• Violation

  R 400.8213(1)(a) · R 400.8213(1)(a) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (a) Provide appropriate care and supervision o f children at all times.

  Based on interviews with teachers and parents, appropriate care and supervision was provided to Child B.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8213(1)(b) · R 400.8213(1)(b) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (b) Act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare o f children.

  Program staff acted in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8280(2)(a) · R 400.8280(2)(a) Discipline (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, o r inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

  Based on interviews with teachers and parents, Teacher 1 did not use a prohibited method of discipline with Child C or Child D.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8213(1)(a) · R 400.8213(1)(a) Staff; volunteer (1) All staff and volunteers present at the center shall: (a) Provide appropriate care and supervision o f children at all times.

  Based on interviews with program staff and parents, Child A was able to leave the gym and was unsupervised for at least two minutes.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8254(8) · R 400.8254(8) Diapering; toileting (8) Disposable gloves, if used for diapering, must only be used once for a specific child and be removed and disposed of in a safe and sanitary m anner immediately after each diaper change.

  Teacher 6 stated that they have changed multiple diapers without changing gloves between children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8266(2) · R 400.8266(2) Incident, accident, injury, illness, death, fire reporting (2) A licensee, licensee designee, or program administrator shall report to the child's parent on the same day of the incident and to the department within 24 hours, directly or via phone, fax, or email, if a child is lost or left unsupervised.

  Child left unsupervised report was not made to the department within 24 hours.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8158(3) · 4 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP R 400.8158(3) Premises. (3) Doors opening to the outside must not be p ropped open.

  On 10/30/2025, the eastern exterior door was propped open for several minutes. According to interviews with teachers and parents, this door is propped open frequently.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: physical safety. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8110(7) · R 400.8110(7) Applicant; licensee; licensee designee; requirements. A child shall only be released to persons authorized by the child's parent or guardian.

  Children are only released to persons authorized by the child's parent or guardian. Program Director, Assistant 2 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP Program Director, CCSM 2, and CCSM 3 all stated that they require identification from individuals and compare it to the child information record before releasing children to any individual they do not know.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8125(1) · R 400.8125(1) Staff; volunteer; requirements. All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

  All staff and volunteers provide appropriate care and supervision of children. Program Director, Assistant Program Director, CCSM 2, and CCSM 3 all stated that they did not recall any children being dirty or filthy on 12/20/2024. Child A's Mother and Child B's Mother did not have any concerns about their children coming home filthy.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8128(1) · R 400.8128(1) Staff; volunteer; tuberculosis. A center shall keep on file at the center evidence to verify that each child care staff member and each volunteer who has contact with children at least 4 hours per week for more than 2 consecutive weeks is free from communicable tuberculosis (TB). Verification of TB status is required within 1 year before employment or volunteering.

  CCSM 1 did not have evidence of a negative TB test prior to employment, however, since CCSM 1 was never compensated for the day he worked, he would be considered a volunteer. CCSM 1 did not have contact with children more than four hours per week for more than two consecutive weeks.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8112(1)(c) · R 400.8112(1)(c) Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. A child care staff member.

  CCSM 1 had a comprehensive background check on 12/19/2024, and had been determined eligible by the department on 12/20/2024.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: background checks. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8179(10) · 3 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP R 400.8179(10) Program. When media are used with children 2 years of age and older, all of the following apply:

  I spoke to Program Director, Assistant Program Director, CCSM 2, and CCSM 3 who all stated that the preschool children in care did not use media on 12/20/2024. The only child who used media was a child care staff member's child who has special permission to use media at certain times of the day. Child A's Mother and Child B's Mother both indicated that their children have never mentioned playing video games while in care.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: physical safety. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8131(3) · R 400.8131(3) Professional development requirements. Before caring for children, all child care staff members and unsupervised volunteers who work directly with children shall be trained on prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment, and recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

  CCSM 1 did not receive training in the prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment, and recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect before caring for children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8131(4) · R 400.8131(4) Professional development requirements. Before unsupervised contact with children, all child care staff members who work directly with children shall complete prevention and control of infectious disease training, including immunizations.

  CCSM 1 did not complete training in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations, before having unsupervised contact with children. CCSM 1 reported that he was unsupervised for a period of 10 minutes on 12/20/2024. 4 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8131(1) · R 400.8131(1) Professional development requirements. The center shall provide an orientation about the center's policies and practices and these administrative rules for all personnel hired after the effective date of these rules and before unsupervised contact with children.

  The center did not provide an orientation about the center's policies and practices and the administrative rules before CCSM 1 had unsupervised contact with children in care. CCSM 1 stated that he was unsupervised for a period of ten minutes on 12/20/2024.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (3) Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used when reasonably necessary, based on a child's development, to prevent a child from harming himself or herself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or property, excluding those forms of punishment prohibited by subrule (2) of this rule.

  On 07/24/2023, I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Child Development Center (CDC)-Augusta. I observed the children napping in each classroom with the exception of the infant room, where two children were napping, two children were being fed by a child care staff member, one child was in a swing, and three children were on the floor playing with a second child care staff member. I interviewed the program director, Megan Licari, Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 1, CCSM 2, CCSM 3, and CCSM 4. I obtained child information cards, children's attendance records, and reviewed the center parent handbook, which contains the center discipline policy. Megan Licari reported that on Friday 07/21/2023, she received a text message from Child A's Mother asking what the discipline policies are for the center. Megan Licari responded that child care staff member will usually try to distract the child with something, redirect, or go to a quiet place where books, stuffed animals, and quiet activities are to calm down. Child A's Mother texted back saying that Child A was in a highchair when she arrived to pick him up at the center. Megan Licari spoke with CCSM 1 regarding the incident. CCSM 1 told Megan Licari that Child A was having a tantrum-flailing himself all around. CCSM 1 put him in the quiet area to calm down, but Child A continued to act out and was scratching children and pulling children down on the floor. CCSM 1 then moved Child A to the highchair and was going to get him an activity to do while in the chair when Child A's Mother walked in to pick him up. Megan Licari reported that Child A is no longer enrolled at the center as Child A's Mother spoke with CCSM 3 and told her she was pulling Child A from the center. CCSM 1 is a child care staff member in the Lions room. She reported that on the day of the incident, the class had just finished some sensory play, and she told the children they could read or play with toys on the carpet while she picked up the mess from sensory play. Child A was not happy because he still wanted to continue sensory play. Child A started throwing his body on the floor and was picking up toys and throwing them. CCSM 1 redirected him and then Child A started throwing toys again. This time he was also grabbing at other children. CCSM 1 brought Child A over to the highchair and put him in it, buckled in with no tray. Less that a minute later, Child A's Mother walked in to pick him up. CCSM 1 had put him in the chair as she was scared, he would hurt himself or the other children due to his flailing around the floor, throwing toys, and grabbing at other children. She tried to explain to Child A's Mother why he was in the highchair, but Child A's Mother was not "hearing it." Child A's Mother left with Child A. CCSM 1 tried speaking with Child A's Mother when she saw her this morning but could see that Child A's Mother did not want to speak with her, so she did not attempt to talk with her. CCSM 1 later was told that 3 Child A's Mother pulled Child A from the center. CCSM 1 disciplines children by redirecting them and trying to distract them with something they are interested in. If that does not resolve the situation, she will have the child go to the quiet area to play with stuffed animals, books, sensory bottles, etc. until they are feeling calm enough to return to the group. CCSM 1 reported that she has never put a child in a highchair until this incident and that she only did it in the moment because she was not sure what to do and she did not want Child A to harm himself or others. CCSM 2 is a child care staff member that works in the Lions room. She reported that the situation with the highchair occurred on 07/21/2023 towards the end of the day. Child A had just transitioned to the Lions room and has been struggling with the room change. CCSM 2 indicated the children had transitioned to playing on the carpet with foam blocks. Child A was upset that he had to stay on the carpet. CCSM 2 gave him severa

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (4) A written policy must be developed and implemented regarding the age appropriate, non-severe discipline of children. The policy must be provided to parents.

  The discipline policy in the center parent handbook did not have written policy regarding the age appropriate, non-severe discipline used for infant thru preschool age children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8110 · R 400.8110 1 Applicant; licensee; licensee designee; requirements. (7) A child shall only be released to persons authorized by the child's parent or guardian.

  On 01/30/2023 I received a complaint with a number of allegations having to do with ratio in classrooms, fingerprinting, staff records, maintenance of the premises, electrical outlets, and temperature of the facility. I also received notice that the temporary program director, Kennedy Rupe's, employment had been terminated. On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Child Development Center (CDC)-Augusta. I asked if Ms. Rupe was present as I wanted to verify that she was no longer employed at the center. Child Care Staff Member (CCSM) 1, who had greeted me at the front door of the center, informed me that Ms. Rupe was no longer employed at the center, but the licensee designee, Kimberly Dahnert, was working in the infant room. I observed children in three classrooms, Koalas (infant), Lions (toddler/preschool), and Bears (preschool/school-age) rooms. There were seven infants and two child care staff in Koalas. One staff was feeding five children at the table and the other staff was sitting with two children on the floor. There were three children with one child care staff in the Lions room. The children were having free choice time. There were two children with one child care staff in the Bears room, one child napping, and one child eating snack. After the school-age children arrived, there were five children. I interviewed Ms. Dahnert and CCSM 1. I obtained child information cards, children's attendance, staff attendance, and the parent handbook. On 02/07/2023 I received a second complaint with the allegation that children are being released from the center without staff checking for identification of the person picking up and release information for the children. On 02/10/2023 I conducted a second unannounced onsite inspection to the center observed children in three classrooms, including Koalas, Lions, and Bears rooms. There were three children and one child care staff in Koalas. The children were playing on the floor. In Lions room there were six children and one child care staff, 4 getting ready in the stroller to head outside to play. There were three children and one child care staff in Bears rooms, school-age children arrived during the inspection, which added three more children to Bears for a total of six. I interviewed CCSM 2. CCSM 2 has not witnessed child care staff not checking identification and release information for people picking up children. She reported that she was asked by another child care staff for her identification yesterday when she arrived at the center as she has not been working for the center very long and that staff member was unfamiliar with her. CCSM 2 indicated she always checks identification and release information of anyone picking up children unless it is someone, she one hundred percent recognizes and is familiar with. On 02/13/2023 I spoke with Director of Operations for the Foundation for Behavioral Resources (FBR)/licensee designee, Norman Peterson. He indicated Ms. Dahnert had resigned from her early childhood coordinator/licensee designee position but would be working for FBR for the next two weeks still to assist with the CDCs, specifically Augusta. On 03/14/2023 I conducted a third unannounced onsite inspection. I observed children in four classrooms, Koalas, Lions, Bears, and Tigers. There were eight children and two staff in Koalas. The children were having tummy time, sitting on the floor, sleeping, being fed, and being diapered. There were five children and two child care staff in Lions, ten children and two child care staff in Bears, and five children with two child care staff in Tigers. The children were napping or having "quiet time" in each of the rooms. I interviewed CCSM 3, CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6. CCSM 3 was unaware of any child care staff releasing children to people without checking identification and release information. She reported that she checks identification and release information any time she does not recognize someone when she answers

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8112 · R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (1) Pursuant to section 5n of the act, MCL 722.115n, before an individual has unsupervised contact with children, the department shall determine the individual's eligibility to be any of the following: (c) A child care staff member.

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Child Development Center (CDC)-Augusta. I observed the early childhood coordinator for the Foundation for Behavioral Resources (FBR)/licensee designee, Ms. Dahnert, and CCSM 5 working in a classroom together. CCSM 5 was not connected to the facility and Ms. Dahnert did not have an eligible determination for fingerprinting as she has lived out of state in the past five years and the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Background Check (CCBC) unit, was waiting on verification from the other state and paperwork to be processed in order to determine her eligibility. I interviewed Ms. Dahnert, CCSM 1, and director of operations/licensee designee for FBR, Dr. Peterson. Ms. Dahnert confirmed that her child care background check has not yet come back as eligible as she used to live in another state and has out of state prints delaying the process. She reported that the center is very short-staffed, so she has been coming to the center and working in the classrooms to help out. CCSM 1 reported that she was told Ms. Dahnert and CCSM 5 did not yet have their fingerprints back for the center from other staff, but she could not verify that as she does not have access to the CCBC system. She indicated there have been times 7 that Ms. Dahnert was unsupervised with children as she has been at the center trying to help them cover classrooms. Dr. Peterson was unaware of the status of employees in the Child Care Background Check (CCBC) system as he does not handle the maintenance of the facilities in the system. Each individual center program director accesses and maintains their own facility in CCBC. The early childhood coordinator also has access, but Ms. Dahnert is a new employee and was not yet completely set up in the CCBC system as a primary user. On this same day I reviewed the CCBC system information under CDC-Augusta. I verified that the status for Ms. Dahnert is "additional information requested" and CCSM 5 is fingerprinted, eligible, but not connected to CDC-Augusta. On 02/10/2023 I interviewed CCSM 2. CCSM 2 was not aware of any employees working at the center without a fingerprint but did indicate that there were staff from CDC-Lakeview coming over to CDC-Augusta to help out due to staff shortages, and she was not sure if those child care staff were connected to both facilities. On 03/14/2023 I interviewed CCSM 3, CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6. These staff reported they were unaware of who was eligible/ineligible in the CCBC system but did indicate that Ms. Dahnert was waiting for fingerprint results, and they were not sure what the status was.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

• Violation

  R 400.8112 · 1 R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (2) An applicant or licensee shall do all of the following: (b) Maintain a copy of the completed and signed form or forms for each individual entered into the child care background check system under the license.

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I reviewed all staff records with Dr. Peterson. Two child care staff did not have a file/record at the center, including a copy of their signed consent and disclosure form for fingerprinting. On 03/14/2023 I interviewed CCSM 4. CCSM 4 reported that her file was missing paperwork and was lost by either the previous program director or previous early childhood coordinator. The paperwork was handed in by CCSM 4, but never reached staff in human resources for FBR or her staff record at the center.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: background checks. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8112 · 1 R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (2) An applicant or licensee shall do all of the following: (e) Within the department's child care background check system, accurately complete and maintain the connection, disconnection, or withdrawn status of each individual associated with the license.

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I reviewed the staff records on file at the center with Dr. Peterson. On this same day I logged into the CCBC system and compared the staff records to list of connected employees at the center. There were 15 staff, including Ms. Rupe, no longer employed at the center either because they resigned or were terminated, but were still connected to the facility, and two child care staff not connected to the center that should be connected.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: background checks. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8112 · R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (2) An applicant or licensee shall do all of the following: (f) Immediately disconnect each individual from the system once he or she is no longer a licensee, licensee designee, child care staff member, child care aide, or an unsupervised volunteer under the license. 10

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I went through the child care staff records with Dr. Peterson. There were two child care staff missing a TB test and their results on file at the center, and two additional child care staff that did not have any file/record at the center. All of these staff are working at the center with children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8128 · R 400.8128 Staff; volunteer; tuberculosis. A center shall keep on file at the center evidence to verify that each child care staff member and each volunteer who has contact with children at least 4 hours per week for more than 2 consecutive weeks is free from communicable tuberculosis (TB). Verification of TB status is required within 1 year before employment or volunteering.

  On 02/10/2023 I received additional allegations regarding CDC- Augusta. The complaint was that a child care staff member grabbed a child by their arm and was "mocking" them as in making fun of the child because they were upset. The complainant was unsure what child it was and what staff grabbed the child's arm. On this same day I conducted a second unannounced onsite inspection to the center. I interviewed CCSM 2. CCSM 2 appeared surprised to hear that a child care staff would have grabbed a child's arm and made fun of them, or" mocked" them. She reported that she had not heard of this happening at the center, and she denied that she did that herself. CCSM 2 indicated that making fun of a child is completely inappropriate, and that the CDC discipline policy is to use only positive methods of discipline. On 03/14/2023 I interviewed CCSM, 3, CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6. CCSM 3, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6 denied grabbing a child's hand and "mocking" them. They were also not aware of any other child care staff doing this to a child at the center. CCSM 4 reported that she observed CCSM 1 do this to a child, and the tone and wording CCSM 1 used was in a "bullying" manner. CCSM 4 indicated there have been multiple times where CCSM 1 "mocked" and "bullied" children and staff, but that CCSM 1 is no longer an employee at the center. 13 On 03/16/2023 I spoke with Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D, Child E, and Child F's parents. Child A, Child B, and Child C's Mother does not have any current concerns with discipline at the center. In the past, a child care staff was physical with one of her children, and her employment was terminated. Child D's Mother reported no concerns with the discipline at the center, and has not observed any staff being rough with children or making fun of them. Child E and Child F's Mother did have concerns with the discipline at the center, but not for the allegations of the complaint. She indicated the preschool/school-age children yell at child care staff a lot and are very disrespectful. She reported her concern was that Child E came home from the center yesterday, 03/15/2023, upset because his "teacher" hit him during naptime for getting off his cot and getting a toy. Child E and Child F's Mother did talk with the director about it, and the director said she would talk with Child E and ask him to point to who hit him. The director has not reported back to Child E and Child F's Mother. Child E and Child F's Mother realizes that Child E does have some behavior issues, but it is still not an excuse to be physical with him. She asked Child F if anyone has ever hit him at the center and he said no. Child E and Child F's Father shared the same concerns as the children's mother. He was concerned that Child E had said a "teacher" hit him yesterday. In regards to child care staff roughly handling or making fun of children, he has not observed that. On 03/17/2023 I had an exit conference with program director, Ms. Licari. Ms. Licari denied that Child E was hit by any child care staff as she indicated she was in her office in the Bears room with the door open during naptime and could see the room. She reported that the only interaction Child E had with staff that afternoon was that during the naptime he was quietly playing with toys on his cot, He got up and went to get a different toy. CCSM 4 asked him to go sit back down on his cot, and he did not. CCSM 4 then went over and grabbed his arm and guided him back to his cot. I told Ms. Licari I was not happy with any child care staff grabbing children's arms as this was just an issue with a previous employee and investigation, and as a result of that investigation, the whole center was supposed to be re-trained on safe handling and discipline.

• Violation

  R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used. 14

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I observed each of the classrooms in ratio of child care staff to children. Ms. Dahnert denied that the center is out of ratio and reported that she has been in the center from 6:00AM to 6:00PM each day to help cover in classrooms. The center also has employees from CDC-Lakeview that have been coming over to assist with staffing until more child care staff are hired. CCSM 1 reported that the center has been out of ratio in classrooms as they do not have enough child care staff to work in the center. CCSM 1 reported that yesterday, 01/30/2023, for example, she had eleven children in the classroom with her by herself, ranging in ages two to five years old, at least four of the children being two- and three-year-olds. CCSM 3 was also out of ratio in her classroom that day too. Dr. Peterson reported that FBR is trying to hire more staff for CDC-Augusta, but it is hard to come by child care staff. FBR is also trying to hire a new program director for CDC-Augusta. He indicated the center is borrowing staff from CDC-Lakeview to cover classrooms in the interim. On 02/10/2023 I conducted a second unannounced onsite inspection to CDC- Augusta. I observed the center to be out of ratio in one classroom, Lions. The children were combined in the classroom, the youngest child being under 30 months, so the ratio should have been one child care staff to four children. There was one child care staff (CCSM 5) with six children. CCSM 5 acknowledged that she was out of ratio for her classroom because of the toddler age child. CCSM 2 reported that the center is trying to stay in ratio as much as possible and that they are maybe out of ratio for a few minutes at a time before getting someone to come in and cover a room. She reported this usually happens only when someone scheduled to work calls in and then the center has to scramble to find someone. The center is so short-staffed they are borrowing employees from CDC- Lakeview. On 03/14/2023 I conducted a third unannounced onsite inspection to the center. I observed each of the classrooms to be in ratio of child care staff to children. CCSM 3 reported that the center did have issues with ratio as they were having to combine classrooms of children regularly, but it has recently improved as they have added some more staff and have a new program director, Megan Licari, that just started. She indicated that now the only time there is a ratio issue is if someone that is scheduled calls in and they have to find someone to cover the shift, even then it has only been a few minutes out of ratio before another child care staff arrives. CCSM 4 denied there being a current issue with ratio for combined classrooms but admitted it has been an issue in the past when the previous director, Ms. Rupe, was 16 employed as she would move children around to different rooms. CCSM 4 indicated child care staff always tried to follow the ratio rules, but they did not feel they could go against what Ms. Rupe was directing them. When Ms. Dahnert started working for FBR/CDC's, they felt they could finally talk about concerns they had with the center. CCSM 4 feels things have really improved since Ms. Dahnert started working with them and now, the new program director, Ms. Licari. More staff have been added, so they are not struggling as much for coverage of classrooms. CCSM 5 reported that ratio has been an issue for the center, but it has been a few weeks since they have been out of ratio as they have a new program director and added child care staff. CCSM 6 confirmed what everyone else had reported. There was an issue with ratio being followed for youngest child in a classroom. She indicated the classrooms often are combined because of staffing, so in the morning especially, they would be out of ratio. CCSM 6 also feels that things have improved since Ms. Licari has started as program director at the center as Ms. Licari has been working hard to get mo

• Violation

  R 400.8182 · R 400.8182 Ratio and group size requirements. .............. .......... (7) If there are children of mixed ages in the same room or well-defined space, then the ratio and group size is determined by the age of the youngest child, unless each group of children is clearly separated and the appropriate child care staff member-to-child ratios and group sizes, if applicable, for each age group are maintained.

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I observed the temperature to be at a safe and comfortable level in all classrooms. Ms. Dahnert reported that the heating registers/boiler are all working properly, and any time there is an issue, maintenance is called immediately, and they come out to the center and work on it. Ms. Dahnert indicated the heat registers can be controlled in each classroom as there is a panel where you can open it and turn the heat on/off. At the time I was in the infant room, it was warm in the room, and they had turned the heater off because it was feeling "hot" to them in the room. CCSM 1 confirmed there are on/off switches for the heaters in each classroom. She reported there are issues regularly with the heater blowing out cool air instead of hot and then maintenance has to be called to fix it. Dr. Peterson reported that the heat issues were reported to him and have been repaired as the mechanic (Mall City Mechanic) came out last week and worked on the heating. On 02/10/2023 I conducted a second unannounced onsite inspection to the center observed the temperature to be at a safe and comfortable level in each classroom. CCSM 2 denied there was an issue with the heating and indicated each classroom can control their own heater, so maybe someone felt it was too cold at the center because they are turning off the heater in certain classrooms. On 03/14/2023 I conducted a third unannounced onsite inspection to the center observed the temperature to be at a safe and comfortable level in each of the classrooms. CCSM 3, CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6 all reported that the heat is working at the center and that when it has had issues, maintenance had come out to look at it, and a mechanic has also been out to replace a part on the boiler. They all confirmed that the heat turns off/on by a switch on the heater in each room. On 03/16/2023 I spoke with Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D, Child E, and Child F's parents. None of the parents reported concerns with the heat/temperature at the center. They indicated the center always feels adequately warm. 19

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8365 · R 400.8365 Heating; temperature. (1) The temperature in child use areas must be maintained at a safe and comfortable level so that children in care do not become overheated or chilled. ............

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I observed several maintenance issues going on with the bathroom, including some rusting on the pipes under the sinks (this creates a sharp edge and is accessible to children as the piping is exposed), hard/rusty water coming out of the faucet, the toilets very rust stained inside the toilet bowl and need scrubbing, and a toilet "out of order." I did not observe any mice in the facility but did observe mouse traps from a professional exterminator set up throughout the center. Ms. Dahnert denied there is a mouse infestation at the child care center. She indicated that there is an exterminator services working with the child care center, and they were just out to the center. Ms. Rupe had told Ms. Dahnert there were mice, but Ms. Dahnert has never seen one. Ms. Dahnert did agree some work needs to be done on the bathroom, and that she scrubbed and cleaned it on her own time in an effort to make it look nicer. CCSM 1 reported that there is rust in the bathroom and the sinks sometimes have low water pressure and hard/rusty water. She indicated she has not personally observed a mouse at the center, but that she has heard from other child care staff that they have seen one. She indicated Ms. Rupe had reported seeing one in a bucket, that someone found a dead mouse under the sink in a classroom, and that another staff had heard mice in the ceiling. Dr. Peterson reported that the center is working on fixing any issues going on at the center and it will be handled by the maintenance worker for FBR. He indicated Rose Exterminator is contracted with the center and did come out to address any possible issues. On 02/10/2023 I conducted a second unannounced inspection to the center. The same issues were observed. I did not observe any mice and the mouse traps were still in place throughout the center. CCSM 2 denied a mouse infestation and said she has never seen or heard a mouse in the building. She reported that the center does have pest management for ants and mice through Rose Exterminators, and that the company does come out to the facility to check traps. CCSM 2 was unaware of any maintenance issues with the bathroom but did confirm there was a toilet out of order, and the toilets do have a lot of rust in the bowl. On 03/14/2023 I conducted a third unannounced onsite inspection to the center. The same issues were observed. I did not observe any mice and the mouse traps were still in place throughout the center. CCSM 3, CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6 did not believe there was a mouse infestation at the center as they have only seen or heard of two incidents of a mouse. All of the staff confirmed that the center has pest management in place, and they come out regularly to the building. CCSM 3 and CCSM 4 both talked about a mouse in the Lions room found dead in a trap under the sink. CCSM 4 found the dead mouse, and CCSM 3 disposed of it. The child care staff had all heard of Ms. Rupe finding a mouse in a bucket but did not directly observe this. On 03/16/2023 I spoke with Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D, Child E, and Child F's parents. None of the parents interviewed reported concerns with the maintenance of the premises but admitted they do not go anywhere besides the hallway and their children's classrooms. On 03/17/2023 I had an exit conference with program director, Ms. Licari. Ms. Licari reported there is rust on the pipes under the sink in the bathrooms, and that the sink in the baby room is no longer in proper working order. She confirmed that one of the toilets in the girl's room is out of order and needs to be fixed. The center currently has low enrollment, so the one toilet out of order is not affecting the capacity, but the toilet needs to be repaired in order to support the capacity of the child care center. 21

• Violation

  R 400.8380 · R 400.8380 Maintenance of premises. (1) The premises must be maintained in a clean and safe condition and must not pose a threat to health or safety.

  On 01/31/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I observed the electricity to be working in each of the classrooms, including the Tiger classroom, which was the reported classroom having electrical issues. I turned the lights on and plugged things into outlets in the room and all seemed to be working. Ms. Dahnert reported that there were issues with the electrical in the Tigers room (across from the infant room). This room is not currently being used for child care. She indicated there was a mechanic out last week working on the electrical, and that the maintenance worker for FBR had scheduled and arranged it. CCSM 1 reported that electrical outlets are not working in Tigers room, across from the infant classroom. She was not sure if they were fixed yet. Dr. Peterson confirmed that they had some issues with the electrical outlets in the Tigers classroom, but it is a classroom that the center has not been using for child care due to enrollment. He reported that a mechanic was already out to work on the 22 issue, and that children would not be cared for in that classroom until it was back in working order. On 02/10/2023 I conducted a second unannounced inspection to the center. I observed the electrical to be working in the Tigers room, as well as the rest of the child care center. CCSM 2 reported that she observed the mechanic company working in the Tigers classroom a week or so ago, and that the classroom electrical outlets are back in working order. On 03/14/2023 I conducted a third unannounced onsite inspection to the center. I observed the center to be using the Tigers classroom again. The children were napping, but they did have music playing in the room for children to sleep to. CCSM 3 reported that all outlets and electricity were in working order in the classroom. CCSM 4, CCSM 5, and CCSM 6 indicated all electrical issues were repaired at the center and were specific to Tigers room, where no children were previously using. On 03/16/2023 I spoke with Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D, Child E, and Child F's parents. The parents interviewed did not have concerns with the electrical service at the center as they had not noticed any issues with electricity in the building. They did report that the center was not using the back room where the electrical outlets were not working up until the past week or two, but they were not sure if that was the reason it was not being used.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: health medication. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8380 · R 400.8380 j Maintenance of premises. (2) The premises must be maintained so as to eliminate and prevent rodent and insect harborage. I

  The center has pest management in place and the company regularly comes out and checks traps.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8550 · R 400.8550 Electrical service. (1) The electrical service shall be maintained in a safe condition.

  I conducted unannounced onsite inspections on 01/31/2023, 02/10/2023, and 03/14/2023 to the center. I observed the electricity to be working in the center, including the Tigers classroom. I tested the lights and several outlets during my inspection. Child care staff reported that the center was not using the Tigers classroom during the time that there were issues with outlets working, and that a mechanic had come to the center and repaired the issue.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: recordkeeping. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. ................................................... ................ (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

  Appropriate care and supervision were not provided when a young preschool child was released to the bathroom in the hallway unsupervised. The child pulled down her pants and sat on the urinal floor and urinated, this caused her underwear and pants to be wet, and the child was upset. Parents interviewed reported observing children wandering unsupervised in the hallway and opening the front door to the child care center. They also reported their children having injuries such as teeth being knocked out and welts on their face that happened at the center.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8179 · R 400.8179 Program. (2) A center shall implement a program plan that includes daily learning experiences appropriate to the developmental level of the children. Experiences must be designed to develop all of the following: (a) Physical development. (b) Social development. (c) Emotional development. (d) Cognitive development.

  The center did not have a schedule/routine and implemented program that includes daily learning experiences appropriate to the developmental level of the children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8179 · R 400.8179 Program. (4) Developmentally appropriate experiences must be designed so that throughout the day each child has opportunities to do all of the following: (a) Practice social interaction skills. (b) Use materials and take part in activities that encourage creativity. (c) Learn new ideas and skills. (d) Participate in imaginative play. (e) Participate in developmentally appropriate language and literacy experiences. (f) Participate in early math and science experiences. (g) Be physically active. 27

  The center did not have a schedule/routine and implemented program that includes daily learning experiences appropriate to the developmental level of the children.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

  There is i Child A's however, positive methods of discipline are not being used at the center as reported she _ Child A = - _ to stop her from running away. Parents interviewed had concerns with the discipline at the center as they have observed child care staff seeming frustrated/losing patience with the children, unable to manage the classroom, yelling at children, and talking in a harsh tone.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8182 · R 400.8182 Ratio and group size requirements. (3) In each room or well-defined space, the maximum group size and ratio of child care staff members to children, including children related to a staff member or the licensee, must be as shown in Table 4: Table 4 Child Care Staff Member to Child Ratios Child Care Staff Maximum Age Member to Child Group Ratio Size Infants and toddlers, (a) birth until 30 months 1 to 4 12 of age Preschoolers, 30 (b) months of age until 1 to 8 16 3 years of age Preschoolers, 3 years (c) of age until 4 years 1 to 10 30 of age Preschoolers, 4 years (d) of age until school- 1 to 12 36 age (e) School-agers 1 to 18 36 I

  On 7/20/2022 I completed interviews onsite with program director Kennedy Rupe and child care staff members Sara Pedroza, Brittany Tudder and Jailee Keller. Ms. Rupe reported that the preschool room is not out of ratio. However, this week one child care staff member is on vacation and they have been combining the preschool room with the school age room at the end of the day. Ms. Rupe said they follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group at that time. While I was onsite the school age room, and the preschool room were combined with three child care staff members and 18 children present. The ratio for the youngest child was 1:10. The classroom was within ratio. I reviewed the sign in and out sheets for 2 the last two-week period for both child care staff and children. The center was within capacity and ratio in each room. Ms. Pedroza, Ms. Tudder and Ms. Keller all reported that their classrooms are always within ratio. Ms. Pedroza is the child care staff member for the infant room and her room was within ratio with four infants. Ms. Tudder and Ms. Keller were caring for children with Ms. Rupe in the school age/preschool combined classroom. On 8/3/2022 I spoke to Child A's mother, Child B's mother and Child C's mother. Child A's mother reported that at the end of the day, there are older children with the younger children but always three staff members and she has no concerns to report to the department. Child B's mother stated that her child really likes attending the child care center, and she always believes that there are enough staff present to care appropriately for the kids. Child C's mother said that sometimes at the end of the day it is loud with the older kids, but she has never believed there were not enough staff to care for the kids and she had no concerns to report.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8140 · ......_ 1 R 400.8140 Discipline. (1) Positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation must be used.

  On 03/31/2021 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Child Development Center (CDC)-Augusta. There were three classrooms with children and the children were napping and playing outside, depending on the room. I interviewed interim program director, Rebecca Melendez, child care staff members, Hannah Faust, Brianna Peek, and Christine Osentosky. I obtained child information cards, attendance, and the parent handbook/discipline policy. Ms. Melendez has worked at the center in a classroom as a lead child care staff member and is now working as the interim program director until an early childhood program director is hired. She reported that Mr. Steven is no longer employed with the center as of several weeks ago and that he had been observed yelling at children and coworkers when he worked there. Ms. Melendez confirmed that Ms. Hannah is an employee of the center and her name is Hannah Faust. She did not have concerns with the way Ms. Faust interacts with the children and the way she manages children's behaviors. Ms. Melendez has not observed Ms. Faust yelling at the children but indicated that Ms. Faust sometimes raises her voice when she is trying to get a child's attention. She was unaware of any incident occurring on 03/29/2021 where Ms. Faust grabbed a child's upper arm roughly. Ms. Melendez reported that the center uses positive methods of discipline in the classrooms, such as, redirection, reinforcing good behaviors, and talking to the child about their feelings and behaviors. With children who are over three years, time-outs are used (one minute/per year of age). Ms. Faust has been a child care staff member at the CDCs for eight years. She primarily works in the infant or school-age room. In the morning and sometimes afternoon, classrooms combine depending on the number of children and child care staff present. Ms. Faust confirmed that Mr. Steven is no longer an employee at the center and that she has heard him raise his voice with children when he worked at the center. She denied yelling at children herself but did admit she does speak in a "very firm" voice at times. Ms. Faust did not recall ever grabbing a child roughly by his arm at any time and indicated it is against policy to yell at the children and grab them roughly. If a staff member sounds frustrated, or is feeling frustrated, the program director is supposed to step in for a few minutes and give the staff member a break. Ms. Faust reported that the center uses positive discipline methods, such as, removing a child from a situation and redirecting them to something else, sitting down with a child to have a "cool down" break, and time-out for one minute/per year of age for children ages three and older. Ms. Peek has been employed with the center for two years as a child care staff member. She indicated that staff had concerns with the way Mr. Steven treated others but he is no longer employed at the center and things have improved. Ms. Peek did not have concerns with the way Ms. Faust interacts with children and her 3 discipline methods but did say Ms. Faust speaks "loud and firm, not in a yelling or malicious manner." Ms. Peek uses redirection with younger children and the "calm down chair" with older children. She explained that the "calm down chair" is a place that children three and up can take a moment to collect themselves. If they do not call her over after a minute or two, she goes over to them and talks with them about their feelings and behavior. Ms. Osentosky is a child care staff member who works primarily with infants. She has worked at the center approximately a month. Ms. Osentosky did not have any concerns with the staff at the center, including Ms. Faust. She reported that Ms. Faust seems to have good relationships with the children and their parents as Ms. Faust has worked at the center for a long time and is familiar with the families. Ms. Osentosky did not have much interaction with Mr. Steven as she has only been employed a month and

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8173 · R 400.8173 Equipment. (4) Play equipment, materials, and furniture, must be all of the following: (b) Safe, clean, and in good repair.

  On 03/31/2021 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to CDC-Augusta. I observed each of the rooms to be appropriate and the equipment did not appear to be dirty. I interviewed interim program director, Ms. Melendez, child care staff members, Ms. Faust, Ms. Peek, and Ms. Osentosky. Ms. Melendez has not noticed any of the rooms being "less than standard" and reported that the child care staff clean throughout the day and do deep cleaning before closing for the day. She indicated that equipment, such as tables, chairs, diapering area, etc. are washed, rinsed, and sanitized every time they are used throughout the day, floors are swept after any snack or meal, the floors are mopped each night and any rugs/carpet vacuumed nightly. The toys are sanitized with bleach water each night, and all toys are deep cleaned weekly or sooner if there is illness going around. Ms. Faust reported that the rooms and equipment are kept clean throughout the day. She indicated that nightly the toys are sanitized, floor is mopped, and rugs/carpet vacuumed. Tables, equipment, and the diapering area are regularly washed, rinsed, 5 and sanitized after using, and the tables are washed, rinsed, and sanitized before meals as well. The floor is swept several times a day after the children eat. Ms. Peek reported the tables and chairs are washed, rinsed, and sanitized multiple times a day, including before and after children eat. The door handles and counters are washed, rinsed, and sanitized, and floors are swept throughout the day. In the evening, the floors are mopped, carpets vacuumed, and toys are sanitized. Ms. Osentosky reported that each room has a cleaning list as to what needs to be done each day and evening. She confirmed the information each staff had reported regarding cleaning procedures. On this same day I spoke with Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D and Child E's Mothers. Child A, Child B, Child C, and Child D's Mothers reported no concerns with the cleanliness of the classrooms and the equipment, materials, toys, etc. Child B and Child C's Mother indicated she has observed staff washing, rinsing, and sanitizing the tables and counters on numerous occasions when she has been at the center. Child E's Mother did have concerns with the cleanliness of the classrooms and equipment. I asked Child E's Mother to elaborate on what she meant by the rooms being "less than standard" and equipment dirty in the complaint. She indicated the floors had something sticky and black on it one day and that Ms. Faust had a child cleaning a table.

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: health medication. Open / not marked corrected.

• Violation

  R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

  It should be noted that due to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic there is a current order in place through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). In addition, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has issued guidelines for safely operating child care during the COVID-19 pandemic that support the current MDHHS order. The order requires all staff in child care organizations (homes and centers) to wear a face mask at all times, children ages two and older to wear a mask when being transported, children ages four and older to wear masks in common spaces (hallways, gyms, cafeterias, etc.), and children ages five and older to wear masks in the classrooms, common spaces, and transport. The exception to this rule would be if children/staff are sitting and eating a snack/meal or are medically unable to wear a mask covering their face. On 11/02/2020 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to Child Development Center (CDC) - Augusta. I observed the program director and three child care staff members with no face mask on, and two child care staff members had their face masks around their chin, and only put their face masks on over their nose/mouth when I came into their classroom. Children, ages five and up in the school-age room, did not have face masks on as well. The children were observed in small group activity, free choice play, and napping. I obtained child information cards and staff contact information. I interviewed program director, Danielle Short, and child care staff member, Steven Bliss. Ms. Short reported that child care staff are wearing masks every day in the infant/toddler rooms and that the child care staff in the other rooms put them on whenever they have close contact with the children. She indicated parents do not go further than the front door temperature station to drop off children. I asked her why she was not wearing a mask today and she reported that she was eating candy right before she answered the door. I asked Ms. Short if she was aware of the MDHHS order and LARA guidelines that require a face mask to be worn by all staff in the center and children age five and older and she indicated she was aware of the order and guidelines. I went over the MDHHS order and LARA guidelines with her again. Mr. Bliss started working at the center in September 2020. He works in the preschool room with three-year-old children. Mr. Bliss apologized for not having his mask on and indicated he sometimes gets excited talking to the children and teaching the class that he forgets to put the mask on or pull the mask up. He reported that he does wear it most of the time and will do better moving forward. I thanked him and told him it was not just him and that everyone needs to follow the order. On 11/04/2020 I spoke with the licensee designee, Linda Owens. I told her the allegations of the complaint were that staff were not wearing masks in the center and that when I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection to the center, I observed 3 the staff not wearing face masks and school-age children were also not wearing masks. I indicated that because it was an MDHHS order I would not be citing a violation to the center as we can only regulate the rules under the Child Care Organization Act, 1973 PA 116 but that the center needed to be following the guidelines for safely operating child care during the pandemic, which follows the MDHHS order in place. On 12/11/2020 I spoke with the complainant. I indicated I would not be citing for non- compliance with the MDHHS order as we can only regulate rules and statutes under the Child Care Organization Act, 1973 PA 116, however, I did go over the MDHHS order during the onsite inspection. I told the complainant they can report any non- compliance with the MDHHS order to MDHHS or the county health department. On this same day I did email the program director of the center the links to the website for the MDHHS COVID-19/coronavirus orders and the LARA guidelines for operating

  Open Not marked corrected in the state record

  Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

The center is out of ratio in the preschool room.

Disposition: Substantiated

Mr. Steven and Ms. Hannah are always yelling at children. On 03/29/2021 two children were fighting over a toy. Ms. Hannah grabbed one of the children very roughly on their upper arm while yelling at them both. The conditions of the preschool and school-age room seem to be "less than standard" and equipment does not appear clean/sanitized.

Disposition: Substantiated

On several occasions, staff were observed without masks/face coverings in the center and around children.

Disposition: Substantiated