Warren Pre K Class

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

“Child A was provided with an inhaler that expired in January of 2022. The school nurse administered the expired inhaler on 09/06/2024, 10/23/2024,10/24/2024 and 10/25/2024. It is the program's responsibility to monitor expiration dates on all medicines kept on site, and notify parents when medications they have provided expire. Corrective Action: Please submit a program improvement plan that describes a system for monitoring medication expiration dates and what steps will be taken to ensure medication expiration dates are checked before a medication is administered. Immediately notify Child A's parents inform them that the expired inhaler was provided while at the program and request that they provide a new inhaler.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 13, 2025

Regulation 7.2.2: The licensee shall ensure that all new staff and auxiliary staff, prior to working with children in the CBCCPP; and any new individual designated as the representative of the licensee shall submit 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.

“In May of 2024 the school principal, Sam Krotinger, was added onto the program's license as director. As such, he was required to complete a fingerprint supported background clearance through the Child Development Division(CDD). This licensor sent an email explaining why fingerprinting is required through CDD on 05/29/2024 and followed up with a reminder email on 08/27/2024, when it was noted that CDD still did not receive fingerprint results. [name] did not submit to fingerprinting as required by state and federal requirements. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Send a copy of the receipt to this licensor. As discussed fingerprinting through the Agency of Education does not meet federal background check requirements for staff at regulated childcare/Pre-K programs. Ensure that moving forward compliance with this regulation is met.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 10, 2025

Regulation 3.4.7.5: The licensee shall maintain a current list of the licensee or designee, staff, auxiliary staff, and volunteers as in the rules in section 7.7.5 of these regulations, as applicable in BFIS. Any changes shall be reported through BFIS within five (5) working days of the change.

“There were six individuals listed on the program's associated parties list who are no longer working in the Pre-K classroom. Exact dates when each indivdual stoped working in the classroom was not available, however it was determined that is has been more than five business days. Corrective Action: Please go into the program's associated parties list and remove staff no longer working in the classroom. Create a plan that explains how the program will remember to remove individuals no longer working in the classroom within five(5) business days. Submit the plan to this licensor.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 13, 2025

Regulation 5.10.3.2.1: All outdoor play equipment shall be sturdy, safe, clean and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters, and exposed bolts. To prevent entrapment, no openings in equipment shall be between 3.5 and nine (9) inches. Chains on swings shall have protective coverings and swing seats shall be made of soft materials with no sharp edges.

“The large playground structure used by the Pre-K classroom no longer meets compliance with this regulation. Multiple surfaces on the structure have substatial wood rot. Rot is seen on walkway boards, around the screws holding the walkway boards in place, on railings, posts and horizontal slats. Lichen can be seen growing in damp spots along the boards. Multiple screws are no longer flush on the boards. The small climbing wall is missing three(3) hand grips. Material breakdown has created rough surfaces that could potentially cause wood to split off if a child rubbed their hand on it. The rot was noted in an inspection report completed by the schools insurance company eighteen(18) months ago in June 2023, with the recommendation to repair the rotted surfaces. A comparision of the photo's taken during the 2023 inspection and photo's from this visit, indicate that the rotted areas were not repaired and further deterioration has occured. Corrective Action: The structure may not be used until repairs are completed. The program was required to meet to inspect the structure on 12/19/2024 and this licensor provided the photos taken during the visit. The program will submit an action plan that provides a timeline for when repairs will be completed. The program shall notify their insurance company about licensing concerns and request a follow up inspection through the insurance company. This licensor will also complete another inspection once repairs are complete. The repair timeline shall be provided by the corrective due date, at that time licensing will set the final corrective action date based on the proposed timeline.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2025

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director 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 in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“The Director's BFIS Quality and Credential account is missing required training documentation. Those missing training documents are for Vermont Orientation, Protecting Vermont's Children Mandated Reporter training, First Aid and CPR. This is a repeat violation that was cited on 05/28/2021, 03/15/2022 and 01/18/2023. After 3 years of non compliance with this regulation, in February of 2023 both licensing and Northern Lights@CCV provided the program with technical assistance to support with coming back into compliance. Staff from Northern Lights met with the Director and school Principal and provided their direct email to ensure documents whould be uploaded as soon as they were received. The program did not submit the documents and corrective action requirements have not been met. Corrective Action: By January 12th, 2024 the Director will email the missing documents to [name] at Nothern Lights@CCV, the Director has Joanne's email. This will be the forth time this violation has been cited. Past corrective action requirements have not been met and program improvement plans have failed. A meeting with the Director, Principal and licensing representatives will be scheduled, this licensor will be in touch to set up the meeting.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 5, 2024

Regulation 7.1.2.2: Staff who are counted in the staff/child ratios and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations shall obtain training in pediatric first aid and in infant and child CPR within three (3) months of beginning work in the CBCCPP and remain currently certified.

“The director has not renewed her First Aid and CPR certification. As part of last years corrective action she was working with staff at Northern Lights CCV who provided her with her with support in finding an approved training. She did not follow through and complete the required First Aid and CPR training Corrective Action: By January 5th, 2024 the Director will contact [name] from Northern Lights at CCV for assistance locating an approved First Aid and CPR training.The Director communicated to this licensor that she only wants to complete a Pediatric First Aid/CPR course, this licensor is requiring that the Director contact Northern Lights at CCV to avoid completing a course that does not meet requirements and to ensure that the Director is signing up quickly as there is no documentation in BFIS that reflects the last time she was certified in FIrst Aid/CPR. Email this licensor by 01/05/2023 confirming that the Director has contacted Northern Lights and provide an estimated date when the training will be completed.A written program improvement plan must be emailed to this licensor and shall include what steps will be taken to ensure that staff are renewing their First Aid and CPR certification before the expiration date. As part of the program improvement plan provide written confirmation that this regulation was reviewed with all staff and that there is an understanding of what is required moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024

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

“The director and Staff A did not renew their fingerprint supported background check by the five year renewal date. Both were required to renew by July of 2023 and did not. Corrective Action: Immediately submit record check authorization forms for Staff A and Staff B. A link to the fingerprint authorization forms was provided in a seperate email to expedite the fingerprinting process. Please print and take those forms to the fingerprinting appointment.Provide this licensor with date(s) of the fingerprint appointments . Explain how the program will track 5 year renewal dates to avoid future non compliance with this regulation.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024

Regulation 7.2.1: The licensee shall ensure that any new individuals regularly present at the CBCCPP submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division prior to working with children in the CBCCPP.

“There are two direct support service providers working in the classroom and are not employees of the supervisory union. The two support staff are employed by an outside agency which is contracted by the supervisory union to provide 1:1 support in the classroom.The program did not submit the required record check authorization forms for these two individuals. This violation was cited last year when there was a different direct support service provider working in the classroom and the program had not submitted a record check authorization. Last year when the violation was cited this regulation was explained and part of the corrective action was ensuring that record check authorization forms are submitted for any individuals regularly present in the licensed space. This is a repeat violation from 01/18/2023. Corrective Action: Immediately send record check authorization forms for the direct service providers working in the classroom, include this licensor on the submission email. These individuals are considered Partner Staff, they will not be required to complete fingerprinting and may not be left alone with children. If they will be left alone with their assigned children, those children's parents must provide written permission for their child(ren) to be left alone with them. A written program improvement plan is required as this is a repeat violation. In this plan identify the individual who is aware of all individuals regularly working with children and will be responsible for ensuring that record check authorization forms are submitted. Attest to the fact that this individual has reviewed this regulation and understands when a record check authorization form is required. During the visit I explained that the program is required to ensure that Partner Staff record check authorization forms are submitted, the responsibility is not on the outside agency contacted by the supervisory union, in the program improvement plan identify the specific steps the program will take to make sure Partner Staff record checks are submitted in a timely matter.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024

Regulation 7.2.1: The licensee shall ensure that any new individuals regularly present at the CBCCPP submit a Records Check Authorization form to the Division prior to working with children in the CBCCPP.

“During the visit an individual was seen working with a child and leaving the classroom space alone with the child. Conversation with this individual confirmed that they are employed by an outside agency and provide support services in the classroom. The program is required to submit record check authorization forms to the Child Development Division for all individuals who are regularly present and working with children. Corrective Action: Submit a record check authorization form for this individual. This individual is employed by an outside agency and shall be listed as a Partner Staff. Maintain written permission on site from the parent stating that this individual may take the child out of the classroom space.”

Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2023

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director 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 in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“There are no documents in BFIS or on site to validate that Staff A meets assistant qualifications. There are no documents to support that Staff A has completed the annual professional development requirements. This is the third consectutive time this violation has been cited and the third time licensing has requested qualification/ credential documents for Staff A. Corrective Action: Submit the required documentation to this licensor for review. Ensure that documentation is also sent to Northern Lights at profdev@ccv.edu”

Correction date in the state record: Mar 1, 2023

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director 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 in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“A review of staff BFIS quality and credential accounts reflected that two staff members who have all been employed with the program for more than 6 months are missing required documentation. This documentation includes educational transcripts to assess qualification, completion of orientation and mandated reporter training, first aid and CPR certificates and professional development hours. This is a repeat violation from May of 2021. One of the staff members included in this violation was also identified as missing documents during the May 2021 licensing visit. Corrective Action: This is a repeat violation and will require a program improvement plan. Corrective action received in August of 2021 stated that the Warren School Principal would be responsible for compliance with this regulation. The program improvement plan shall provide detailed information on how the program will come into compliance and will explain why previous corrective action was not completed. Additionally compliance will not be considered complete until both staff members have up to date BFIS quality and credential accounts.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024

Regulation 2.3.1.2: The prospective licensee, the licensee, or CBCCPP staff shall permit visits, inspections and examination of the CBCCPP, its records, equipment and materials relevant to determining compliance with applicable provisions of these rules at reasonable hours by representatives of the Division. Any records or reports required in these regulations must be surrendered to a Division representative on request. The Division representative shall make a reasonable effort to announce their presence and shall identify themselves upon entering the CBCCPP. The prospective licensee, the licensee, or CBCCPP staff may request the representative produce valid identification.

“A regulatory compliance visit was conducted on a day when the program director was not on site. Licensor [name] spoke with the Warren Elementary School Principal and requested access to children's files and other program related documentation.The Principal is listed as the program's BFIS Account Manager. This request was denied due to the fact that the director was not on site and the Principal did not have the availability to provide the documents. This regulation was explained to the Principal and he was informed that if the documents were not made available during the visit a violation may be cited. Licensor [name] was told that she should return to review the files and documentation on another day. Corrective Action: Effective immediately documents, files and any materials relevant to determining compliance during a licensing visit shall be made available for review during the licensing visit. If the director is not available there shall be another staff member who can assist with the request.”

Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2024

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 licensee shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, including 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 licensee shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, staff shall ensure that children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“The cushioning materials under and around the swings and other playground equipment which allows for children to reach a height of 30 inches or higher were not sufficient. The cushioning materials were assessed to measure 2 inches or less in all areas and did not extend an appropriate distance in front of or behind the swings. This is a repeat violation. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to either maintain or replace the cushioning materials under and around swings and equipment which allows children to reach a height of 30 inches or higher, or to bar the use of that equipment until adequate cushioning materials are placed. Guidelines and requirements for cushioning materials can be found in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook at this link: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325.pdf- . As this is a repeat violation, develop a program improvement plan which includes details of a system for checking, maintaining, and replacing cushioning materials as needed. Include in the plan who will be responsible for regular checks, who will be responsible for regular maintainance, and who will be responsible for reporting the need for additional cushioning materials to the proper school personnel. Additionally include how access to the swings and equipment which allows children to reach a height of 30 inches or higher, will be barred if the person responsible for maintenance finds the cushioning materials to be insufficient.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 12, 2021

Regulation 3.4.7.3: Within six (6) months of the initial date of employment; staff and auxiliary staff left alone with children and/or counted in staff/child ratio as specified in the rule 6.2.1.8 of these regulations, and the program director 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 in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of these regulations shall be submitted to Northern Lights at CCV to be verified and maintained in BFIS.

“A review of staff BFIS quality and credential accounts reflected that Staff A, B, C, and D had not submitted required documentation to Northern Lights at CCV in order to maintain up-to-date accounts. Staff D confirmed that no documentation had been sent to Northern Lights at CCV for any staff since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. As a result, assistant and substitute qualifications, and annual professional development for Staff C could not be assessed. Additionally, the completion of an approved orientation training, the required Mandated Reporter Training, first aid and CPR certifications for Staff A, B, C, and D could not be assessed. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to submit all listed and required documentation for all staff, including substitutes to Northern Lights at CCV with a cover sheet. Submitted documentation shall include verification of position qualifications, verification of 15 hours of annual professional development for Staff C, verification of completion of an approved Orientation training, verification of completion of the required Mandated Reporter Training, and verification of current infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid certifications. If you have questions about qualification documents, required training, or submitting documentation to Northern Lights at CCV, you may reach out to your Northern Lights at CCV resource advisor, [name], at (802) 828-0621 or joanne.rouleau01@ccv.edu. Develop a system which will keep track of staff documentation and submission requirements and prompt you and or your staff to submit required documentation to Northern Lights at CCV in a timely manner moving forward. Include in the plan who will be responsible for the oversight of staff training and document submission moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 12, 2021

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 licensee shall ensure that the surface under and around the equipment, including 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 licensee shall ensure that the material is raked regularly and replenished to maintain depth and resilience; and * If the resilient material in use zones freezes, staff shall ensure that children will not play on the equipment until the resilient material has thawed and is once again resilient.

“The mulch placed under and around the swings and wooden climber did not cover the required area and was not in an adequate amount. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to either place an adequate amount of cushioning material under and around the swings and wooden climber or discontinue the use of this equipment. If you need further guidance on cushioning materials, you may consult the most recent publication of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook. You can find a link for this handbook on the CDD website, www.dcf.gov, under "for providers". Create a system which will prompt you to do routine checks, maintenance and replacement of the cushioning materials to maintain an adequate amount moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 14, 2019

Regulation 5.10.3.2.1: All outdoor play equipment shall be sturdy, safe, clean and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts. * To prevent entrapment, no openings in equipment shall be between 3.5 and nine (9) inches. * Chains on swings shall have protective coverings and swing seats shall be made of soft materials with no sharp edges.

“The wooden climber had several areas of rotted and or splintered wood in areas where children climb and/or play. There were several areas of rotted wood on the steps to the climber which compromise the safety of the steps. Corrective Action: Immediately plan to repair tor replace the rotted and/or splintered areas of the climber or to discontinue use of the climber. Create a system that will prompt you do regular checks of the playground equipment to check for all hazards and to have all hazards addressed in a timely manner moving forward.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 14, 2019