Exploring Minds Academy

2.217.A.7 · There must be assigned at least one (1) qualified early childhood teacher supervising each group of children unless otherwise specified in rules. A director may be the assigned teacher for one (1) group of children.

During the walk through, observed SM7 and SM9 with a group of twenty school-age children. Identified through the Director's statement that SM6 was on break and is the assigned ECT for the school-age group. Reviewed ten staff files and identified SM6, SM7 and SM9's files missing verification of ECT qualifications. Identified SM6 has an open application for an ECPC. Correction: Ensure there is at least one ECT supervising each group of children. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 7/24/26. Correct by 06/24/2026

Corrected by Jun 24, 2026

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2.230.B · Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Between the bars on the bridge on the preschool climber, identified four bolts each with more than three threads exposed. Correction: Ensure all indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings is sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 7/24/26. Correct by 06/24/2026

Corrected by Jun 24, 2026

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2.209.A.7 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include: A dated, written authorization for emergency medical care signed and updated annually by the parent(s)/guardian(s). The authorization must be notarized if required by the local hospital, clinic, or emergency health care facility;

Reviewed six children's files and identified Ch6's file missing documetation of a current emergency medical authorization. Correction: Obtain documentation of current emergency medical authorization for Ch6 and ensure this is on file for all children. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 7/24/26. Correct by 06/24/2026

Corrected by Jun 24, 2026

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2.219.B.2 · Within thirty (30) calendar days of admission, and within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration date of a previous health statement, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each child must submit a statement of the child’s current health status or written verification of a scheduled appointment with a health care provider. The statement of the child’s current health status must be signed and dated by a health care provider who has seen the child within the last twelve (12) months, or within the last six (6) months for children less than two and one-half (2½) years of age. The statement must include when the next visit is required by the health care provider. All health statements must be kept at the center.

Reviewed six children's files and identified two files missing documentation of a health statement (both children have been enrolled for more than thirty days). Identified one file missing documentation of a current health statement. Correction: Obtain documentation of current health statements and ensure this is on file for all children. Correct and respond with a statement of compliance by 7/24/26. Correct by 07/24/2026

Corrected by Jul 24, 2026

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2.230.C.1.a · All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

On the preschool playground under the swings, observed approximately 4-5 inches of resilient surfacing (pea gravel). On the toddler playground, observed: -Approximately 1 inch of resilient surfacing (pea gravel) surrounding the yellow slide that has a platform approximately 24 inches in height -A red slide with a platform 18 inches in height placed on turf without resilient surfacing Correction: Ensure that all climbing equipment 18 inches or higher has resilient surfacing of at least six inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment. **Partially corrected at the time of visit: the red slide was placed on resilient surfacing.** Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.204.B.4 · A “toddler program” provides care for children between the ages of twelve (12) months (when walking independently or with a health care provider’s statement indicating developmental appropriateness of placement in a toddler program) and thirty-six (36) months.

Identified through documentation and the director's statement that a child several days from turning 12 months old and not yet walking independently was visiting the toddler room for lunch. A doctor's note indicating developmental appropriateness for placement in the toddler program was unavailable for review. Correction: Ensure the toddler program provides care for children 12-36 months who are walking independently or who have a doctor's note indicating developmental appropriateness for placement in the toddler program. **Corrected at the time of visit. The infant was transitioned back to the infant room.** No response required. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.227.C.2 · All drivers of vehicles owned or leased by the center in which children are transported must have a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all ages of children.

Reviewed eight staff files and identified drivers Jael and Landin's files missing documentation of current Department-approved CPR and First Aid certificates. Correction: Ensure all drivers of vehicles owned or leased by the center in which children are transported have current Department-approved CPR and First Aid certificates. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.213.G · Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment, all employees and regular volunteers must be trained using a Department-approved training about child abuse prevention, which includes common symptoms and signs of child abuse, how to report, where to report, and when to report suspected or known child abuse or neglect. This training must be renewed annually. FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________

Reviewed eight staff files and identified ECT Jenn's file missing documentation of a current Department-approved child abuse prevention training. Correction: Obtain current Department-approved child abuse prevention training for Jenn. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.213.B · All staff must complete a Department-approved standard precautions training prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Reviewed eight staff files and identified ECT Jenn's file missing documentation of a current Department-approved standard precautions training. Correction: Obtain current Department-approved standard precautions training for Jenn. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.220.K · Topical preparations such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments may be administered to children with written authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s). These preparations may not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless there is a written order by the prescribing health care provider.

Reviewed four children's files and identified Ch3's file missing documentation of authorization to apply sunscreen/topical preparations. Correction: Obtain written authorization to apply topical preparations and ensure this is on file for all children. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 07/16/2025

Corrected by Jul 16, 2025

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2.219.B.2 · Within thirty (30) calendar days of admission, and within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration date of a previous health statement, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each child must submit a statement of the child’s current health status or written verification of a scheduled appointment with a health care provider. The statement of the child’s current health status must be signed and dated by a health care provider who has seen the child within the last twelve (12) months, or within the last six (6) months for children less than two and one-half (2½) years of age. The FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ statement must include when the next visit is required by the health care provider. All health statements must be kept at the center.

Reviewed four children's files and identified two files missing documentation of current health statements. Correction: Obtain current health statements for Ch3 and Ch4 and ensure this is on file for all children. Correct and respond with a statement of compliance by 8/16/25. Correct by 08/16/2025

Corrected by Aug 16, 2025

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2.217.A.14 · Staff to Child Ratios by ages of children and number of staff- 6 weeks to 18 months (infants):1 staff member to 5 infants; 12 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 5 toddlers; 24 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 7 toddlers; 2-1/2 years to 3 years:1 staff member to 8 children; 3 years to 4 years: 1 staff member to 10 children; 4 years to 5 years: 1 staff member to 12 children; 5 years and older: 1 staff member to 15 children; Mixed-age group 2-1/2 yrs to 6 yrs: 1 staff member to 10 children.

At the beginning of nap time in the preschool classroom which serves a mixed-age group of 2.5-5 year olds, observed 21 children with two teachers. The ratio for this age group is one staff member to ten children. On the preschool playground, observed sixteen school-age children with one teacher. The ratio for this age group is one staff member to fifteen children. Correction: Ensure required staff to child ratios are followed at all times. **Corrected at the time of visit. Another teacher came out to the playground with the school-age children so there were two teachers with sixteen children. One child went home from the preschool classroom at nap time, leaving two teachers with twenty preschoolers.** Respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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2.217.A.15 · Maximum Group Size for Children by Ages of children and maximum group size: 6 weeks to 18 months:10 infants,12 months to 36 months:10 toddlers, 24 months to 36 months: 14 toddlers, 2-1/2 years to 3 years: 16 children, 3 years to 4 years: 20 children, 4 years to 5 years: 24 children, 5 years and older: 30 children, Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years of age: 20 children.

In the preschool classroom, observed 21 children in a mixed-age group of 2.5-5 year olds. The group size for this age group is twenty children. Correction: Ensure group size is not exceeded unless as otherwise specified in rule. **Corrected at the time of visit. One child went home during nap time, leaving a group of twenty children.** Respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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2.230.B · Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

On the preschool playground, observed several exposed nails under the tall bridge on the climber. Correction: Ensure all equipment is sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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2.220.A · Any unexpired routine medication, prescription or non-prescription (over the counter), must be administered only with a current written order of a health care provider with prescriptive authority and with written parental consent. Home remedies, homeopathic medication, vitamins, and supplements must not be administered to children in child care.

Reviewed three health care plans and identified one prescribed emergency medication to be expired. Correction: Obtain unexpired prescribed medication. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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2.210.A.2 · A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Verification of qualifications and training.

Reviewed eight staff files and identified Emily's file lacking infant program supervisor or infant early childhood teacher qualifications. Identified through Director's statement that Emily is in the process of obtaining ECE endorsement on FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ her CO professional teaching license. Emily is the assigned ECT in the infant room and was working alone at the time of visit. Correction: Obtain verification of IPS or infant ECT qualifications for Emily. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 09/07/2024

Corrected by Sep 7, 2024

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2.216.B.2.a · In the infant program, there must be a qualified infant program supervisor present sixty percent (60%) of the hours of operation of the infant program who is responsible for the care of the infants. An individual qualified as an infant early childhood teacher must be responsible during the remaining time.

Observed Emily working alone in the infant program. Reviewed eight staff files and identified IPS qualifications for Emily were missing. Identified other staff who were IPS qualified and identified through the Director's statement that IPS qualified staff are not working in the infant program at least sixty percent of the hours of operation of the infant program. Correction: Ensure there is a qualified infant program supervisor present sixty percent of the hours of operation of the infant program who is responsible for the care of the infants. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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2.216.B.1.e · There must be at least one (1) staff member on duty in each infant room at all times who holds a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all ages of children.

Reviewed eight files and identified Emily's file missing documentation of a Department-approved CPR and First Aid certificate. Emily was working alone in the infant room at the time of visit. Correction: Ensure there is at least one staff member on duty in the infant room at all times who holds a current Department-approved CPR and First Aid certificate. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance

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2.230.C.1.a · All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

On the preschool playground under the swings, observed approximately two inches of resilient surfacing. Correction: Ensure all climbing equipment eighteen inches or higher has resilient surfacing of at least six inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment. Correct immediately and respond with a statement of compliance by 9/7/24. Correct by 08/07/2024

Corrected by Aug 7, 2024

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7.701.34.A · . Prior to the original license being issued, following the renovation of the facility that would affect the licensing of the facility and at least every two (2) years thereafter, all child care facilities except family child care homes and Neighborhood Youth Organizations must be inspected and obtain an approving inspection report from the local department of health or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and from the local fire department. These reports must be maintained at the facility and be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.

Reviewed health inspection report and identified it expired as of 10/6/22. Correction: Obtain a current and approving health inspection report. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 10/7/23. Correct by 09/07/2023

Corrected by Sep 7, 2023

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7.702.35.A.2 · A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Verification of qualifications and training.

Reviewed 10 staff files and identified Jocelyn's file lacking documentation of ECT qualifications. Identified through Director statement that Jocelyn is ECT-qualified. Correction: Obtain ECT qualifications for Jocelyn and ensure qualifications for all staff are kept on file. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 10/7/23. Correct by 10/07/2023

Corrected by Oct 7, 2023

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7.702.62.C.2.a · Mattresses for cribs and futons must have a properly fitted, clean sheet.

In the infant room, 3 cribs with sheets loose enough for specialist to grab with a full fist. Correction: Obtain properly fitting sheets. Correct immediately and respond with statement of compliance by 10/7/23. Correct by 09/07/2023

Corrected by Sep 7, 2023

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7.702.72.C.1.a · All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

On the preschool playground, observed approximately 1-3 inches of resilient surfacing around the yellow climber. On the toddler playground, observed less than 1 inch of resilient surfacing in front of the yellow slide. Correction: Ensure all climbing equipment 18 inches or higher has resilient surfacing of at least 6 inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment. Correct immediately and respond with statement of compliance by 10/7/23. Correct by 09/07/2023

Corrected by Sep 7, 2023

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7.701.33.D.4.a · . Criminal background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access to children in child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-aged child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes.

Reviewed 10 staff files and identified Jocelyn's file (DOH: 9/6/23) lacking documentation of CBI and FBI clearance letters. Identified through Director statement that Jocelyn has not yet submitted a criminal background check request. Jocelyn was observed working with children at the time of visit. Correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review 'Navigating the Background Check', the Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint on the CDEC website. Submit verification (via email) that Jocelyn has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Correct immediately and submit documentation of CBI and FBI clearance letters for Jocelyn with written response to Specialist by 10/7/23. Correct by 09/07/2023

Corrected by Sep 7, 2023

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7.702.72.B · Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

On the preschool climber, observed exposed nails between the wooden boards supporting the tall bridge. Observed wooden boards supporting the climber to be splintering and deteriorating. Observed loose wooden boards on the wooden bridge. Correction: Ensure indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Correct immediately and respond with statement of compliance by 10/7/23. Correct by 09/07/2023

Corrected by Sep 7, 2023

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