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Home › KY › Lexington › Stella's Kids Daycare
License #L384572 · Center · Licensed
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General: Based on observation, The following was found: School Age Classroom 1) An excessive amount of dust was observed on a wall return vent. Restroom 1) A black, unknown substance was observed inside the vanity. The area was wet to the touch.
General: Based on interview and review of documentation, the facility did not have general liability insurance. The staff in charge indicated that they were looking for building insurance because the building is so old that no one wants to insure it.
General: Based on review of documentation, the facility did not have documentation on file that a fire drill was conducted in February of 2026. The last documented fire drill on file was for January of 2026. Fire drills shall be conducted monthly and documented.
General: Based on review of documentation, the facility did not have a written reunification plan on file to communicate reunification with families and accommodations in the event of a natural disaster, fire, shelter in place, lockdown, or other emergencies for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. Posted Documentation In Compliance
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Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care on Jul 11, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
General: Based on review of documentation, a child's enrollment information (DOE: 03/03/26) did not include the physician's name or phone number.
General: Based on observation, the following was found: School Age Classroom 1) An excessive amount of dust was observed on a wall return vent. Infant/Toddler Classroom 1) The arm of an adult-sized rocking chair was broken, with jagged wood exposed at the end. 2) Excessive black staining was observed on the rocking chair cushion. 3) A buildup of dirt and grime was observed in the crevices of a Smart Stages child-sized chair. 4) Three (3) cause-and-effect toys (piano, exersaucer, and Smart Stages chair) were missing working batteries.
General: Based on review of documentation, a staff member (DOH: 12/13/24) did not have written evidence of completing the pediatric and abusive head trauma training. The staff member has been employed over one (1) year. A review of ECE-TRIS confirmed these findings.
General: Based on interview and review of documentation, the facility had an emergency preparedness plan (evacuation plan) on file that was dated 12/11/24. The staff in charge indicated that they were unable to locate a copy of the 2025 emergency preparedness plan or any written evidence that it was submitted to the local emergency management officials. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 31 of 34 Inspection Report
General: Based on observation and interview, a diaper changing table was located in the front Preschool Room and there was not a handwashing sink immediately adjacent to the diapering table. The handwashing sink is located in the back of the building inside the bathroom. ased on interview, there are two (2) children who are two years old (24 months) that are diapered on that diaper changing table. A sink shall be immediately adjacent to a changing table used for infants and toddlers. 922 KAR 2:090 defines a toddler as a child between the age of twelve (12) and thirty-six (36) months.
General: Based on observation, The following was noted: Playground 1) Numerous areas of peeling paint were observed on the sides and front of the building. 2) A discarded door was observed on top of a trash can. The staff member stated the door was scheduled to be hauled away. 3) Pieces of broken lattice were observed along the side of the building. 4) The fence row had an overgrowth of vines, and the playground area contained weeds and small briar bushes protruding through the mulch.
General: Based on review of documentation, the facility did not have a written procedure to maintain supervision, ratios, and group size during the beginning of the day, during staff breaks, and movement from the classroom to another location. General Administration Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation, the following was found: Preschool Classroom 1) A large floor heater was positioned in front of a staff member’s desk. An outlet strip was located on top of the desk. The heater was warm to the touch, and the outlet strip was accessible to children in care.
General: Based on interview, the staff in charge (also the vehicle driver) stated that he transports school-age children in the afternoon from two (2) elementary schools in his personal vehicle to the center for care. The facility is not licensed to transport children.
General: Based on observation and interview, the facility did not have any staff files present during the renewal survey. The staff in charge indicated that the director had the staff files with her. The facility was missing the names, addresses, dates of birth, and dates of employment for the staff members. In addition, proof of educational qualifications, a record of annual performance evaluations, documentation of compliance with tuberculin screenings, and the results of the KARES background checks were missing for all the staff members.
General: Based on interview and review of documentation, the facility did not have any staff files present to review during the renewal survey. The staff in charge indicated that the staff files were with the director. There was no documentation of CPR and First aid certification for the staff. It could not be determined if any of the staff had current certified CPR or First aid training.
General: Based on observation, the following was found: Preschool Classroom 1) Multiple areas of chipped and peeling paint were observed. Infant/Toddler Classroom 1) Multiple areas of chipped and peeling paint were observed. School Age Classroom 1) Two holes were observed in the wall, with crumbling material and peeling paint present. Restroom 1) A section of wall paneling next to the toilet was observed to be soft and peeling. The staff member in charge stated that this damage occurred recently and was caused by a child picking at the paneling.
General: Based on observation, the Koala Kare diapering station located in the restroom was not padded.
General: Based on observation, the surveyor found that the fence gate was broken and detached, leaving the playground area not securely enclosed.
General: Based on observation, the School-Age Room did not have any toys or developmentally appropriate materials to provide each child with activities. There were two (2) shelves in the classroom and only one (1) book was observed on the shelves. There were no other play materials available for the children in this classroom.
General: Based on observation and interview, the facility had only one (1) crib for sleeping and napping infants. During the renewal survey two (2) infants were present in the Infant Room. The staff member in the Infant Room indicated, one (1) infant was nine (9) months old, and the other infant was ten (10) months old. The staff member stated that one (1) of the infants sleeps on a cot. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 22 of 34 Inspection Report
General: Based on observation, two (2) bottles of formula in the kitchen refrigerator were not covered. Food Service In Compliance
General: Based on review of documentation, the facility had a copy of a walking field trip permission form in the children's enrollment information, but the form did not specify where the children would go on the walks in accordance with 922 KAR 2:120. Written Documentation Not In Compliance
General: Based on interviews and review of documentation, the center failed to comply with central office regulations. The status of the center's business Limited Liability Company (LLC) certificate of existence with the Kentucky Secretary of State office was not in good standing and "Inactive" as of 11/15/25.
General: Based on observation, observation an adult-sized couch located in the Preschool Classroom had large stains and soiled areas on the cloth seat cushions and arm rests. Two (2) children were observed sitting on the couch at the time of the follow up inspection conducted on 11/13/25. Meal Planning/Center Provides Meals In Compliance
General: Based on observation, interview and review of documentation, two (2) children present during the follow-up visit did not have a file on site. The children were missing identifying information, contact information for the parent, physician, hospital, general health history, the name and phone number of each person to be contacted in the event of an emergency, authorization by the parents for the child-care center to seek emergency medical care for the children in the parent's absence, and the names of each person designated in writing to pick-up the child. The staff in charge indicated that she had the files for the children at home. Posted Documentation Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and interview, an inspection of an area noted as a room used for School Age care was not set up to provide creative activities that include experiences to promote the child’s individual, emotional, social, and intellectual growth and well-being. There were various items stored in the space which include but are not limited to: 1) A table with chairs stacked on top. 2) an empty shelving unit 3) Blue napping cots, 4) A black fan and 5) A diaper changing table that is use daily for children in the infant/toddler classroom. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 2 of 5 Inspection Report Premises Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation, a schedule of daily activities with times listed (daily schedule) was observed posted in the front entryway of the facility. An interview with the staff member in charge found the posted daily schedule is for all of the classrooms and that everyone follows the same schedule. It should be noted that the facility cares for children ranging from infants to school age. At the time of the visit there were children ages one (1) to three (3) years old present. There were no other daily schedules observed posted in the facility. The posted daily schedule does not meet the needs of each age group served by the facility. A posted daily schedule would need to be posted in each room used for care and specific to the age group served.
General: Based on observation and interview, of the outdoor play area, a red metal climber and a blue metal climber with a slide were observed. The mulch under and around these pieces of equipment used to climb and slide was very sparse and overgrown with weeds and grass. An interview with the staff member in charge indicated they do not use the outdoor play area but take the children to a public park located down the street. The staff member in charge added that written permission has been obtained from each child's parent to walk to the park. Kitchen Requirements Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and review of documentation, the menu posted on the wall in the front entryway of the facility was dated for July 25 - August 1. Therefore, the posted menu was not current at the time of the follow up inspection which was conducted on 08/27/25. Posted Documentation Not In Compliance
This change of service inspection recorded no violations or advisories.
General: Based on observation, the Main Classroom had twelve (12) children ranging in age from one (1) year old to eleven (11) years old with only one (1) staff member present. Given the maximum number for one (1) staff member for this age group is six (6). General Administration Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and interview, there were no cribs in the proposed Infant Classroom for rest time. The staff member indicated they did not have cribs because they did not have any infants enrolled yet.
General: Based on observation and interview, the Main Room had a one (1) year old child mixed in with school age children. When asked why the child was not in the Infant/Toddler Classroom, the staff stated that the teacher in that room is the child's mother, and he was not allowed to be in there with her. The activities in this room were not developmentally appropriate for a one (1) year old child. Premises Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation, the toys for the Main Classroom were stored in a smaller attached room/closet, behind a black curtain. When the children wanted toys, they were out of sight of the staff member due to the location of the toys. It was observed that one (1) child (four years old, confirmed by staff) would run to the closet/room to retrieve toys, and disappear from view of staff for several minutes until being retrieved by a school age student (confirmed by staff). Staffing Requirements Not In Compliance
General: Based on review of documentation, two (2) staff members (both DOH:12/13/24) did not have a current TB tests or statements from a health professional on file at the facility. The tests on file, for both employees, expired on 03/08/25.
General: Based on review of documentation, the following was found: 1) Two (2) children (DOE: 01/13/25) did not have enrollment information on file during the survey, missing the following: emergency care authorization, physician information, preferred hospital information, authorized pick up information and medical history. 2) A child (DOE:01/13/25) had an incomplete enrollment information, missing the following: physician information, preferred hospital information, emergency authorization and medical history.
General: Based on review of documentation, there was no written evidence of completed Fire, Tornado, Lockdown and Earthquake drills at the time of the survey.
General: Based on observation and interview, the child care center failed to maintain state regulations. The first aid kit presented for inspection did not contain medical tape, scissors, or a thermometer. The staff in charge indicated all items were acquired, but not all on-site. 765 - Medication Administration Discussed An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 19 of 32 Inspection Report 922 KAR 2:120. Section 7. First Aid and Medicine. (4) Prescription and nonprescription medication shall be administered to a child in care: (a)1. With a written request of the child’s parent or the child's prescribing health professional; and 2. According to the directions or instructions on the medication’s label; or (b) For epinephrine, in accordance with KRS 199.8951 and 311.646. 770 - Medication Administration Record Discussed 922 KAR 2:120. Section 7. First Aid and Medicine. (5) The child-care center shall keep a written record of the administration of medication, including: (a) Time of each dosage; (b) Date; (c) Amount; (d) Name of staff person giving the medication; (e) Name of the child; and (f) Name of the medication. 775 - Medication Discussed 922 KAR 2:120. Section 7. First Aid and Medicine. (6) Medication, including refrigerated medication, shall be: (a) Stored in a separate and locked place, out of the reach of a child unless the medication is: 1. A first aid supply and is maintained in accordance with subsection (1) of this section; 2. Diaper cream, sunscreen, or toothpaste. Diaper cream, sunscreen, or toothpaste shall be inaccessible to a child; 3. An epinephrine auto-injector. A licensed child-care center shall comply with KRS 199.8951 and 311.646, including: a. An epinephrine auto-injector shall be inaccessible to a child; b. A child-care center shall have at least one (1) person onsite who has received training on the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector if the child-care center maintains an epinephrine auto-injector; c. A child-care center shall seek emergency medical care for a child if an auto-injector is administered to the child; and d. A child-care center shall report to the child's parent and the cabinet in accordance with 922 KAR 2:090, Section 13(1)(b) if an epinephrine auto-injector is administered to a child; or 4. An emergency or rescue medication for a child in care, such as medication to respond to diabetic or asthmatic condition, as prescribed by the child's physician. Emergency or rescue medication shall be inaccessible to a child in care; (b) Kept in the original bottle; and (c) Properly labeled. (7) Medication shall not be given to a child if the medication's expiration date has passed. Outdoor Play Area In Compliance
General: Based on observation, observation, a red door leading form the front entry way into the Preschool Classroom was in disrepair. There were two (2) holes located at the bottom of the door, one (1) of which was very large. The wood was splintered, and the paint was peeling away from the surface. The areas of disrepair were on the side of the door within the Preschool Classroom and accessible to the children.
General: Based on observation, the diaper changing pad located on the diaper changing table in a room at the back of the facility had a large tear across the middle of the pad with the yellow foam exposed. The diapering pad cannot be adequately cleaned and sanitized. Outdoor Play Area Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and interview, during a follow up inspection conducted on, 11/13/25 the following was found: 1) A red climber was observed to have a scattering of mulch on the ground around the play apparatus. 2) A blue metal climber with a slide was observed with a scattering of mulch on the ground around the play apparatus. The mulch around both pieces of equipment did not provide an adequate protective surface for play equipment used to climb and slide. An interview with the staff member in charge indicated they do not use the outdoor play area but take the children to a local park for gross motor activity. The staff member in charge also indicated parental permission has been obtained from each child’s parent to walk to the park to play. A review of the Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC) records found this regulatory violation was found during a follow up inspection conducted on 08/27/25. The plan of correction submitted indicated that by 09/12/25 each play area had been sectioned off with plastic borders, weeds removed, and extra mulch was added to each area. The date of completion was noted as 09/12/25. Based on what was observed on 11/13/25 this plan of correction had not been implemented. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 3 of 5 Inspection Report Equipment Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and review of documentation, the posted daily planned program (lesson plan) in the Preschool Room (3–5-year-olds) was labeled "Toddler" lesson plan. The lesson plan was also not dated.
General: Based on observation, interview and review of documentation, there was only one (1) posted daily planned program of activities (lesson plan) available for review at the time of the follow up inspection conducted on 08/27/25. This document was found posted in the front entryway of the facility. There was no other posted planned program of activities anywhere else in the facility. An interview with the staff member in charge found the posted planned program of activities is for all the children. It should be noted that the facility cares for children ranging from infants to school age. At the time of the visit there were children ages one (1) to three (3) years old present. The posted planned program of activities did not meet the developmental needs of each child and age group represented at the time. Activities included on the plan had activities listed that included but were not limited to; tracing their first name, matching letters and numbers, practice push-ups and sit ups. Furthermore, the date on the posted plan had July 2025 written at the top which indicates the posted plan was no longer current. A posted planned program of activities would need to be posted in each room used for care and specific to the age group served. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 2 of 3 Inspection Report Premises Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and interview, at the time of the follow up inspection conducted on 8/27/2025 a portable sink was observed in the corner of the room designated as the Infant Room. An interview with the staff member in charge found they use the sink to wash hands after diapering. The staff member in charge stated further, he has yet to plug the sink in and fill the tank for use for the day. The staff member in charge also indicated the sink was already at the facility when they purchased the business. This facility has been operating under the new owners for less than a year. It should be noted that portable sinks do not meet the requirements with the State Plumbing Code established in KRS Chapter 318. Outdoor Play Area Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation and interview, a review of the posted menu found on Friday's, Little Ceasars Pizza is served. The surveyor asked the staff member in charge if the facility has a copy of the establishments Food Service/Catering Permit as well as a contract between the establishment to provide this service. The staff member in charge indicated they did not have the documentation from Little Ceasars Pizza and was unaware this was a requirmement. Meal Planning/Center Provides Meals Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation, children in the Main Classroom were out of sight of vision on several occasions. A four (4) year old child would run behind a curtain, to a smaller toy room, and a school age child would go find him. While behind the curtain, there was no scoop of vision of the children. The staff (DOH: 05/29/25) would also go behind the curtain to retrieve the children. During that time, the rest of the children would not be within range of sight. It should be noted the age of the children were confirmed through interview with staff.
General: Based on observation, an electrical outlet cover in the Main Classroom did not have protective covers over the inserts and was accessible to children, including a child age one (1). Programming Not In Compliance
General: Based on observation, the childcare center did not follow the activities outlined on their schedule. At the time of the inspection, the schedule stated, "learning time." The children were watching television and not engaged in learning activities. Several children were running around and wrestling with each other. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 2 of 4 Inspection Report
General: Based on observation, The Infant/Toddler room had a television playing cartoons for over thirty (30) minutes. The children are all one (1) year old and not at the permissible age for electronic devices.
Based on observation, an aerosol bottle of pest control was found under the sink cabinet in the Infant/Toddler Classroom. This cabinet was accessible to children despite the bottle having a "keep out of reach of children" label. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D @chfsky | CHFS.KY.GOV Page 3 of 4 Inspection Report Equipment Not In Compliance
General: Based on review of documentation, the child care center failed to maintain state regulations. The staff policies did not include language regarding implementing the six (6) hour cabinet-approved orientation training into staff classroom instruction. 1305 - Monthly Fire, Quarterly Earthquake/Shelter-in-place/Tornado Drills Discussed 922 KAR 2:120. Section 3. General Requirements. (12) A fire drill shall be: (a) Conducted during hours of operation at least monthly; and (b) Documented. (13) An earthquake drill, shelter-in-place or lockdown drill, and tornado drill shall be: (a) Conducted during hours of operation at least quarterly; and (b) Documented. Posted Documentation In Compliance