbow Room toilet room: There was a dark buildup located in the sink. There was a dirt buildup located in the caulking behind the sink. *Rookie Room toilet room: There was a dark ring in the second stall toilet. There was a dark buildup located in the sink. *Balloon Room There was a dark buildup in the handwashing sink.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the written medication authorization forms lacked the following information: Child #1: Lacked a written authorization form. Child #2: The route of administration. The prescription number. Child #3: An end date.”

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 #2,#3, and #4 was not in the container dispensed by the 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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the following medications were not returned to the parents when the end dates on the written authorization form expired: The medication authorization for Child #5 expired on 5/23/2026. The medication authorization for Child #2 expired on 2/19/2026. The medication authorization for Child #4 expired on 12/31/2025.”

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, on the Toddler playground, there was a dip in the turf, causing the area to be uneven.”

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 Critter's Room lacked a waterproof liner for the soiled clothes bin. In the Pooh Room, the soiled diaper bin lacked a waterproof liner.”

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 Officer's observation, the toys, materials, and equipment in the following rooms were not maintained in a clean condition: Jungle Room: *There was a black buildup located on the racetrack. Discovery Room: There was a black buildup on multiple toys throughout the classroom. Rookie Room: There was a black buildup located on the chairs.”

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 the Compliance Officer's observation, the following toilet rooms were not maintained in a clean condition: Discovery Room : There was a dust build up on the vent located in the toilet room. Rookie Room: *There was a dark ring located in the toilet bowl. *There was a brown buildup located in the sink in both toilet rooms. Balloon Room: *There was a brown buildup located in the sink.”

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 Officer's observation, in the Rainbow room, there was raised and cracked vinyl flooring located in front of the door. In the Rookie room, the baseboard was protruding from the wall.”

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 Infant room, there was chipped paint with exposed wood located on the ledge surrounding the diaper changing area.”

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 documentation of a current violation-free fire inspection report as required.”

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 Officer's observation, there was a dust buildup located on the vents in the Balloon room and the Rainbow room.”

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, in the Rookie Room, there was a table obstructing the designated exit that provides escape from the building.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, Child #1, #2, and #3 lacked a written authorization form to administer medication and the instructions for administering the medication.”

AAC R9-5-308.A. A. A licensee shall secure and maintain the following minimum insurance coverage: 1. General facility liability insurance of at least $300,000; and 2. Motor vehicle insurance coverage, required by A.R.S. Title 28, Chapter 9, Article 4, for each motor vehicle provided by a licensee to transport enrolled children.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, the Licensee lacked documentation of current liability insurance as required.”

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 observation, the handwashing sink in the diaper changing area of the following rooms failed to meet the required temperature of 86° F and 110° F: *The Balloon Room and the Rainbow Room were 80° F. *The Pooh room was 79° F.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Infant room, there was a one-year-old child who was observed walking.”

AAC R9-5-203.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that each staff member submits to the licensee a copy of the staff member’s valid fingerprint clearance card each time the fingerprint clearance card is issued or renewed every six years.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #2's observation, it was determined that there was a gap in Staff #1’s fingerprint clearance card. The card expired on 1/10/2024. The application was not received by DPS until 2/12/2024.”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that Staff #1 and Staff #2 lacked documentation of ongoing education to qualify them as a teacher-caregiver.”

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.l. C. A licensee shall ensure that:1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: l. 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 facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Infant room, Child #1 lacked a written feeding instruction plan.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: Main Playground: *4 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the green slide and the climbing wall. Toddler Playground: *4 of the 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the blue slide *5 of the 6 inches of sand in the fall zones of the green slide. Toddlers and Infants Playground: *6 of the 6 inches of resilient surfacing in the fall zones of the red and green slide. *Repeat Deficiency- 7/28/2023”

AAC R9-5-603.C. C. 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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Outdoor Activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children. Preschool Playground: **There was a 6-inch gap between the sand and the cement located on the threshold between the basketball court and the playground. The cement was protruding outward. *There were multiple cracked toys throughout the playground. Toddler Playground: *There was a pink rocker that lacked a handle. ** Repeat Deficiency *Previously cited”

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 facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observations, Child #2 lacked documentation of a written medical authorization consent form. *Previously cited 7/28/2023”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, the area surrounding the diaper changing areas in the Infant room and the Pooh classroom were not seamless and smooth. There was chipped paint on the surface making the surface not sanitizable. *Repeat deficiency -7/28/2023”

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 not qualified to be a teacher-caregiver and was not supervised by a teacher caregiver in the School-age classroom.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Outdoor Activity area, there was an unraveled water hose accessible to enrolled children.”

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 #1's observation, the following activity areas were not maintained in a clean condition: Jungle Classroom: There was a dark ring located in the toilet bowl. There was brown corrosion located around the sink drain. There were very loose toilet seats located in the toilet rooms. Rookie Classroom: There was a dark ring in the toilet bowl located in both toilet rooms. There was a cracked handle located on the toilet in the left toilet room. There was a dark brown build-up located on the caulking around the sink in the right toilet room. There were 2 chips located on the toilet seat in the left toilet room. Discovery Classroom: There was a very loose toilet seat located in the toilet room.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Rainbow and Pooh Classroom, there was a dust build-up located on the floor vents. *Previously cited/ Repeat Deficiency- 7/28/2023”

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

“Findings: Based on Compliance Officer #1's observation, in the Infant room, the soiled clothes bin lacked a waterproof liner. *Repeat deficiency -7/28/2023”

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

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and Compliance Officer #1's observation, the kitchen lacked a posted feeding instruction plan for Child #1.”

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 Compliance Officer #1's observation, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Discovery classroom: There was a loose cord located on the floor by the sink. Discovery Toilet Room: There was peeling baseboard with exposed rough drywall located at the base of the wall. Rookie classroom: There was chipped paint with exposed drywall located on the bottom of the east wall.”