Cook's Academy

R 400.8201(1)(c) · R 400.8201(1)(c) Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (1) Pursuant to sections 5n and 5q of the act, MCL 722.115n and 722.115q, 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.

I reviewed the child care background check system of the center. Teacher 1, before unsupervised contact with children, had not been determined eligible as a child care staff member by the 4 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP department. Teacher 1 was determined eligible on 10/14/2025. On 9/18/2025, eight staff members were providing care for children and were not determined eligible as a child care staff member. Teacher 2 became eligible on 10/15/2025; Teacher 4 became eligible on 10/13/2025; Teacher 5 became eligible on 10/13/2025; Teacher 6 became eligible on 10/13/2025; Teacher 8 became eligible on 10/14/2025; Teacher 15 became eligible on 10/14/2025; Teacher 16 became eligible on10/13/2025; and Teacher 17 became eligible on 10/22/2025.

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R 400.8216(2)(a) · R 400.8216(2)(a) Orientation (2) Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following, as applicable: (a) The prevention of shaken baby syndrome, i f the center serves infants and toddlers.

The center serves infants and toddlers. Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, 10 program staff did not have training in the prevention of shaken baby syndrome.

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R 400.8216(2)(b) · R 400.8216(2)(b) Orientation (2) Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following, as applicable: (b) The prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices, if the c enter serves infants and toddlers.

The center provides care for infants and toddlers. Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, 15 program staff did not have training in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices.

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R 400.8216(2)(c) · R 400.8216(2)(c) Orientation (2) Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following, as applicable: (c) The prevention of abusive head trauma.

Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, 12 program staff had not completed required training on the prevention of abusive head trauma.

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R 400.8216(2)(d) · R 400.8216(2)(d) Orientation (2) Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following, as applicable: (d) The prevention of child maltreatment.

Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center, and before caring for children, 12 program staff did not have the required training in the prevention of child maltreatment.

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R 400.8216(2)(e) · R 400.8216(2)(e) Orientation (2) Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following, as applicable: (e) The recognition and reporting of child a buse and neglect.

Within 30 calendar days after being present at the center and before caring for children, 12 program staff had not completed required training on the recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

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R 400.8216(3)(h) · R 400.8216(3)(h) Orientation (3) Within 30 calendar days of being present at the center and prior to caring for children unsupervised program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall have training on all of the following: (h) The prevention and control of infectious d iseases, including immunizations.

Within 30 calendar days of being present at the center and prior to caring for children 12 unsupervised program staff and unsupervised volunteers did not complete required training in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations.

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R 400.8216(6)(a) · R 400.8216(6)(a) Orientation (6) Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall complete the following trainings, which are allowed to be counted toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (a) Administration of medication.

Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised 11 program staff, had not completed the required training of administration of medication.

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R 400.8216(6)(b) · R 400.8216(6)(b) Orientation (6) Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall complete the following trainings, which are allowed to be counted toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (b) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions as p rovided in R 400.8269a.

Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, 11 program staff had not completed training in the prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions as provided in R400.8269a.

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R 400.8216(6)(c) · R 400.8216(6)(c) Orientation (6) Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall complete the following trainings, which are allowed to be counted toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (c) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from h azards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic.

Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised12 program 9 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP staff had not completed the required training in building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic.

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R 400.8216(6)(d) · R 400.8216(6)(d) Orientation (6) Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall complete the following trainings, which are allowed to be counted toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (d) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of b iocontaminants.

Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, 11 program staff had not completed the required training in handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of biocontaminants.

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R 400.8216(6)(f) · 10 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP R 400.8216(6)(f) Orientation (6) Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, program staff and unsupervised volunteers shall complete the following trainings, which are allowed to be counted toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (f) Child development including the major domains of cognitive, social, emotional, physical development, and approaches to learning as p rovided in R 400.8271.

Within 90 days after being present at the center and before caring for children unsupervised, 11 program staff had not completed the required training in child development including the major domains of cognitive, social, emotional, physical development, and approaches to learning as provided in R 400.8271.

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R 400.8216a(13) · R 400.8216a(13) Professional development requirements (13) When the department publishes a notice that a new health and safety update document or a new health and safety update training activity is published on MiRegistry, the licensee shall ensure that all identified staff or volunteers in the notice read and acknowledge the document or complete the activity w ithin the timeframe indicated in the notice.

When the department publishes a notice that a new health and safety update document or a new health and safety update training activity is published on MI Registry, it must be completed within the timeframe 11 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP of the notices. I observed the Mi Registry training records of five program staff. Two teachers with hired dates prior to 2024, did not complete required health and safety refreshers trainings for year 2024. Licensee Kelly Cook, did not ensure the program staff completed the required health and safety trainings within the timeframe indicated in the notice.

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R 400.8222(4)(a) · R 400.8222(4)(a) Capacity; ratio and group size requirements (4) 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 1: (a) Infants and toddlers, birth until 30 months of age, child care staff member to child ratio of 1 to 4 , maximum group size of 12.

I checked the child attendance and staff attendance record sheets dated 9/5/2025. In the senior cadets room, it was documented that two teachers and one supervised volunteer were providing care for eleven children. The 1 child care staff member to 4 children ratio was not maintained for the room providing care for children under 30 months of age. Supervised volunteers cannot be counted in child care staff member to child ratios.

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R 400.8216(10) · R 400.8216(10) Orientation (10) In regard to subrules (3) to (9) of this rule, as applicable to the type of center, until a program staff member or unsupervised volunteer has completed the orientation training, the program staff member or unsupervised volunteer shall be supervised by a program staff member who has completed the o rientation training. Bureau

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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 the interviews conducted, LT, Teacher 1, and Teacher 2 in the Core Cadets classroom provided appropriate care and supervision and did not use dinosaurs to scare children.

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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 the interviews conducted, there is no evidence that the children in the Core Cadets classroom were pinched during diaper changes, on 09/02/2025.

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MCL 722.115p Child care center, group child care home, or family child care home; potential or current child care staff member convicted of crime. ......... ........ .......... ................................. ...... (1) Except as provided in section 5n(14) and (15), a child care center, group child care home, or family child care home shall not allow an individual to be a child care staff member without requesting a criminal history check as required by section 5n. 10

On 05/17/2023, I reviewed the CCBC system. CCSM 5 and CCSM 7 did not complete a comprehensive background check. There were also no fingerprint requests for them in the CCBC system. CCSM 5 was fingerprinted on 05/23/2023 and was found eligible and was connected to the center's CCBC profile on 05/24/2023. CCSM 7 was never fingerprinted and resigned on 05/10/2023.

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. ................................................... ............................................................................................... . ..................................... (2) All staff and volunteers shall wash their hands at all of the following times: (c) Before preparing and serving food and feeding children.

On 05/10/2023, I interviewed the complainant via telephone. The complainant stated the CCSMs in the one-year-old classroom do not wash, rinse, and sanitize the changing table after they diaper the children. They also do not wash their hands or the children's hands after they change the children's diapers and before they prepare the food that the parents provide for their children. The staff do not use gloves when preparing the food and serving the food that the parents provide for their children. On 05/17/2023, I completed an unannounced on-site inspection. I interviewed Ms. Cook and CCSM 2. They denied the allegation. Ms. Cook stated all CCSMs have been trained on how to properly change a child's diaper and how to clean the diapering pad after they change a diaper. They both stated CCSMs wash their hands and children's hands after diaper changes, before the children eat, and before the CCSMs serve the children food. The CCSMs use gloves when serving food. On 05/17/2023, I interviewed CCSM 1 at the center. She stated after changing a child's diaper, she cleans the diapering pad with bleach water. She then washes her hands and the children's hands. She washes her hands before serving the children snack and lunch. She also washes the children's hands before they eat snack and lunch. She uses gloves when serving the children their food. On 05/17/2023, I interviewed CCSM 3 at the center. CCSM 3 stated she wears gloves when changing diapers. After she changes a child's diaper, she washes her hands and the child's hands. She cleans the diaper changing pad with bleach water. She washes her hands before serving the children snack and lunch. She also washes the children's hands before they eat snack and lunch. She uses gloves when serving the children their food. 3 On 05/17/2023, I interviewed CCSM 4 at the center. CCSM 4 stated she wears gloves when changing diapers. After she changes a child's diaper, she washes her hands and the child's hands. She cleans the diaper changing pad with bleach water. She washes her hands before serving the children snack and lunch. She also washes the children's hands before they eat snack and lunch. She uses gloves when serving the children their food. On 05/17/2023, I interviewed CCSM 5 at the center. CCSM 5 stated after changing a child's diaper, she cleans the diapering pad with bleach water. She then washes her hands and the children's hands. She washes her hands before serving the children snack and lunch. She also washes the children's hands before they eat snack and lunch. She uses gloves when serving the children their food. While on-site on 05/17/2023, I observed the Jr. Cadets (10-18 months) classroom. I observed CCSM 8 change a male child's diaper. After she changed his diaper, she washed her hands and the child's hands. She sprayed a solution on the diaper changing pad, which she stated was bleach water. CCSM 8 did not wash the diaper changing pad with soap and water and she did not rinse the diaper changing pad with clean water. I observed CCSM 1 wash her hands before warming and serving the children's food. She washed the children's hands before they ate lunch. CCSM 3 also washed her hands before serving the children lunch. CCSM 1 and CCSM 3 wore gloves when serving the children food. While observing the Jr. Cadets classroom, I provided technical assistance regarding children under 18 months being allowed to sleep when tired. Children cannot be forced to stay awake to meet a classroom's daily schedule.

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. (2) All staff and volunteers shall wash their hands at all of the following times: (e) After each diapering.

The complainant stated CCSM 1 grabs the one-year-old children by the face to get them to look at her so she could verbally scold them. When the children are not listening to her, she grabs and squeezes their cheeks to make them look at her. The complainant did not know what she would say to the children. She also did not know if the children had any marks, bruises, or injuries from being grabbed by the face. The unknown CCSM in the preschool classroom verbally scolded a preschool child because she was picking at her name tag that was on the table. It is unknown what the CCSM said to the child but the CCSM's tone was demeaning. The complainant did not know when the incident occurred, who the child was or if there were other CCSMs who witnessed the alleged incident. Ms. Cook and CCSM 2 denied ever observing CCSM 1 grab a child by the face to get them to look at her so she could verbally scold them. CCSMs do not scold children. They use positive methods when redirecting children's behavior which includes not yelling at them or holding their faces to get them to listen to them. Ms. Cook and CCSM 2 are unaware of any situations when CCSM 1 grabbed and squeezed a child's face or when a CCSM spoke to a preschooler in a demeaning tone for picking with their name tag that was on the table. The Senior Academy classroom is the only room that uses name tags. I reviewed the center's discipline policy. All CCSMs receive a copy of the discipline policy when they are hired. CCSM 1 denied that she grabs the one-year-old children by the face to get them to look at her so she can verbally scold them. She also denied that she grabs and squeezes children's cheeks to make them look at her when they are not listening to A her. The children in her classroom are verbally redirected when they are biting. She tells them no biting or gives them a teething ring. She does not physically discipline or scold children. She has not witnessed any CCSMs scold a preschool child for picking at their name tag that was on the table. CCSM 3 denied ever observing CCSM 1 grab a child by the face to get them to look at her so she could verbally scold them. She has not observed CCSM 1 grab and squeeze children's cheeks to make them look at her when they are not listening to her. She has not witnessed any CCSMs scold a preschool child for picking at their name tag that was on the table. She and other CCSMs use gentle verbal redirection with the children. They do not yell at the children, and they do not physically discipline the children. CCSM 4 denied ever observing CCSM 1 grab a child by the face to get them to look at her so she could verbally scold them. She has not observed CCSM 1 grab and squeeze children's cheeks to make them look at her when they are not listening to her. She has not witnessed any CCSMs scold a preschool child for picking at their name tag that was on the table. She would inform either Ms. Cook or CCSM 2 if she observed a CCSM mistreat a child. She tells the children no thank you when verbally redirecting them. She does not use physical discipline with the children. CCSM 5 denied ever observing CCSM 1 grab a child by the face to get them to look at her so she could verbally scold them. She has not observed CCSM 1 grab and squeeze children's cheeks to make them look at her when they are not listening to her. She has not witnessed any CCSMs scold a preschool child for picking at their name tag that was on the table. She uses gentle verbal redirection when children bite other children, and she gives them something else to play with in the play area. She does not yell at the children or physically discipline them. On 05/17/2023, I interviewed CCSM 6 at the center. She does not work with CCSM 1. She denied scolding a preschool child for picking at her name tag that was on the table. She has not witnessed any CCSMs scold a preschool child for picking at their name tag that was on the table. She verbally redirects children by telling them no thank you an

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. (3) Staff and volunteers shall ensure that children wash their hands at all of the following times: (b) After toileting or diapering.

The complainant stated on 05/08/2023, CCSM 7 was left alone with seven one-year- olds for an unknown amount of time. CCSM 7 was told to go to the gym with the children while CCSM 1 was in the classroom feeding the other children. The center feeds the one-year-olds in half and hour shifts. Ms. Cook and CCSM 2 denied that the center is ever out of child care staff member- to-child ratio. If a CCSM needs a bathroom break or anything else, they use the walkie talkie to contact either Ms. Cook or CCSM 2 to ask for someone to cover the break. When a CCSM calls in for work, either Ms. Cook will cover the shift or another CCSM will be called in to cover the shift. CCSM 1 denied that they are ever out of child care staff member-to-child ratio. They were not out of child care staff member-to-child ratio on 05/08/20223. CCSM 7 was not left alone with seven one-year-olds on 05/08/2023. There are 12 children enrolled in the classroom and they feed the children in groups. One CCSM will take four children on a buggy ride while two CCSMs feed the other children or children are playing in the classroom. Either Ms. Cook or another CCSM will cover breaks or when someone calls in for their shift. CCSM 3 denied that they are ever out of child care staff member-to-child ratio. They were not out of child care staff member-to-child ratio on 05/08/20223. CCSM 7 was not left alone with seven one-year-olds on 05/08/2023. There are 12 children enrolled in the classroom and they feed the children in groups. One CCSM will take four children on a buggy ride while two CCSMs feed the other children or children are playing in the classroom. Either Ms. Cook or another CCSM will cover breaks or when someone calls in for their shift. Children are also moved to different classrooms depending on their age range to remain in compliance with the appropriate child care staff member-to-child ratio. CCSM 4 denied that they are ever out child care staff member-to-child ratio. She does not recall working with CCSM 7 on 05/08/2023. There are 12 children enrolled in the classroom and they feed the children in groups. One CCSM will take four children on a buggy ride while two CCSMs feed the other children or children are playing in the classroom. Either CCSM 2 or another CCSM will cover breaks or when someone calls in for their shift. CCSM 5 denied that they are ever out of child care staff member-to-child ratio. She does not recall working with CCSM 7 on 05/08/2023. There are 12 children enrolled in the classroom and they feed the children in groups. One CCSM will take four children on a buggy ride while two CCSMs feed the other children or children are playing in the classroom. Either CCSM 2 or another CCSM will cover breaks or when someone calls in for their shift. While on-site on 05/17/2023, I observed the Jr. Cadets (10-18 months) classroom. The child care staff member-to-child ratio was 3:12. I observed one CCSM take four children on a buggy ride while two CCSMs fed seven children and one child played on the floor. While observing the Jr. Cadets classroom, I provided technical assistance regarding infants and toddlers being fed on demand, which may not follow the center's group feeding schedule. I reviewed the attendance records for the Jr. Cadets classroom for 05/08/2023 and 05/09/2023. The child care staff member-to-child ratio of 1:4 was maintained on those days. On 06/21/2023, I left a voicemail message for CCSM 7. She did not return my telephone call.

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R 400.8137 · 1 R 400.8137 Diapering; toileting. (1) Except as provided in subrule (2) of this rule, diapering must occur in a designated diapering area that complies with all of the following: (f) Is washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. 5

During the on-site inspection, I observed CCSM 8 change a child's diaper and only sanitize the diaper changing pad. She did not wash, rinse, and sanitize the diaper changing pad. CCSM 8 stated she used bleach water to clean the diaper changing pad. The CCSMs that were interviewed stated they only use bleach water to clean the diaper changing pad after changing a child's diaper.

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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.

CCSMs use positive methods of discipline that encourage self- control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation.

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R 400.8182 · 1 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: (a) Infants and toddlers, birth until 30 months of age, child care staff member to child ratio of 1 to 4, with a maximum group size of 12 Z

The center maintained the child care staff member-to-child ratio in the Jr. Cadets classroom (birth to 30 months old requiring 1:4 ratio), on 05/08/2023, 05/09/2023, and 05/17/2023.

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R 400.8112 · 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. ..... ............................. ................................ A NALYSIS: On 05/17/2023, 1 reviewed the CCBC system. CCSM 4 was fingerprinted on 12/01/2022 and found eligible on 12/15/2022. She was connected to the center's CCBC profile on 05/23/2023.

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R 400.8122(5) · R 400.8122(5) Lead caregiver; qualifications; responsibilities. (5) Lead caregivers shall meet 1 of the following qualifications shown in Table 3: TABLE 3 Lead Caregiver Qualifications Education Coursework in Early Hours of Childhood education, Experience Child Development or a Child-Related Field (f) High school diploma 12 semester hours, 18 1920 or GED with CEUs, or a combination hours to equal 18 clock hours with The former child care staff member functioning as the lead

The complainant said that lead caregiver Miranda Markland became the lead in Academy 1 in August 2021, but she was demoted in recent weeks for failing to meet the lead caregiver qualification requirements and resigned in March 2022. On the inspection date, Licensee Designee Ms. Cook was on scheduled leave. Assistant program director Michelle Whitelaw was in charge. She said that she realized Ms. Markland still needed nine CEUs to fully qualify in December 2021 when the rule was clarified for her. After Ms. Markland was notified of this need, she had only completed two CEUs since and was recently demoted for failing to obtain it and other health and safety training needs. Eunice Gomez was rehired as co-lead in Academy 1 on February 21, 2022 and is the current lead caregiver in that classroom. I received documentation indicating that she meets the qualification requirements with 18 CEUs in early childhood education and early childhood development obtained through Care Courses—an IACET accredited training source, and over 1920 hours of experience.

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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.

The complainant said Child B (female, age 2) was crying and staff member Ms. Claire was consoling her. When the complainant asked why Child B was crying, Ms. Claire said that Ms. Lexi was feeding the child. When Child B said she was finished, Ms. Lexi told her she needed to eat more. While Child B was crying, she put a spoonful of food into Child B's mouth and told her to be quiet. The complainant did not witness this and said Ms. Claire (last name unknown) is no longer employed at the center. The alleged incident happened in July or August 2021. Ms. Cook and Ms. Whitelaw said they had no knowledge of this allegation. No one by the name of Claire or Lexi is currently employed at the center.

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R 400.8131 · 1 R 400.8131 Professional development requirements. (10) All child care staff members who work directly which children are required to be trained in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of being hired. Prior to issuing a license to operate a child care center, and prior to the renewal of a license, the department shall verify that at least 50% of the child care staff members who work directly with children are currently certified in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult CPR. Each of these child care staff member's first aid and CPR cer ..t ..i ..f ..i . c .a ....t .e ....s .. must be valid and retained on file in the center. Ms. Markland did not receive training in first aid and pediatric child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (h) Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar enclosure.

The complainant said Irma Bailey briefly put Child A (female, age 2) into a closet in the gym because she would not stop crying. Ms. Bailey immediately let her out when the complainant and Aisha Burt told her she could not do that. Ms. Bailey then said she needed a break and went to the restroom. Ms. Burt called assistant director Michelle Whitelaw to tell her what had happened. Ms. Whitelaw came to the gym and spoke privately to Ms. Bailey. The complainant did not tell anyone about it because Ms. Burt said she would handle it. The incident happened in May or June 2021. It was the only time the complainant had witnessed Ms. Bailey interact inappropriately with a child. 5 The complainant said there were cameras in the gym. However, she could not provide a specific date for the incident. When later interviewed, Ms. Cook said the camera equipment is the property of the church where the center is housed. Ms. Cook only has access to hallway cameras and the outdoor play structure. I interviewed Irma Bailey at the center on 4/19/22. She stated that Child A was crying and did not want the toys she was offered. Ms. Bailey brought Child A into the storage room where the children's equipment was stored. She propped her foot in the door while Child A searched for a toy. Child A grabbed a toy lawn mower and was struggling to bring it out of the closet. When Ms. Bailey leaned over to help her, she released the door, and they were both in the storage closet for a second after the door had closed. She told Ms. Burt to tell Ms. Whitehall so that there was no misunderstanding. I looked at the storage area during my visit. It was filled with toys. It's a modular unit approximately 120 square feet in size. It has no ceiling. The lights in the gym are the light source. I interviewed Ms. Burt. She and Miranda Markland were present with Ms. Bailey when the alleged incident occurred. She said Child A often has emotional outbursts. One day while this was happening in the gym, Ms. Bailey attempted to console her by offering her various toys that Child A refused. Ms. Bailey took her to the storage closet to choose her own. While they were in there, the propped door closed. It had not closed all the way and Ms. Bailey promptly opened it. She believes it was an accident and that Ms. Bailey had no intention of disciplining the child for crying. Ms. Bailey was doing her best to comfort her with toys. She told Ms. Whitelaw what had happened. She told her because staff had been told not to allow children in the storage area. Ms. Burt works with Ms. Bailey, often and almost daily, and she has no concerns about her interactions with children. I interviewed Ms. Whitelaw on the inspection date. Ms. Whitelaw said Ms. Burt told her about Child A being in the storage room and said she had told staff not to allow them to go there. Ms. Whitelaw sometimes calls Child A's parent because Child A screams in a shrill way on occasion and needs to be removed from a classroom. Staff have Walkie Talkies if they need help with any issues. She did not notify Child A's parent of this incident since she did not believe that the child being in the storage room for a matter of seconds with a staff member warranted notification. She shared the information with Ms. Cook who, when later interviewed, told me she could not recall the specifics but knew there had been no injuries. Ms. Cook said Ms. Bailey loves the children and the children love her. She has no concerns about her interactions with children. I interviewed Angelique Lantzy who was working with Ms. Bailey on the inspection date. She said she works with Ms. Bailey almost daily. She described her as very A attentive and loving toward children. She has no concerns about Ms. Bailey's interactions with children.

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R 400.8182 · ...................................... .. ...........p... rea........................... . ..._ R 400.8182 Ratio and grou size uirements. (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: Age Child Care Staff Maximum Member to Child Group Size Ratio (b) Preschoolers, 1 to 8 16 30 months of age ............................. until 3 years of age

The complainant said lead caregiver Miranda Markland worked alone in Academy 1 where the youngest child is 2 This requires a child care staff 1/2. member to child ratio of one staff member to eight children. The maximum number of children she supervised alone was ten. During my interview with Shruthi Pellenahally, she acknowledged that there may have been 9 or 10 children present with one child care staff member (CCSM) in Academy 1 when she arrived at 9:30 a.m. On the inspection date, proper ratios were maintained in Academy 1. The youngest child was 2 which requires a ratio of one child care staff member (CCSM) for 1/2 every eight children. There were two CCSMs and eleven children. Assistant director Michelle Whitelaw said the center is now well staffed and proper ratios are maintained. She learned that there was occasionally a problem with ratios when there were nine or ten children present before Ms. Pellenahally was scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. Children gather in the gym at drop off and Ms. Whitelaw said staff could have called her for help and she could have had someone assist if she had known they were over ratio. The center has since instituted a policy where parents must drop off their children on scheduled days and hours and are fined or refused care when they do not abide by this standard since allowing children to 7 come early or on unscheduled days has contributed to the problem. Ms. Cook agreed that the new policy has resolved the issue and proper ratios are maintained.

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