The Natural Child School

Regulation 2.1.1: A Family Child Care Home provides developmentally appropriate care, education, protection, and supervision that are designed to ensure wholesome growth and educational experiences for children outside of their own homes for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours per day. A Family Child Care Home shall be operated in the residence occupied by the Family Child Care Provider (FCCP). There are two (2) types of Family Child Care Homes (FCCH): * Registered FCCH that are licensed to serve children as specified in the rules in section 6.2.1; or * Licensed FCCH that are licensed to serve children as specified in the rules in section 6.2.2.

“Information obtained by the Division indicates that Amaryah Pendlebury has lived in a different residence since at least January 27, 2026. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 7.2.2: The FCCP shall submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division for any new individuals, sixteen (16) years of age or older, residing in the FCCH or present more than five (5) times in 365 days during the FCCH's hours of operation as required in the rule 2.3.7.2 of these regulations.

“Information obtained by the Division indicates that there has been a tenant living in the home since February 2026 and the required background clearance process has not been completed. Failing to complete the required the background clearance process has been cited six (6) times since 02/17/2023. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 2.3.11: Changes that Impact a License The FCCP shall notify the Division prior to any of the following changes in the operation of the FCCH. The Division shall determine whether it will be possible to modify a current license, approve a time limited variance or whether the FCCP must submit an application for a new license: * A reduction, addition or substantial change in the indoor or outdoor spaces utilized for the care of children in the FCCH; * A change in the name of the FCCH; * A change in the FCCH's Taxpayer Identification Number; * A change in the authorized license type of regulated service as defined in these rules; * A change in the number of children the FCCH serves at any one (1) time; * A change in the ages of children the FCCH serves; * Changes in the household membership as in the rule 7.2.2 of these regulations; or * If the FCCP is unable to provide direct care necessitating a long term substitute.

“Information obtained by the Division confirm that two (2) adults have lived in the home since February 2026 and notification to the Division was not submitted as required by this rule. Since February 2026, there have been ten (10) accepted reports to the local police department regarding the presence and/or actions of these individuals in the home. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 5.1.1: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCH environment and practices support children's health and safety.

“Police records received by the Division have three (3) instances that Amaryah Pendlebury requested police come to the home because drugs or drug paraphenalia had been found in common areas of the home. These incidents occurred during the identified days and hours of operation of the licensed program. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 2.3.1.5: The FCCP shall not interfere with, impede, deter, provide false information or cause another to do any of the aforementioned, or in any manner hinder the Department or its agent(s) in an investigation or inspection.

“During the licensing visit conducted on 05/11/2026, Amaryah Pendlebury made multiple statements regarding her child's morning routine at the home as the reason for the failure to submit the first draw water testing as required by Vermont Department of Health Act 66. Provider asserted that she and her daughter were the only residence of the home during this discussion. Information obtained by the Division as of 05/21/2026, indicate two other adults have lived in the home since February 2026 and the provider has lived in another location since at least January 27,2026. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Regulation 2.3.1.5: The FCCP shall not interfere with, impede, deter, provide false information or cause another to do any of the aforementioned, or in any manner hinder the Department or its agent(s) in an investigation or inspection.

“During site visits conducted on 01/14/2026 and 03/04/2026, Amaryah Pendlebury confirmed the list of persons on the associated parties for the program was accurate. Information obtained by the Division confirmed that there had been an adult male unknown to the Division living in the home since February 2026. In addition, Staff X had been a tenant of the home since February 2026. In an email correspondence to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford dated 04/10/26, it was reported this person was no longer employed at the program and would need to be removed from the program's BFIS information. There was no reference in this email to the tenancy of Staff X residing in the home. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Regulation 7.1.2.3: The licensed FCCP shall ensure that staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR within six (6) months of beginning work in the licensed FCCH and remain currently certified.

“Staff A confirmed on site that their CPR certification has expired. Failing to have current CPR certification has been cited as a violation on 02/03/2025, 06/26/2025. 09/05/2025 and 01/14/2026. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 5.10.3.2.5: Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and other riding toys shall be the correct size for the child using the riding toy and the riding toys shall be maintained in good condition. * Tricycles shall not have spokes, and tricycles and bicycles with chains shall have chain guards. * The FCCP shall ensure that all children wear properly fitting safety helmets while riding outside on bicycles and using scooters.

“Two (2) preschool age children were observed riding balance bikes down the small side yard hill and around tree stumps, and rocks. One (1) preschooler was observed riding the bicycle the length of the fence line down the sloping yard and stumbling to a stop at the bottom of the gradient. None of the children were observed wearing helmets as required by this rule. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Regulation 7.1.3: Orientation of FCCP and New Staff The FCCP shall complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to beginning care for children. The FCCP shall ensure staff complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees shall complete the orientation training within one (1) month of their first date of working with children. 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, trainees, and partner staff; * Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; * Background check requirements to include changes in situations, restrictions, and exceptions for those prohibited by these regulations; * Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and * Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“Staff A, confirmed to be counted in ratio and working directly with children for more than one (1) year, has not completed orientation. This is a repeat violation. Failing to have staff persons complete orientation was cited on 05/15/2023. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 2.3.10.5: The FCCP shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable state and federal laws even when they are more stringent than the rules in this set of FCCH regulations.

“The required water testing submissions to the Vermont Department of Health required by Act 66 have not been submitted. This requirement was reviewed extensively during the compliance visit on 01/14/2026. During that visit, contact information for the Vermont Department of Health was given and the requirement to submit by the due date given by the Vermont Department of Health was reviewed. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Regulation 5.10.3.1.4: If fencing is used, it shall be sturdy, safe and reinforced to give support, constructed to discourage climbing, and shall not prevent visual supervision of children by the FCCP and/or staff.

“On each side of the primary entry gate to the play area are large openings in the fencing. During this visit, the provider's dogs were observed entering/exiting the play yard through the holes. Each hole appears to be the size to allow a typical sized toddler to crawl upon the ground and exit the play area. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Regulation 5.10.3.3: Safe Use Zones For all play equipment that is thirty (30) inches or higher from the ground, including climbing equipment, slides, swings and other similar equipment, the FCCP shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, included recommended use zones, is of approved resilient material that protects children if they fall. * Materials in the use zone shall consist of wood chips, pea stone, mulch, engineered wood fibers, sand, safety-tested shredded or rubber like material or rubber mats designed for protective cushioning; * Materials used in the use zone shall follow the recommendations listed in the most recent publication of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook regarding critical depth of tested materials determined by the height of the highest climbing surface of the equipment; * Materials used in the use zone shall be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions; * If the loose material such as sand, mulch, or shredded rubber is used in use zones, the FCCP shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, the FCCP shall ensure that the children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“Children were observed sitting and bouncing upon their knees on a large horizontal netting that extends more than 15 feet between trees. The netting is at a height of over 30 inches and under and around the netting is bare ground. In the very middle of the netting are a row of wood pallets. In addition, there are two (2) rope ladders attached to tree that have rungs extending higher than five (5) feet. There is bare ground and tree roots under and around the ladders. This set up required cushioning material which was not in place. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 9, 2026

Regulation 7.3.3: Family Child Care Assistant The FCCP shall ensure and maintain documentation that each Family Child Care Assistant is eighteen (18) years of age and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and has successfully completed at least three (3) college credits in content consistent with the core knowledge areas identified by NLCDC within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is enrolled in or is a high school graduate and graduate from a State Board of Education approved Human Services Certificate Program that emphasizes child development or early childhood education.

“Staff A does not meet the requirements for Teaching Assistant. Confirmed during a visit on 01/14/2026 and re-affirmed by Staff A during this visit they have counted in staff to child ratio at least two (2) days per week, and have been for more than 365 days. The licensee was originally given until 03/20/2026 to submit a plan with defined due dates and actions steps to be taken to have Staff person A complete all actions needed to meet qualifications. The due date for the plan was extended until 04/06/2026 after an update was requested by Licensing Field Specialist Crawford. As of the date of this visit, no plan has been received, and Staff A stated no action has been taken to meet the requirements of this rule. Corrective Action: As of the date of the generation of this letter, the license has been suspended. Prior to the consideration of this license returning to active status, a meeting with licensing unit representatives would need to occur to determine corrective action requirements. Status: Under Appeal.”

Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2026

Regulation 5.6.6: The FCCP shall ensure that all prescription medication is in its original container, properly labeled for the child, and administered prior to the expiration date on the container.

“An unboxed and unlabeled emergency medication is stored in the medication box. There is no identifying information within the medication box. Corrective Action: Have the required packaging and information for this medication by 02/05/2026. Include in the Program Improvement Plan due 02/15/2026, am procedure to be put in place and to be reviewed with all staff identifying the required steps for accepting a child's medicaiton in to the program and for maintaining medication on site.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 5, 2026

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The fire extinguisher within the program space was last inspected April 2022. This inspected tag notes the inspection was good for 365 days. The extinguisher needed to be inspected and the tag updated no later than 04/28/2023. Failing to maintain a currently inspected fire extinguisher was cited as a violation and/or corrective action not completed for this violation on 02/03/2025 and 06/26/2025. Corrective Action: Have the fire extinguisher inspected and appropriately tagged. Include in the Program Improvement Plan due by 02/15/2026, a checklist for facility items within the licensed program that need to be monitored for updating such as extinguishers, batteries for smoke detectors, insurance etc.,”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Staff person A has not completed the required record check authorization form. Staff person A has been scheduled and worked regular hours each week since the beginning of January 2026 and was present intermittently during the months of July and August 2025. The program and Staff person B were notified on 02/08/2024 that fingerprint processing was required. Staff person B did not start the process for fingerprint clearance until November 2025. Failing to comply with the record check and/or fingerprint process has been cited previously on 02/17/2023, 04/18/2023, 02/03/2025, 06/26/2025, 09/03/2025. Corrective Action: Staff person A completed the record check authorization form during this visit and it was processed by the end of the day. By 01/20/2026, send the receipt for Staff person B's fingerprint appointment and the plan to ensure Staff person A will complete fingerprinting when she returns from college in May 2026. As part of the required Program Improvement Plan to be submitted for approval to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford, develop an on-boarding process for all new staff that includes incorporating the full background clearance process into the initial hiring process, how each person's background clearance will be tracked and with what documentation system, how staffing patterns will be arranged to ensure only persons who have completed fingerprinting are alone with children. This plan is due by 02/15/2026. Additional instances of failing to comply with background clearnace requirements may result in further regulatory action.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 2.3.8.3: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCP; all individuals residing in the home; staff; and any individuals who are left alone with children 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.

“The provider was due to submit a new record check authorization process and have fingerprints processed by 06/23/2023. Provider received notification from the Child Development Division of this requirements on 09/19/2021, 09/20/2022, 09/19/2023, 09/15/2024, and 09/15/2025. The record check authorization form was required to be completed during this visit. Corrective Action: Fingerprints are to be processed and a receipt of this sent to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford by 01/30/2026. Failing to submit the required documentation may result in further regulatory action. Include in the Program Improvement Plan due by 02/15/2026, what system will be set up to ensure timely submission of required background clearance documentation and documentation sent by the Division sent via the BFIS system.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2026

Regulation 3.3.6.1: The FCCP shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.6.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children, staff evacuated, time taken to evacuate, and notation of the drill conducted while children were sleeping or resting. Evacuation records shall be kept for two (2) years.

“The emergency evacuation drill records were not available during this visit. Failing to have documentation confirming completion of required drills was cited on 03/08/2022, 02/17/2023, and 02/08/2024. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure the required documentation is readily available and maintained up to date. Include this new location for storage within the program space and a sample of the drill record within the Program Improvement Plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.1.2.3: The licensed FCCP shall ensure that staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR within six (6) months of beginning work in the licensed FCCH and remain currently certified.

“Staff person B and Staff person C do not have current CPR and has been employed more than three (3) months. Staff person D, who is currently on leave, had been providing care for most of 2025 and CPR status could not be confirmed. Failing to have current CPR and/or compete the full corrective action for the violation has been cited 02/03/2025, 06/26/2025, and 09/05/2025. Corrective Action: Have the identified staff persons complete CPR and remain currently certified. Include in the Program Improvement Plan how on going training/certification requirements will be monitored, staff notified of requirements, completions confirmed, and timely submission made to NL@CCV”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 4, 2026

Regulation 7.6.12: When a substitute fills a position for thirty (30) or more days within a 365 day period, the substitute shall be fully qualified for the position he/she fills and shall no longer be considered a substitute but is considered as a full staff person subject to all requirements for staff in these regulations.

“It was confirmed via telephone call on 01/16/2026, that Staff person B has been serving as a family childcare assistant for an extended period of time and per this rule is no longer serving as a substitute. Corrective Action: Submit a training and qualifications plan for Staff person B. Include in this plan, what qualification and trainings need to be completed, including Fundamentals, and a proposed timeframe for completion. This plan will need to be approved as part of the Program Improvement Plan.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 3.3.7.3: Within six (6) months of initial date of employment, the FCCP and all staff shall maintain an up-to-date BFIS Quality and Credential Account. Documentation, verification of qualifications, and all annual professional development activities as specified in the rules sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to NLCDC to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“The trainings and qualifications for three (3) of staff persons were not submitted as required by this rule. Each person had been employed more than six (6) months and the training and qualifications were completed more than three (3) months before this visit. Corrective Action: Submit the training and qualifications to NL@CCV. Include in the Program Improvement Plan due 02/15/2026, what steps will be taken to identify trainings to be completed, confirm completion, and ensure timely submission to NL@CCV.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 3.2.5: The licensed FCCP and staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“Staff person A has been employed as a Family Childcare Assistant since 02/21/2023 and confirmation that the Protecting Vermont's Children from Abuse and Neglect Training has not been provided. This has been cited as a violation 02/03/2025 and 06/26/2025 and documentation confirming completion of the required training was not submitted as required. AS of 11/25/2025, there is no documentation confirming this training has been done. Corrective Action: Have this person complete the required Protecting Vermont's Children from Abuse and Neglect training, send a copy of the certificate of completion to NL@CCV and CC' Licensing FIeld Specialist Crawford. Develop a system to monitor staff training requirements and ensure timely submission of training documents to NL@CCV. Send this plan to Licensing FIeld Specialist Crawford.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“As of the date of this visit, Staff person B has not completed a record check authorization form and is reportedly present multiple days per week and has been involved in the program since February 2024. Staff person B is not present during this visit. Failing to submit a record check authorization form for this person was cited as a violation on 02/03/2025 and 06/26/2025. Future instances of having a person present (volunteering or in a staff position) without completion of the requried record check authorization may result in further regulatory action. Corrective Action: As required during this visit, Staff person B is to complete the reocrd check authoriziation form handed to the licensee before being present at the program again. The form was completed and processed on 09/05/2025. Develop a system that will ensure completion of record check authorization forms prior to anyone working or volunteering in the program. Send this plan to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.1.2.1: The FCCP shall have successfully completed pediatric first aid and CPR prior to being licensed and must remain currently certified.

“Staff person A was not able to provide verification of current CPR certification during the visit, the licensee did not provide documentation following the visit, and no current CPR certification is listed within the BFIS system. This is a repeat violation for failing to have CPR ceritfication. This was cited for Staff person A on 02/03/2025 and 06/26/2025. Corrective Action: Have Staff person A complete CPR certification. Send the certificate of completion to NL@CCV and CC Licensing Field Specialist Crawford. Develop a system to monitor staff qualification requirements, plan for scheduling to ensure on going certifications, and monitoring system to identify when due dates are approached. Send this plan to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 3.2.5: The licensed FCCP and staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“This is a repeat citation of this violation due to failure to complete the required action from when the violation was initial cited during a visit on 02/03/2025. Staff person B has been employed since February 2023 and there is no documentation available confirming completion of the required Protecting Vermont's Children from Abuse and Neglect Training. This is the required training to meet the requirements of this rule. . Corrective Action: The corrective action originally required to be completed by 04/15/2025, still needs to be completed. Have the individual complete the required on-line training. Submit the certification of completion to NL@CCV for uploading to the person's BFIS quality and credential account. Include Licensing Field Specialist Crawford on that email submission. Develop and submit in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford a plan for monitoring staff qaulifications and plan to ensure completion of requirements.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2025

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The corrective action originally required to be completed by 04/15/2025, still needs to be completed. This is a repeat citation of this violation due to failure to complete the required action from when the violation was initial cited during a visit on 02/03/2025. The correct sized fire extinguisher maintained near the door of the program space has an inspection date of April 2022. The extinguisher was required to be inspected by the end of April 2023. Corrective Action: Have the fire extiguisher inspected, tagged, and maintained as required. Submit in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford what system will be put in place for reminders to ensure the yearly required inspections occur.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 3, 2025

Regulation 7.1.2.1: The FCCP shall have successfully completed pediatric first aid and CPR prior to being licensed and must remain currently certified.

“This is a repeat citation of this violation due to failure to complete the required action from when the violation was initial cited during a visit on 02/03/2025. Verifications of current CPR for the three staff persons present providing care was not available during the visit. The documentation confirming status was not received by the requested and then extended due dates. At the time of this letter (03/31/2025) no documentation confirning current CPR certification for any staff person present has been received. At least one staff person has documentation of expired CPR status in the BFIS quality and credential account. The prior CPR status of the two other staff cannot be verified. Corrective Action: The corrective action originally required to be completed by 04/15/2025, still needs to be completed. Complete the following corrective by the new due date of 07/15/2025 Maintain documentation of CPR status within individual's BFIS quality and credential accounts and on site if needed. Ensure each person is currently certified and documentation of that status remains available. Send confirmation of the CPR certifications to NL@CCV for uploading to each individual's BFIS account and CC Licensing Field Specialist Crawford.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“This is a repeat citation of this violation due to failure to complete the required action from when the violation was initial cited during a visit on 02/03/2025. Staff person A has been employed working in the program since at least September 2024 and has not completed the required background clearance process. This individual does not have a completed record check authorization form as required within five (5) times of involvement with the program . Corrective Action: The corrective action originally required to be completed by 04/15/2025, still needs to be completed. This individual is to submit the required record check authorization form. Develop a system that ensures timely initiation of and monitoring through completion the full background clearance process and submit it in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 5, 2025

Regulation 7.3.3: Family Child Care Assistant The FCCP shall ensure and maintain documentation that each Family Child Care Assistant is eighteen (18) years of age and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and has successfully completed at least three (3) college credits in content consistent with the core knowledge areas identified by NLCDC within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is enrolled in or is a high school graduate and graduate from a State Board of Education approved Human Services Certificate Program that emphasizes child development or early childhood education.

“This is a repeat citation of this violation due to failure to complete the required action from when the violation was initial cited during a visit on 02/03/2025. Documentation confirming Staff person B's qualifications as a Family Child Care Assistant was not available in the indivdual's BFIS account nor on site at the program. The program was given additional two (2) days to provide documentation confirming this person meets the requirements and did not do so. Failing to have documentation that this person meets the requirements for this position was cited as a violation during a site visit on 02/08/2024. This person has been employed in the program since February 2023. This is a repeat violation. Failing to comply with the required action for this violation may result in this individual no longer being able to be counted as an assistant.. Corrective Action: The corrective action originally required to be completed by 04/15/2025, still needs to be completed. Immediately plan to have Staff person B submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV and copy Licensing Field Specialist [name] on that submission. In the corrective action email, include details of the program's plan to ensure that all new staff maintain documentation of qualifications on site upon hire and submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV within six months of hire as required by rule 3.4.7.3 moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 3, 2025

Regulation 3.2.5: The licensed FCCP and staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“Staff person B has been employed since February 2023 and there is no documentation available confirming completion of the required Protecting Vermont's Children from Abuse and Neglect Training. This is the required training to meet the requirements of this rule. Corrective Action: Have the individual complete the required on-line training. Submit the certification of completion to NL@CCV for uploading to the person's BFIS quality and credential account. Include Licensing Field Specialist Crawford on that email submission. Develop and submit in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford a plan for monitoring staff qaulifications and plan to ensure completion of requirements.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 4, 2026

Regulation 5.10.1.2.5: There shall be at least one (1) easily accessible dry chemical fire extinguisher which has at least a 2-A: 10BC classification. This fire extinguisher shall be maintained in operating condition. It shall bear an official tag, properly signed, attesting to current operating condition.

“The correct sized fire extinguisher maintained near the door of the program space has an inspection date of April 2022. The extinguisher was required to be inspected by the end of April 2023. Corrective Action: Have the fire extiguisher inspected, tagged, and maintained as required. Submit in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford what system will be put in place for reminders to ensure the yearly required inspections occur.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 3, 2025

Regulation 7.1.2.1: The FCCP shall have successfully completed pediatric first aid and CPR prior to being licensed and must remain currently certified.

“Verifications of current CPR for the three staff persons present providing care was not available during the visit. The documentation confirming status was not received by the requested and then extended due dates. At the time of this letter (03/31/2025) no documentation confirning current CPR certification for any staff person present has been received. At least one staff person has documentation of expired CPR status in the BFIS quality and credential account. The prior CPR status of the two other staff cannot be verfied. Corrective Action: Maintain documentation of CPR status within individual's BFIS quality and credential accounts and on site if needed. Ensure each person is currently certified and documentation of that status remains available. Send confirmation of the CPR certifications to NL@CCV for uploading to each individual's BFIS account and CC Licensing Field Specialist Crawford by 04/15/2025.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Staff person A has been employed working in the program since at least September 2024 and has not completed the required background clearance process. This individual does not have a completed record check authorization form as required within five (5) times of involvement with the program. Corrective Action: As required during the visit, this individual is to submit the required record check authorization form. Develop a system that ensures timely initiation of and monitoring through completion the full background clearance process and submit it in writing to Licensing Field Specialist Crawford”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.3.3: Family Child Care Assistant The FCCP shall ensure and maintain documentation that each Family Child Care Assistant is eighteen (18) years of age and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and has successfully completed at least three (3) college credits in content consistent with the core knowledge areas identified by NLCDC within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is enrolled in or is a high school graduate and graduate from a State Board of Education approved Human Services Certificate Program that emphasizes child development or early childhood education.

“Documentation confirming Staff person B's qualifications as a Family Child Care Assistant was not available in the indivdual's BFIS account nor on site at the program. The program was given additional two (2) days to provide documentation confirming this person meets the requirements and did not do so. Failing to have documentation that this person meets the requirements for this position was cited as a violation during a site visit on 02/08/2024. This person has been employed in the program since February 2023. This is a repeat violation. Failing to comply with the required action for this violation may result in this individual no longer being able to be counted as an assistant. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have Staff person B submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV and copy Licensing Field Specialist [name] on that submission. In the corrective action email, include details of the program's plan to ensure that all new staff maintain documentation of qualifications on site upon hire and submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV within six months of hire as required by rule 3.4.7.3 moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 3, 2025

Regulation 7.3.3: Family Child Care Assistant The FCCP shall ensure and maintain documentation that each Family Child Care Assistant is eighteen (18) years of age and meets or exceeds one (1) of the following qualifications: * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals' course within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is a high school graduate or has completed a GED and has successfully completed at least three (3) college credits in content consistent with the core knowledge areas identified by NLCDC within the first twelve (12) months of employment; or * At least is enrolled in or is a high school graduate and graduate from a State Board of Education approved Human Services Certificate Program that emphasizes child development or early childhood education.

“A review of the onsite staff files reflected that Staff A lacked documentation of qualifications as required by this rule. A review of staff BFIS accounts reflected that Staff A had not yet submitted documentation of their qualifications to their BFIS credential account. Staff A was not able to provide documenation of qulaifications upon request during the visit. As of 03/07/2024, the program had not provided evidence of Staff A's qualifications as assistant as requested. Staff A was working with children with the assistance of a brand new substitute during the visit. Staff A had been employed with the program for twelve months. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have staff A submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV and copy Licenor [name] on that submission. In the corrective action emial, include details of the program's plan to ensure that all new staff maintain documentation of qualifications on site upon hire and submit documentation of qualifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV within six months of hire as required by rule 3.4.7.3 moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Dec 4, 2025

Regulation 3.3.6.1: The FCCP shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.6.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children, staff evacuated, time taken to evacuate, and notation of the drill conducted while children were sleeping or resting. Evacuation records shall be kept for two (2) years.

“While staff stated that monthly evacuation drills are performed, the program was not able to provide an evacuation drill log for review during this visit. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to conduct and record monthly evacuations drills and to keep a detailed record of those drills on site and readily available as required by this rule. In the corrective action email, include details of who will be responsible for conducting and recording monthly evacuation drills, where those logs will be kept, and how the program will ensure a copy of the log is on site and readily available at all times moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 3, 2025

Regulation 7.1.2.2: The FCCP shall ensure that at least one (1) responsible adult who has successfully completed and is currently certified in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR is on the premises at all times children are present.

“A review of the onsite staff files reflected that Staff A lacked documentation of completing infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid within the first three months of employment. A review of staff BFIS accounts reflected that Staff A had not yet submitted documentation of completing infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid to their BFIS credential account. Staff A was not able to provide documentation of CPR and first aid certifications upon request during the visit. As of 03/07/2024, the program had not provided evidence of Staff A's current CPR and first aid certifications as requested. Staff A was working with children with the assistance of a brand new substitute who also did not provide proof of current CPR and first aid certifications during the visit. Staff A had been employed with the program for twelve months. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to have staff A either submit current documentation of infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid certifications with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV or to complete an approved CPR and first aid course and submit that certificate of completion with a cover sheet to Northern Lights at CCV and copy Licensor [name] Crawford on that submission. Plan to ensure that Staff A is not left alone with any child or children until such a time when they have successfully completed CPR and first aid certifications and submitted that documentation to Northern Lights at CCV as required by rule 3.4.7.3. Develop a system which will ensure that all staff complete an approved infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid certification course prior to being left alone with children and within three months of employment and to remain currently certified at all times moving forward. Include details of who will ensure all new staff sign up for an complete an approved CPR and first aid certification course prior to being left alone with children and within three months of employment, who will be responsible for maintaining staff certificates in staff files on site, who will be responsible for submitting the documentation to Northern Lights at CCV in a timely manner, who will track the expiration dates of staff CPR and first aid certifications, and how staff will be made aware when it is time to sign up for a recertification courses in order to remain currently certified moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 19, 2026

Regulation 7.1.3: Orientation of FCCP and New Staff The FCCP shall complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to beginning care for children. The FCCP shall ensure staff complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees shall complete the orientation training within one (1) month of their first date of working with children. 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, trainees, and partner staff; * Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; * Background check requirements to include changes in situations, restrictions, and exceptions for those prohibited by these regulations; * Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and * Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“Neither staff person present has completed the required orientation training. Failing to have completed orientation training was cited for both staff persons during a site visit on 02/17/2023. This requirement had been cited as a violation for the provider on 03/08/2022 as well. This is a repeat violation. Completed orientation training and a plan to ensure future compliance was required to be submitted to this licensor as of 03/08/2023. No information was sent and the required training was not completed. Patterns of non-compliance to regulations and/or failing to submit required corrective actions may result in additional licensing visits. Corrective Action: Have each person complete the Better Kids Care on-line state of VT orientation training. Send copies of the certificate of completion to Northern Lights and this licensor. Develop and submit for approval a program improvement plan that outlines the current status of each employee's status of completion of trainings required by licensing regulations. In this plan, explain how each person's professional development requirements will be monitored, planned for, and documented. Include in this plan, how and when any new staff persons will receive orientation training. Submit this plan to this licensor by 05/15/2023.”

Correction date in the state record: May 11, 2023

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Staff person A has been working as an assistant in the program since June 2022 and has not completed the required fingerprinting process. The program was notified on 02/21/2023 that fingerprint processing was required. As of the date of this visit, Staff person A had not had fingerprints processed nor scheduled an appointment to do so. This is a repeat violation. Failing to follow the requirements of this rule was cited on 02/17/2023. Notification that a plan was in place to met the requirements of this rule was to have been submitted to this licensor by 03/02/2023 and did not occur. Patterns of non-compliance and failing to submit required corrective actions may result in additional licensing visits. Corrective Action: Have Staff person A complete the fingerprinting process by the 04/24/2023 appointment date. Send verification that this has been completed (receipt) to this licensor. Submit a program improvement plan that explains how compliance to the background clearance process will be monitored for existing staff and planned for if hiring new staff.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 20, 2023

Regulation 7.1.2.2: The FCCP shall ensure that at least one (1) responsible adult who has successfully completed and is currently certified in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR is on the premises at all times children are present.

“Neither staff persons present have current CPR/1st aid training. This is a repeat violation. The requirement to have both staff persons complete and maintain current CPR certification was required during a site visit on 02/17/2023. Corrective Action: Have at least one staff person certified in CPR/1st aid by 04/24/2023. Set a date for the additional staff person to complete the CPR/1st aid requirement by 05/05/2023. Submit a plan to this licensor of how CPR status will be monitored and maintained. Send this monitoring plan and copies of the CPR/1st aid certifications to this licensor by the noted corrective action due date.”

Correction date in the state record: May 1, 2023

Regulation 3.2.5: The licensed FCCP and staff shall be trained in prevention, identification and mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.

“Staff person A has been employed since June 2022 and has not completed the required Abuse and Neglect training. Corrective Action: Have the identified staff person complete Protecting Vermont's Children from Abuse and Neglect.”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 4, 2026

Regulation 7.1.3: Orientation of FCCP and New Staff The FCCP shall complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to beginning care for children. The FCCP shall ensure staff complete an orientation training session approved by the Division prior to being left alone with children. Trainees shall complete the orientation training within one (1) month of their first date of working with children. 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, trainees, and partner staff; * Responsibility to comply with current applicable licensing regulations; * Background check requirements to include changes in situations, restrictions, and exceptions for those prohibited by these regulations; * Staffing requirements to include opening and closing; and * Ensuring children have extra clothes and diapers available.

“The Provider and Staff person A have not completed the required orientation. The provider not having completed orientation was cited during a site visit on 03/08/22. This is a repeat violation. Corrective Action: Have each person complete the required orientation training. Develop a plan to ensure all staff complete the required licensing trainings as required. Submit a plan to this licensor that outlines how training requirements will be monitored for all staff. Send confirmation of successful completion of orientation to this licensor by the corrective action due date.”

Correction date in the state record: May 11, 2023

Regulation 7.1.2.2: The FCCP shall ensure that at least one (1) responsible adult who has successfully completed and is currently certified in pediatric first aid and infant and child CPR is on the premises at all times children are present.

“Neither the Provider nor Staff person A were able to provide documentation that they were currently certified in CPR/1st aid during the site visit or with additional time given to locate the information. Corrective Action: Have at least one person currently certified in CPR/1st aid by 02/25/2023. Submit a plan outlining when and how each person is to be certified, plan to monitor for renewal requirements, and date the documentation of certification is submitted to each person's Bright Futures Quality and Credential Account.”

Correction date in the state record: May 1, 2023

Regulation 7.2.1: The FCCP shall ensure that all new staff, and any new individual with unsupervised access to children in the FCCH submits a Records Check Authorization form to the Division and shall submit to fingerprinting at a location designated by the Division after having received the Fingerprinting Authorization Certificate by the Division.

“Staff person A has been working as an assistant in the program five (5) days per week since June 2022 and has not completed the background clearance process. Corrective Action: As required the date of the visit, Staff person A submitted a record check authorization form to the Division on the date of this visit. Ensure Staff person A completes the fingerprinting process in a timely fashion. Send the date of Staff person A's fingerprinting appointment and a plan for ensuring compliance to this rule in the future by the noted corrective action due date.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 20, 2023

Regulation 3.3.6.1: The FCCP shall maintain a record of the date of each evacuation drill as required in the rules in section 3.6.2 of these regulations that includes the number of children, staff evacuated, time taken to evacuate, and notation of the drill conducted while children were sleeping or resting. Evacuation records shall be kept for two (2) years.

“The documentation of the required monthly evacaution drills was not available for review. Dates and successful completion of the drill requirements cannot be confirmed. Being unable to locate documentation to confirm completion of drills was cited during a site visit on 03/08/2022. This is a repeat violation. Corrective Action: Develop a system to ensure the required documentation remains up to date and available at all times. Identify a location in the program space for the document to be kept and send that information to this licensor by the corrective action due date. For the months of March, April, and May 2023, conduct and record two emergency evacuation drills each month. Send the dates of the planned drills to this licensor by 03/02/2023.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 3, 2025

Regulation 5.10.4.5.1: The FCCP shall ensure that the FCCH, its furnishings, and toys are kept in a clean and orderly condition.

“There is visible dirt and debris upon the playroom floor and bathroom area. There is a single serving food bag on the playroom floor from food confirmed to not be served on the date of this visit. There are visible dried round stains upon the children's sink and grime around the faucet. The magna tiles storage bin has visible and sticky dirt substance on a section of the bottom of the bin. There is visible dry food appearing to be about the size of a quarter and brown in color and small art beads upon the floor around the small round table. It was confirmed that children had cereal and apples on this day and a bead art project was not part of the activities for the day. Corrective Action: As required during the site visit, the identified areas were to be clean prior to the next day of care. Establish a cleaning practice and identify responsiblitiies between staff persons of cleaning requirements.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 8, 2024