Thrive Preparatory Academy

AAC R9-5-502.C.1.lk. C. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. A staff member providing child care services in an infant room: k. 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 the Compliance Officer’s observation, Room #102 lacked written, current, and dated dietary instructions (infant feeding forms) for the enrolled infants.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area: 1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: *3 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zone of the slide of the climbing structure. *5 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zone of the ladder of the climbing structure.”

AAC R9-5-502.A.11. A. A licensee providing child care services for infants shall: 11. Label each food container received from the parent with the infant's name.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, in Room # 102, the five food containers in the refrigerator, received from parents, lacked labels with the names of the enrolled infants.”

AAC R9-5-603.B. B. Except as provided in subsection (D) a licensee shall ensure that an outdoor activity area: 1. Is enclosed by a fence: a. A minimum of 4 feet high; b. Secured to the ground; and c. With either vertical or horizontal open spaces on the fence or gate that do not exceed 4.0 inches; 2. Is maintained free from hazards, such as exposed concrete footings and broken toys; and 3. Has gates that are kept closed while an enrolled child is in the outdoor activity area

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, in the outdoor activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: *There was a puddle of water on the concrete, accessible by enrolled children. The water was dripping from an exposed pipe at the roof of the building. (Repeat citation from 8/26/2025) *There was a loose hose on the playground. *There were shredded pieces of foam and broken pieces of plastic with sharp edges in the grass.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, there was a plunger in the right stall of the "Men's" bathroom, accessible to the enrolled children. *Previously cited 9/4/2024 & 8/26/2025”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, there was a ripped rocking chair cushion with foam exposed located in Room #102 (infants).”

AAC R9-5-404.C.3. C. A licensee shall ensure that when there are: 3. 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 Compliance Officer’s observation and staff statements, it was determined that there were 7 children present in the facility when an infant was placed for supervision with children who were not an infant. Staff stated the infant was 9 months old.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing: 1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 (Date of employment- 1/26/2026) lacked the following required information: *The name and contact information of an emergency contact. *The written statement of immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record that is no more than a two-page written notice, and is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, email address, and telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for the nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(14); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer’s observation, it was determined that 3 out of 14 enrolled children's Emergency, Information and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: *Child #1 and Child #3: The name and contact telephone number of the child's health care provider. *Child #2: The contact telephone number of the child's health care provider, and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child. *14 of 14 record cards reviewed lacked the email address of each parent/guardian.”

AAC R9-5-301.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member submits, on or before the starting date of employment or volunteer services, a completed self-screening form in a Department-provided format for tuberculosis screening purposes and follow recommendations for further tuberculosis testing, as applicable.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the file for Staff #1 (Date of employment 1/26/2026) lacked documentation of the completed self-screening for for tuberculosis screening.”

AAC R9-5-203.E. E. If a staff member possesses a fingerprint clearance card that was issued before the staff member became a staff member at the facility, a licensee shall: 1. Contact the Department of Public Safety before the individual becomes a staff member to determine whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid; and 2. Document this determination, including the name of the staff member, the date of contact with the Department of Public Safety, and whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (Date of employment 1/26/2026) lacked documentation that the fingerprint clearance card was verified to be valid before the date of employment. The fingerprint clearance card was verified to be valid through the DPS website at the time of the inspection.”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. As required by A.R.S. § 8-804, before an individual’s starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall comply with the submission requirements in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) for the individual.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the Central Registry Backgroud check for Staff #1 (Date of employment- 1/26/2026) was not submitted before the start date (Date of CBC submission 4/3/2026).”

AAC R9-5-203.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member completes, signs, dates, and submits to the licensee, before the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service: 1. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); and 2. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, the form in A.R.S. § 8-804(I).

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, the files for Staff #2 (Date of employment 7/9/2026) and Staff #3 (Date of employment 8/19/2023) lacked documentation for the Central Registry Background check.”

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 Room #102, there was a build up of dirt and food debris around the insert seats of a feeding table. In Room #103, the bottom of the refrigerator was filled with a sticky pink substance and there was a crack on the bottom of the refrigerator with insulation exposed.”

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, in Room #103, the temperature of the refrigerator containing food for enrolled children was 48 ° F, rather than 41° F or below as required..”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer’s observation, in Room #102, the soiled diaper container was on the floor near the sink, accessible to enrolled children.”

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 diaper changing area in Room #101 lacked a soiled clothing container.”

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 temperature of the water at the diaper changing sinks was 116° F in Room #102 and 119° F in Room #101, rather than 86° F and 110° F as required.”

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, in the hallway bathroom, the following areas were not maintained in clean conditions: Men's Bathroom: *There was a dark ring in the base of the urinal on the left. *The caulk around the base of the toilet in the right stall was cracked and darkened with a buildup of debris. Women's Bathroom: *The toilet seat in the left stall had two scratches in the surface. There was a dark ring around the base of the toilet.”

AAC R9-5-603.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area: 1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: *2 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zone of the tube slide and the ladder of the climbing structure.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.18. A. A licensee shall ensure that: 18. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, there was a plunger in the right stall of the "Men's" bathroom, accessible to the enrolled children. *Previously cited 9/4/2024.”

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, in the Toddler classroom, the water temperature in the sink used for hand washing after diaper changes was 82°F rather than 86°F to 110°F as required.”

AAC R9-5-302. A licensee shall prepare a written statement of child care services provided by the licensee that includes the following: 1. A description of the facility’s child care services classifications in R9-5-204; 2. Hours of operation; 3. The facility’s street address, city, state, zip code, mailing address, and telephone number; 4. Child enrollment and disenrollment procedures; 5. Charges, fees, and payment requirements for child care services; 6. Child admission and release requirements; 7. Guidelines for positive discipline reflective of age-appropriate methods for children that include clear, appropriate, consistent expectations; 8. Transportation procedures; 9. Field trip requirements and procedures; 10. Responsibilities and participation of parents in facility activities; 11. A general description of activities and programs; 12. A description of the liability insurance required by R9-5-308 that is carried by the licensee and a statement that documentation of the liability insurance coverage is available for review on the facility premises; 13. Medication administration procedures; 14. Accident and emergency procedures; 15. A notice stating inspection reports are available on-site; 16. A provision stating that the facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services including the Department’s local street address, city, state, zip code, and local telephone number; 17. The procedures for notifying a parent at least 48 hours before a pesticide is applied on a facility’s premises; 18. A statement that a parent has access to the areas on facility premises where the parent’s enrolled child is receiving child care services; and 19. Policies and procedures for suspension and expulsion of children to include clear, appropriate, consistent expectations, including suspension and expulsion prevention strategies.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the Statement of Services lacked the following required information: *Transportation procedures *Field Trip requirements *Insurance statement *Statement of regulation by DHS *Pesticide application procedures”

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 Toddler room, there were gaps in the floor tile (1/4" to 1" wide) with exposed concrete and a buildup of dirt and debris.”

AAC R9-5-512.A. A. A licensee shall maintain facility premises free of insects and vermin.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Outdoor area, there was a stream of ants moving from a corner of the playground to an open trash can, accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-403.B. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 1. Each staff member who provides child care services completes 24 or more clock hours of training every 12 months after the effective date of this Chapter or the staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service in at least two topics listed below: a. Child growth and development, including: i. Infant growth and development, including sudden infant death syndrome prevention and safe sleeping practices; ii. Brain development; iii. Basic child development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical, as well as approaches to learning; iv. Language development; v. Observation and child assessment; vi. Developmentally-appropriate activities; vii. Child guidance and methods of positive discipline which may include techniques to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce challenging behaviors; or viii. Developmentally-appropriate activity areas. b. Health and safety issues, including: i. Accident and emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid for infants and children; ii. Recognition of signs of illness and infestation; iii. Nutrition and developmentally-appropriate eating habits; iv. Child abuse detection, reporting, and prevention; v. Safety of indoor and outdoor activity areas; and vi. Sun safety policies and procedures; vii. Water safety; viii. Prevention and control of infections diseases, including immunizations; ix: Prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock; x. Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; xi. Emergency preparedness, response, and recovery planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a human-caused event; xii. Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental or guardian consent; xiii. Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; xiii. Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; xiiii. Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, pediatric abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; or xv. Physical restraint techniques. c. Program administration, planning, development, or management; and d. Availability of community services and resources, including those available to children with a special health care need or a disability; and 2. As part of the required 24 hours of training in subsection (B)(1): a. A staff member who has less than 12 months of child care experience before the staff member’s starting date, completes at least 12 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) in the staff member’s first 12 months at the facility; b. A staff member who has 12 months or more of child care experience, completes at least 6 hours in one or more of the topics in subsection (B)(1)(a) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; c. A staff member who provides child care services to an infant completes at least 6 hours in subsection (B)(1)(a)(i) every 12 months after the staff member’s starting date; and d. A facility director completes at least six hours in subsection (B)(1)(c) every 12 months after the facility director’s starting date. e. A child educator for school-aged children shall complete six of the 24 hours of training within the first three months of hire.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that 1 out of 3 staff files reviewed lacked the required training documentation: Staff #1: 9 of the required 18 hours of annual training for the time period of 8/19/2024 - 8/19/2025.”

AAC R9-5-304.B. B. Except as required in A.R.S. § 36-3009, before an enrolled child receives child care services, a licensee shall require the enrolled child’s parent to complete an Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record that is no more than a two-page written notice, and is signed by the enrolled child’s parent containing: 1. The child’s name, home address, sex, and date of birth; 2. The date of the child’s enrollment; 3. The name, home address, email address, and telephone number of each parent of the child; 4. The name and contact telephone number of at least two individuals authorized by the child’s parent to collect the child from the facility in case of emergency, or if the child’s parent cannot be contacted; 5. The name and contact telephone number of the child’s health care provider; 6. The written authorization for emergency medical care of the enrolled child when the parent cannot be contacted at the time of the emergency; 7. The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness of the child; 8. The written instructions of a child’s parent or health care provider for the nutritional and dietary needs of the child including, if applicable, the request in R9-5-509(C)(14); and 9. A written record completed by the child’s parent or health care provider noting the child’s susceptibility to illness, physical conditions of which a staff member should be aware, and any individual requirements for health maintenance.

“Findings: Based on the facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, 4 out of 11 enrolled children's Emergency, Information, and Immunization Record cards reviewed lacked the following required information: *Child #1: The name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness. *Child #2: The enrolled child's home address, the name and contact number of the child's health care provider, and the name of the individual to be contacted in case of injury or sudden illness. *Child #3 and Child #4: The name and contact information of the child's health care provider.”

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 Officers' observation, the following hazards were observed in the outdoor activity area: *There was a puddle of water on the concrete, accessible by enrolled children. The water was dripping from an exposed pipe at the roof of the building. *There was two holes with rough edges in the fencing/gate around the playground.”

AAC R9-5-512.F.4.5. F. A licensee shall ensure that: 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;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Outdoor area, there was a trash can with food items that lacked a plastic bag liner and a cover, accessible to enrolled children. The food items in the can attracted ants.”

AAC R9-5-603.F. F. A licensee shall ensure that hard surfacing material such as asphalt or concrete is not installed or used under swings or climbing equipment unless used as a base for a rubber surfacing.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the large climbing structure was partially installed over concrete. The tube slide ended over concrete.”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area:1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: *The fall zone under the straight slide lacked a resilient surface, as the slide ended over concrete. *2 plastic and 1 wooden climbing structures were over grass with no resilient surface.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that:1. In addition to complying with the requirements in this Chapter, the health, safety, or welfare of an enrolled child is not placed at risk of harm;

“Findings: Per allegations, based on staff statements and the Compliance Officers' observations, the health, safety, and welfare of children were placed at risk of harm due to hazards in the outdoor activity area. The large climbing structure accessible to enrolled children had broken or missing fasteners, missing bolts, and rough rusted areas on the metal posts. The staff stated that all age groups (1-year old to 5-year old) use the large climber. The large climbing structure lacked manufacturer labels to indicate the age group for which the large climber was designed.”

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

“Finding: Per allegations, based on the Compliance Officers' observations, in the outdoor activity area, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Large Climbing Structure: *There was a broken fastener on a metal supporting post near the swirl slide. *There were 2 bolts missing from the base of the walkway near the swirl slide. *There was peeling paint with exposed, rough rusted areas on the metal supporting posts. *There were 2 missing fasteners between the straight slide and the supporting post. *On the wooden climber, 2 bolts were protruding from the base of the platform. *There was cracked plastic on the right side of the blue ladder and the first rung of the green ladder of the boat climber. *There were missing handgrips with exposed metal on the handlebars of a tricycle.”

AAC R9-5-601.4. A licensee shall comply with the following physical plant requirements:4. Except as provided in subsection (5), when providing child care services for infants or children who require diapering, a diaper changing area that meets the requirements in R9-5-503 is available in each infant room or indoor activity area used by an enrolled infant or child who wears diapers or disposable training pants;

“Findings: Per allegations, based on staff statements and the Compliance Officers' observation, it was determined that there were 3 children who wear pull-ups/diapers in the Preschool classroom. The preschool classroom is not approved for diapering. The staff stated that three children in the Preschool classroom are potty training and wear pull ups during the day.”

AAC R9-5-503.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the written diaper changing procedure in subsection (D) states that an enrolled child’s diaper is changed as soon as it is soiled, and that a staff member, when diapering:1. Uses a separate washcloth and towel only once for each enrolled child; 2. Washes and dries the enrolled child using the enrolled child’s individual personal products labeled with the enrolled child’s name; 3. Uses single-use non-porous gloves; 4. Washes the staff member’s own hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F before and after each diaper change; 5. Washes each enrolled child’s hands with soap and running water between 86° F and 110° F after each diaper change; 6. Cleans, sanitizes, and dries the diaper changing surface following each diaper change; and 7. Uses single-use paper towels from a dispenser to dry the diaper changing surface or the hands of the enrolled child or staff member.

“Findings: Per allegations, based on staff statements and the Compliance Officers' observation, the diaper changing surface was not sanitized after use. The Clean Revolution Multi-Surface Cleaner used on the surface was not a sanitizing solution. The staff stated that Clean Revolution Multi-Surface Cleaner was the only product used on the diaper changing surface.”

AAC R9-5-203.G. G. If required by A.R.S. § 8-804, before an individual’s starting date of employment or volunteer service, a licensee shall comply with the submission requirements in A.R.S. § 8-804(C) for the individual.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officers' observation, it was determined that 3 of 3 staff files reviewed lacked documentation that the Central Registry Background check was submitted to DCS.”

AAC R9-5-404.A. A. A licensee shall ensure that at least the following staff-to-children ratios are maintained at all times when providing child care services to enrolled children: Age Group/Staff: Children - Infants/1:5 or 2:11; 1-year-old children/1:6 or 2:13; 2-year-old children/1:8; 3-year-old children/1:13; 4-year-old children/1:15; 5-year-old children not school-age/1:20; School-age children/1:20

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation, the ratio in the Toddler classroom was 1:8 instead of 2:8 as required for 1-year-old children.”

AAC R9-5-404.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member assigned to provide child care services to enrolled children does not perform duties that may affect the staff member's ability to provide child care services to the enrolled children

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observations, it was determined that the director designee was providing care for children in a classroom and not able to perform administrative duties for the program. There was no additional staff on site to perform administrative duties at the time of the inspection.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.6. B. A licensee shall ensure that: 6. Except for a room used only for an enrolled school-age child, each unused electrical outlet is covered with a safety plug cover or insert;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officers' observation in the Preschool classroom, there were 4 uncovered outlets on a surge protector accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-203.E. E. If a staff member possesses a fingerprint clearance card that was issued before the staff member became a staff member at the facility, a licensee shall:1. Contact the Department of Public Safety before the individual becomes a staff member to determine whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid; and 2. Document this determination, including the name of the staff member, the date of contact with the Department of Public Safety, and whether the fingerprint clearance card is valid.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the files for Staff #1 (date of employment 8/15/2024), Staff #2(date of employment 8/19/2024), and Staff #3(date of employment 1/22/2024) lacked documentation of the date that DPS was contacted for validation of fingerprint clearance cards.”

AAC R9-5-306.B. B. A licensee shall: 1. Develop, document, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that a staff member maintains daily documentation of the presence of an enrolled child in an activity area that includes a method to account for any temporary absences of the enrolled child from the activity area, and 2. Maintain the documentation of the presence of enrolled children in an activity area required in subsection (B)(1) on facility premises for 12 months after the date of the documentation.

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the roster in the following rooms did not reflect the number of children present: Room 101 (2-3 year-old children) -12 children present, 14 on the roster. Room 103 (3-5 year old children)-11 children present, 12 on the roster.”

AAC R9-5-402.A. A. A licensee shall maintain a file for each staff member containing:1. The staff member’s name, date of birth, home address, and telephone number; 2. The staff member’s starting date of employment or volunteer service; 3. The staff member’s ending date of employment or volunteer service, if applicable; 4. The name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency; 5. The staff member’s written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis; 6. The form required in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(C); 7. Documents required by R9-5-203; 8. Documents required by R9-5-301; 9. Documents required by R9-5-401, if applicable; 10. If applicable: a. The form required in A.R.S. § 8-804(I), b. Documentation of the submission required in A.R.S. § 8-804 and the information received as a result of the submission, and c. Documentation of training provided by a licensee as required by R9-5-403, if applicable; 11. A copy of any current license or certification required by A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.1, Article 1. or this Chapter; and 12. Documentation of the requirements in A.R.S. § 36-883.02(D).

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer observation, it was determined that the file for Staff #1 (date of employment- 8/15/2024) and Staff # 2 (date of employment- 8/19/2024) lacked documentation of the staff members' written statement attesting to current immunity against measles, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, and pertussis as required & the name and telephone number of an individual to be notified in case of an emergency.”

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 Boy's Bathroom, there was a hole in the wall with exposed drywall and a protruding screw behind the right urinal.”

AAC R9-5-501.A.19. A. A licensee shall ensure that:19. Except as provided in subsection (A)(20), the following are stored separate from food storage areas and are inaccessible to an enrolled child: a. All materials and chemicals labeled as a toxic or flammable substance; b. All substances that have a child warning label and may be a hazard to a child; and c. Lawn mowers, ladders, toilet brushes, plungers, and other facility equipment that may be a hazard to a child;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the Boy's bathroom, there was a plunger in the right side stall accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.5. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:5. Except as provided in subsection (D), prepares and posts a dated lesson plan in each indoor activity area for each calendar week, which is maintained on facility premises for 12 months after the lesson plan date and provides opportunities for each child to: a. Gain a positive self-concept; b. Develop and practice social skills; c. Think, reason, question, and experiment; d. Acquire language skills; e. Develop physical coordination skills; f. Participate in structured large muscle physical activity; g. Develop habits that meet health, safety, and nutritional needs; h. Express creativity; i. Learn to respect cultural diversity of children and staff; j. Learn self-help skills; and k. Develop a sense of responsibility and independence;

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that Room 104 lacked a posted lesson plan. In Room 101, Room 102, and Room 103 the posted lesson plans were not dated.”

AAC R9-5-501.C.9. C. A licensee shall ensure that a staff member:9. Does the following when a parent permits or asks a staff member to apply personal products on an enrolled child, such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sun screen or sun block preparations, toothpaste, and baby diapering preparations: a. Obtains the enrolled child’s personal products from the enrolled child’s parent or, if the licensee provides the personal products for use by the enrolled child, obtains written approval for use of the products from the enrolled child’s parent; b. Labels the personal products with the enrolled child’s name; and c. Keeps the personal products inaccessible to enrolled children;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Room 101 and Room 102, the diaper wipes and diaper creams reviewed lacked the children's first and last name.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in Room 101 and Room 102, the soiled diaper containers were accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-504.3. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall:3. Ensure that each activity area has a supply of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment that are too large for a child to swallow and free from sharp edges and points, in a quantity sufficient to meet the needs of the enrolled children in attendance including: a. Art supplies; b. Books; c. Rubber or soft plastic balls; d. Puzzles and toys to enhance manipulative skills; e. Blocks; f. Washable soft toys and dolls; g. Musical instruments; and h. Indoor and outdoor equipment to enhance large muscle development;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Room 102 (1-2-year-old children) lacked art supplies and musical instruments as required. Room 101 (2-3-year-old children) lacked art supplies as required.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, Room 104 (3-4-year-old children) lacked art supplies, science materials, and musical instruments. Room 103 (4-5-year old children) lacked musical instruments.”

AAC R9-5-509.C.22. C. A licensee shall ensure that:22. A refrigerator at the child care facility maintains a temperature of 41° F or below, as shown by a thermometer kept in the refrigerator at all times;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance officer's observation, the refrigerators in Room 104 and Room 102 lacked a thermometer.”

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 cracked and missing caulk with a dark substance on the base of the toilets in the girls' bathroom.”

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 bathroom in Room 101 lacked toilet paper.”

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 Room 102, a highchair partially blocked the exit that provided an escape from the building.”

AAC R9-5-605.B.16. B. A licensee shall ensure that:16. The fire extinguisher required in subsection (A): a. Is serviced at least once every 12 months; and b. Has a tag attached to the fire extinguisher that specifies the date of the last servicing and the identification of the person who serviced the fire extinguisher; and

“Findings: Based on facility documentation and the Compliance Officer's observation, it was determined that the fire extinguishers throughout the center were not serviced at least once every 12 months. (Expired Tags: 06/2023)”

AAC R9-5-603.E. E. A licensee shall ensure that the following is provided and maintained within the fall zones of swings and climbing equipment in an outdoor activity area:1. A shock-absorbing unitary surfacing material manufactured for such use in outdoor activity areas; or 2. A minimum depth of 6 inches of a non-hazardous, resilient material such as fine loose sand or wood chips.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, the outdoor activity area lacked the following resilient surfacing: *3 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zone of the dome climber and the wooden climber. *2 of the required 6 inches of sand in the fall zone of the slide on the castle climber. *0 resilient surface in the fall zone of a small slide that was over a grassy area.”

AAC R9-5-301.D. D. A licensee shall ensure that the following individuals are allowed immediate access to facility premises during hours of operation: 1. A parent of an enrolled child or an individual designated in writing by the parent of an enrolled child; or 2. A representative of: a. The Department, b. The local health department, c. Arizona Department of Child Safety, or d. The local fire department or State Fire Marshal.

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, upon the Compliance Officers' arrival at 8:35 a.m., the doors were locked. The Compliance Officer called the provider two times. The facility did not allow access until 8:45 a.m.”

AAC R9-5-503.A.1. A. A licensee shall ensure that each diaper changing area required in R9-5-601(4) contains: 1. A nonabsorbent, sanitizable diaper changing surface that is: a. Seamless and smooth, and b. Kept clear of items not required for diaper changing;

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 1's and 2's classroom, there was a sponge on the diaper changing surface.”

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, the following hazards were accessible to enrolled children: Boys' Toilet Room: *There was a 4 x 4 inch hole with exposed pipes located to the left of the 2nd urinal.”

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

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 1's and 2's classroom, the diaper changing container was located on the ground and accessible to enrolled children.”

AAC R9-5-504.4. A licensee providing child care services for 1-year-old and 2-year-old children shall: 4. Prohibit screen time in an activity area where child care services are provided to a 1-year-old child; and

“Findings: Based on the Compliance Officer's observation, in the 1's and 2's classroom, there was screen time (the television was on) in an activity area where childcare services are provided to 1-year-old 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 the Compliance Officer’s observation, in the 3's toilet room, the bathroom lacked mounted toilet tissue.”