Cited finding
Children were observed finishing breakfast and leaving the table to play with toys without washing their hands first in the toddler classroom.
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Home › MA › Athol › Athol Area YMCA Nursery School
Athol MA 01331-1848 · License #P-177117 · Center · Center-Based Care
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When they operate
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Complaint outcomes are not published by Massachusetts EEC.
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This renewal - monitoring visit inspection recorded no violations or advisories.
Children were observed finishing breakfast and leaving the table to play with toys without washing their hands first in the toddler classroom.
Child guidance practices are supportive, nurturing, and responsive to children
Data synced from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care on Jul 10, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
Equipment is clean, safe, secured, and poses no hazard.
The Program Director reported they have an intern/volunteer that comes to the program every week for a few hours. It was reported that person does not have a current BRC through EEC.
Staff and children wash hands: before/after water play
Staff and children wash hands: after contact with bodily fluids
Staff and children wash hands: before eating or handling food
Toddler children observed with dirt, food and boogers on their faces, touching their faces then toys and tables.
Periodic review of current employees/ volunteers
A Toddler Teacher was observed saying “no” repeatedly to the children with no explanation. Calling children by name, giving them a stern look and asking them “do you want to go take a seat”? The child was then told “ come on you have to go take seat for throwing my toys.. so sad.” The educator then put the child in their lap because they did not want to sit in the chair and held them there while the child was trying to get down. A child in the toddler classroom was sitting in the corner of the room, began fussing a little when the educators did not approach them and support them. Educators talked about how the child was tired and used to taking a nap at ten. The child fell asleep on the floor and the educators ignored him and let him sleep on the floor.
The toddler classroom sink had adult scissors, a stapler, educators beverages, children’s sippy cups and toys. Room 16 had a mop, vacuum, broom in reach of children. Room 17 had a vacuum and broom in reach of children. Room 16 had a doll house against the windows that was not secured and tippable. Room 17 had a play kitchen that was tippable and not secured. Room 16 had an extension cord for the I-pads that was within reach of the children on the shelf.
Children did not wash their hands before or after water play in room 16.
A child who required an individual healthcare plan, did not have a current plan on file. An educator in classroom 17, did not know of the children's Allergies, Special Conditions or Dietary Restrictions.
A child was given Albuterol in October of 2023 when the medication consent form for the medication was expired in September of 2023.
Preschool classroom 18 had chipping and peeling paint on the base boards and the walls. The wall base molding on the sink area, in classroom 18 was falling off and hanging.
Indoor Space
Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) - R Apr 2025
Medication
Emergency medications readily available
Current consent for administered medications - R Apr 2025
A child's topical prescription medication in classroom 16 was expired as of July 2023.
A child's individual healthcare plan for Asthma, required Pro-Air a life saving medication. The medication was not on site in the event of an emergency.
This investigation inspection recorded no violations or advisories.
This investigation inspection recorded no violations or advisories.
Equipment and materials visible, available, accessible
Educator checked child’s diaper while sitting at the lunch table, then did not wash her hands.
Discretionary review information in secure locked file, if applicable.
Evacuation procedures posted at each exit
One staff file had the discretionary review documents in it. Such information shall be maintained in a locked, segregated file. EEC approval of a candidate for employment or other services for whom SORI Checks are received shall be maintained by the hiring authority and shall not be part of the candidate’s personnel file.
Food prepared/served in safe/sanitary manner
Food stored in clean/covered containers
The toddler room had limited toys within reach for the children. There was a tall shelf with equipment and materials for the children. But they were not visible, available and accessible to the kids.
Food in freezer not sealed, left in open packages. Food in refrigerator not dated.
Not all exits had a written emergency/evacuation procedure posted.
Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) - R Apr 2025
Staff and children wash hands: after contact with bodily fluids
The program had medication consent form for each child with a medication. It was reported that they believed that was all the children needed that had medication.
A child sneezed and fluids were all over her arm and face. The teacher offered her a tissue then told her to go wash her hands. No guidance was given to the child to help her wash her face. The educator did not wash her hands.
Indoor Space
During the virtual visit, the following items were identified as potential hazards: 1) there were lolly columns that were not covered to protect children. 2) There was an inactive heater pipes accessible to children. 3)There is a stage, without any barriers, accessible to children.
During the inspection of the classrooms, it was observed that there is rust on the legs of some of the children's chairs in the preschool room.
Indoor Space