Decatur Scholars Academy

591-1-1-.26(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four foot high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

During a Licensing Study conducted on May 15, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that a 9 inch gap was observed at the top of the black fence on the right side of the School Age playground. It was further determined that a 4 and a half inch gap was observed in the middle of the black fence on the School Age Playground.

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591-1-1-.26(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four foot high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on June 3, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that a 9 inch gap was observed on the black fence on the right side of the School Age playground. It was further determined that a 6 and a half inch gap was observed throughout the black fence on the School Age Playground.

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591-1-1-.26(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four foot high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

During a Monitoring Visit conducted on September 30, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that the following hazards were observed: School Age Playground - A 6 inch gap was observed on the wire perimeter fencing on the right side. - A 5 inch gap was observed on the wire perimeter fencing on the right side. - A 8 inch gap was observed on the wire perimeter fencing on the right side. - A 11 inch gap was observed on the wire perimeter fencing on the back fence. - A 5 inch gap was observed on the wire perimeter fencing on the back fence.

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591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. · Rule 591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. requires teachers and lead caregivers to meet minimum academic requirements and qualifying experience at the time of employment.

During a Licensing Study conducted on May 15, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that Staff # 3 hired on June 15, 2024, Staff # 4 hired on May 16, 2024, Staff # 9 hired on October 8, 2024, Staff # 11 hired on January 8, 2025, and Staff # 20 hired on January 3, 2025 did not meet the minimum academic requirements for the lead teacher as of this date.

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591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. · Rule 591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. requires teachers and lead caregivers to meet minimum academic requirements and qualifying experience at the time of employment.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on June 3, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that Staff # 8 hired on May 30, 2024, Staff # 13 hired on April 17, 2024, and Staff # 18 hired on October 22, 2024 did not meet the minimum academic requirements for the lead teacher as of this date.

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591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. · Rule 591-1-1-.31(2)(b)2. requires teachers and lead caregivers to meet minimum academic requirements and qualifying experience at the time of employment.

During a Monitoring Visit conducted on September 30, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that Staff # 11 hired on May 30, 2024 and Staff #21 hired on January 3, 2025, did not meet the minimum academic requirements for the lead teacher as of this date.

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591-1-1-.14(1) · Rule 591-1-1-.14(1) requires the Center Director and, at any given time, at least fifty percent (50%) of the caregiver Staff to successfully complete a biennial training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in first aid. The first aid training must be done by certified or licensed health care professionals or trainers and must deal with the provision of emergency care to infants and children. The Center shall maintain current evidence of the successful completion of such training which shall be available to the Department for inspection.

During a Licensing Study conducted on May 15, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that the Director and at least 50 percent of the staff did not complete the biennial training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in first aid.

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591-1-1-.14(1) · Rule 591-1-1-.14(1) requires the Center Director and, at any given time, at least fifty percent (50%) of the caregiver Staff to successfully complete a biennial training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in first aid. The first aid training must be done by certified or licensed health care professionals or trainers and must deal with the provision of emergency care to infants and children. The Center shall maintain current evidence of the successful completion of such training which shall be available to the Department for inspection.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on June 3, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that the Director and at least 50 percent of the staff did not complete the biennial training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in first aid.

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591-1-1-.14(1)(a) · Rule 591-1-1-.14(1)(a) requires all Staff who provide direct care to children must obtain certification in a biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment. Current and valid evidence of the successful completion of such training shall be maintained on the Center¶s premises. The hours obtained completing this certification will not count towards the required annual training hours.

During a Monitoring Visit conducted on September 30, 2025 ; It was determined based on a review of records that Staff # 22 hired on June 18, 2025, did not complete the biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment.

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591-1-1-.26(8) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(8) requires climbing and swinging equipment to have a resilient surface beneath the equipment and the fall zone from such equipment must be adequately maintained by the Center to assure continuing resiliency.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on June 3, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that the Consultant did not observe any resilient surface material under the two pink slides on this date.

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591-1-1-.26(8) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(8) requires climbing and swinging equipment to have a resilient surface beneath the equipment and the fall zone from such equipment must be adequately maintained by the Center to assure continuing resiliency.

During a Monitoring Visit conducted on September 30, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that the Consultant did not observe any resilient surface material under the two pink slides on this date. Exhibit "A"

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591-1-1-.30(1)(a)3 · Rule 591-1-1-.30(1)(a)3 requires that each crib shall have only an individual, tight-fitting sheet which is changed daily or more often as needed and prior to a change of occupant.

During an Incident Investigation/Monitoring Visit conducted on August 2, 2023 ; It was determined based on observation two of four infant cribs did not have tight fitting sheets. The two cribs were in use on this date.

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591-1-1-.30(1)(a)3 · Rule 591-1-1-.30(1)(a)3 requires that each crib shall have only an individual, tight-fitting sheet which is changed daily or more often as needed and prior to a change of occupant.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on October 19, 2023 ; It was determined based on observation the sheets were too large for the cribs, the excess material was tucked underneath the mattresses. Three cribs were in use on the day of the visit.

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591-1-1-.10(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.10(4) requires that if diapers are changed on a diaper changing surface, the surface shall be smooth, nonporous, and equipped with a guard or rails to prevent falls. Between each diaper change, the diaper changing surface shall be cleaned with a disinfectant and dried with a single-use disposable towel.

During an Incident Investigation/Monitoring Visit conducted on August 2, 2023 ; It was determined based on observation the diaper changing table was missing a guard rail to prevent falls in classroom B, the one and two-year-old classroom.

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591-1-1-.10(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.10(4) requires that if diapers are changed on a diaper changing surface, the surface shall be smooth, nonporous, and equipped with a guard or rails to prevent falls. Between each diaper change, the diaper changing surface shall be cleaned with a disinfectant and dried with a single-use disposable towel.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on October 19, 2023 ; It was determined based on observation the diaper changing table was missing a guard rail to prevent falls in room B, the one and two-year-old classroom.

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591-1-1-.09(1)(c) · Rule 591-1-1-.09(1)(c) requires the Center to ensure that every Employee has a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file prior to being present at the Center while any child is present for care or before an individual age 17 or older resides in the Center. The Comprehensive Records Check Determination must have a Records Check Clearance Date that is no older than the preceding 12 months of the hire date; provided, however, if the Employee has had a lapse of employment from the child care industry that lasted for 180 days (6 months) or longer, a new satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination is required.

During an Incident Investigation/Monitoring Visit conducted on August 2, 2023 ; It was determined based on statements and observations staff #2 and staff #17 did not have a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file prior to being present at the Center while children were present for care as required.

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591-1-1-.09(1)(c) · Rule 591-1-1-.09(1)(c) requires the Center to ensure that every Employee has a valid and current satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination on file prior to being present at the Center while any child is present for care or before an individual age 17 or older resides in the Center. The Comprehensive Records Check Determination must have a Records Check Clearance Date that is no older than the preceding 12 months of the hire date; provided, however, if the Employee has had a lapse of employment from the child care industry that lasted for 180 days (6 months) or longer, a new satisfactory Comprehensive Records Check Determination is required.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on October 19, 2023 ; It was determined based on statements and observation that Staff #17, who was present in the infant classroom, did not have a valid and current Comprehensive Records Check determination on file prior to being present at the Center while children were present for care as required.

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591-1-1-.09(1)(a) · Rule 591-1-1-.09(1)(a) requires that a Center ensure that every actual and potential Director, Employee and Provisional Employee of a Child Care Learning Center submit both a Records Check Application to the Department and Fingerprints to an authorized fingerprinting site.

During an Incident Investigation/Monitoring Visit conducted on August 2, 2023 ; It was determined based on statements and observation staff #2 and staff #17, had not submitted both a Records Check application to the Department and fingerprints to an authorized fingerprinting site as required.

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591-1-1-.09(1)(a) · Rule 591-1-1-.09(1)(a) requires that a Center ensure that every actual and potential Director, Employee and Provisional Employee of a Child Care Learning Center submit both a Records Check Application to the Department and Fingerprints to an authorized fingerprinting site.

During a Complaint Investigation & Monitoring Visit conducted on October 19, 2023 ; It was determined based on statements and observation that a staff #17 had not submitted both a Records Check application to the Department and fingerprinting to an authorize fingerprinting site as required. Exhibit "A"

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