Ready, Step, Grow

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.

On 02/27/2023, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection at Ready, Step, Grow. I interviewed CCSM 1. CCSM 1 has heard program director, Jilayane Thomas discipline children but wouldn't say that she is yelling or yells at children. CCSM 1 said it depends on how someone might interpret harshness or yelling. CCSM 1 knows that there were two staff members who disagreed with how Jilayane talked to children. CCSM 1 believes it was CCSM 6 and is not sure of the other CCSM's name. CCSM 6 recently stopped working at the center because she was an opener and Jilayane had to have a talk with her about being late. This caused tension between CCSM 6 and Jilayane. CCSM 6 quit unexpectedly and started saying bad things about the center on social media. On 03/01/2023, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection at Ready, Step, Grow. I interviewed program director Jilayane Thomas, licensee Khaled Mheisen, CCSM 2, and CCSM 3. Program director Jilayane Thomas stated that she uses a teacher voice which, is a little louder than her normal voice. If she is across the room and sees something she will use a louder voice to get the child's attention if she cannot get over to the child fast enough. The tone or voice she uses is never derogatory, mean, or degrading. Jilayane does not talk down to children or yell at them to be mean. Recently Jilayane had some staffing changes and with new staff coming in she decided to update polices regarding phone usage for staff. Previously, Jilayane did have a few staff members that were constantly on their phones. Jilayane had a staff meeting to address the issue and shortly after a group of four staff members quit throughout the month of February 2023. CCSM 2 stated that yelling is subjective. Jilayane does use a louder voice, more of a teacher type of voice. CCSM 2 has not seen or heard Jilayne just yelling at children to be mean or hurtful. Jilayane usually only uses a loud voice out of need or urgency; to quickly redirect a child from harm or something they should not be doing. 3 No other staff members yell at children. CCSM 2 is not constantly on her phone and has not seen other staff members on their phone or iPad consistently. CCSM 3 provided the same information about Jilayane as CCSM 2. CCSM 3 also provided the same information about staff cell phone usage as CCSM 2. During my onsite inspection on 03/01/2023, I did hear Jilayane using a firm voice when trying to get children to transition from lunch to rest time. Jilayane was not yelling but did use a firm voice when redirecting children. I did not witness any staff on their phones will at the onsite inspection. On 03/06/2023, I completed telephone interviews with CCSM 4 and CCSM 5. CCSM 4 no longer works for the center and stopped 01/23/2023. CCSM 4 stopped working because she needed to begin later than what she was scheduled, and the center was not able to accommodate her schedule request. CCSM 4 stated that Jilayane does yell at the children. CCSM 4 stated that if kids are fighting or crying because they miss their parents Jilayane will get frustrated with the kids and yell at them. CCSM 4 was unable to recall specifically what she would say, "it would be something like sit down, or come and sit down." CCSM 4 did witness staff members constantly on their phones. A week before she left the center the center started a new cell phone policy to get staff off their phones. CCSM 5 returned from medical leave on 03/02/2023, she had been out for about a month. CCSM 5 provided the same information as CCSM 1, 2, and 3. CCSM 5 stated that there are sometimes quite a few children at the center at once and Jilayane may have to speak loudly, and she could see that being mistaken as yelling. CCSM 5 stated that she is very soft spoken and has herself had to use a louder voice than she is comfortable with to be heard. I attempted to contact CCSM 6 on 03/06/2023, 03/07/2023, 03/10/2023, and 03/13/2023. I left voicemails with each attempt. On 03/06//2023, I completed t

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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.

CCSM 1 only works a few hours out of the week. CCSM 1 was able to describe a schedule that the center follows. CCSM 1 is usually there after rest time in which snack is provided and then pick up begins. During pick up children are allowed free play time. Program director Jilayane Thomas stated that the center uses and follows the high scope curriculum. There is schedule posted in each classroom throughout the center. The high scope curriculum consists of leaning through play and discovery. Staff are only to use the television which is in the main preschool room for movement breaks if they cannot go outside. CCSM 2 and CCSM 3 provided the same information as Jilayane. They use the high scoop curriculum which consists of planning, do, and review. They both follow their classrooms daily schedules and do a mixture of structured and free play with movement and meals. On 03/06/2023, I completed telephone interviews with CCSM 4 and CCSM 5. CCSM 4 stated that her child was previously attending the center, but she decided to pull her out because she did not agree with what or how the center was teaching the children. The children watch television and aren't engaged in any activities. The children watch a lot of television. When CCSM 4 would get in at 7:30 the television A was on. The children would have a lot of play time and do the Wiggles on television. CCSM 4 stated that they all had a schedule, but it was just a lot of playing. CCSM 5 stated that she arrives at 9:00 a.m.; kids arrive between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. The center does breakfast and play time, then circle time where they go over the curriculum for the day, more learning through play, then they do gross motor movement, then lunch, then have quite time/rest time, then snack time and they get ready to go home and have free play. They have a strict 30-minute TV time, when they do the wiggles, they cover the TV so children can hear but not watch, the last 15 minutes of the day is when the TV comes on and it is always something educational.

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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 Age Child Care Staff Maximum Member to Child Ratio Group Size ( Infants and toddlers, birth until 30 1 to 4 12 a) months of age ( Preschoolers. 30 mouths of age I to 8 16 b until 3 years of age ( Preschoolers. 3 years of age taitil 4 1 to 10 Not applicable c) veal's t)f acre ( Preschoolers, 4 years of age until 1 to 12 Not applicable d) school-age { School-agers Ito 18 Not applicable

CCSM 1 stated that the center is never out of ratio that she knows about. CCSM 1 only works dismissal, from about 3:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. and she is generally always in ratio, from what she knows. Program director Jilayane stated that the center is never out of ratio. The licensees will come down to the center if someone calls off to ensure they are in ratio. The center also has four backup staff members if needed. CCSM 2 and 3 stated that they have never had to work out ratio and that the center is always in ratio. On 03/06/2023, I completed a telephone interview with CCSM 5. CCSM 5 stated that the center has more staff than they need just in case more children come than expected. CCSM 5 stated they have never been out of ratio while she has worked there. During my onsite inspection on 03/01/2023, I reviewed staff and student attendance for the week of 02/20/2023-02/24/2023. The center had sufficient staff to satisfy the ratio for the age ranges and time frames children were present. During the week of 02/20/2023-02/24/2023 the center was not out of ratio on any day. During both onsite visits the center was in ratio and had more than enough staff to satisfy ratios.

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R 400.8182 · 1 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.

During my onsite inspection on 02/27/2023, there were five children present, they were in the main preschool room. The children ranged in ages from 18 months to 3 years old. CCSM 1 stated that it was dismissal time, so all the children were together. Jilayane stated that there are three classrooms: two toddler rooms, and then the large preschool room. The preschool room is the main room/entrance of the center. The preschool room includes the centers kitchen area. At the beginning of the day all the children are together in the preschool room for breakfast and then the children split off into their individual rooms. Sometimes all the children and staff come together and eat together in the main preschool room area. Then for dismissal which begins around 3:30, they may all come together staff and kids in the main preschool room, depending on children's numbers. Jilayane would not say that kids are hurt a lot. In the past 30 days there has not been one serious accident or injury to a child. The center does complete injury reports whenever there is a visible mark or bruise. CCSM 2 stated that she is typically in the preschool room with Jillayane. Normally they (center staff and children) are all together in the large preschool room. They are in ratio, however, they will all have their kids together. CCSM 2 does not think that children are hurt a lot or have numerous injuries. CCSM 2 works in the toddler room. CCSM 3 stated that each room has a certain number of children, however the preschool room is the largest room and common area in the center. Throughout the day there are times in which they do activities all together. The children are not hurt when they come together in the preschool room. CCSM 5 stated whether they combine the children together is determined by the number of children present at any given time or day. The staff always ensure that it is safe for all the children to be together. During the onsite inspection on 03/01/2023, I reviewed the student attendance for the week of 02/20/2023-02/24/2023. Attendance records show the center has 14 children enrolled ages 18 months to 5 years of age. During that week the center never had all 14 children present on any given day. Additionally, I reviewed the incident reports the for past 90 days and there were only three completed. The preschool room is more of a multipurpose area. There room is large and is comprised of a preschool learning area, kitchen area, and the children's lunch tables. The preschool learning space is defined and there is equipment that could be used to separate areas or groups of children. During my onsite inspection on 03/01/2023, there were 12 children present. The children were in the toddler room and preschool room. rj

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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.

Jilayane stated that cleaning is done throughout the day. All the staff are responsible for cleaning throughout the day, but Jilayane does most of the major cleaning. They have weekly and daily cleaning schedule that all staff are to follow. Additionally, they have someone coming in once a week to complete a deep cleaning and sanitization of the center; this began two weeks ago. CCSM 1 stated that the center doesn't appear dirty to her and that they recently started having someone come in to do a deep cleaning once a week. CCSM 2 stated that the center has cleaning procedures. Some items require the three-step cleaning process after each use or before use. They also use a rotating schedule for cleaning toys and other large items. CCSM 2 would never say the center is dirty. CCSM 3 and CCSM 5 provided the same information as the program director and CCSM 1 and 2. CCSM 4 stated that she would never describe the center as dirty, but they could clean more. During both onsite inspections on 02/27/2023 and 03/01/2023 the center appeared to be clean and free from filth. I observed staff cleaning after lunch time and while children were preparing for rest time. I also observed both daily and weekly cleaning procedures and schedules posted in all rooms.

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R 400.8146 · R 400.8146 Information provided to parents. (3) For infants and toddlers, a center shall provide parents with a written daily record that includes at least the following information: (a) Food intake time, type of food, and amount eaten. (b) Sleeping patterns indicating when and how long the child slept. (c) Elimination patterns, including bowel movements, consistency, and frequency. (d) Developmental milestones. (e) Changes in the child's usual behaviors.

Based on interviews of parents and the program director, parents of infants and toddlers do not receive a daily record detailing food intake, sleeping patterns, elimination patterns, developmental milestones, or change in child's usual behavior.

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R 400.8179 · R 400.8179 Program. (9) Use of media is prohibited for children under 2 years of age. 12

Based on the interviews of CCSM's, parents, and my onsite inspections media is used with children under 2 years of age.

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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.

On 07/14/2022 and 07/18/2022, I conducted an unannounced investigation at the facility. On both occasions, I inspected the completely fenced outdoor play area and the gate locking device. The outdoor play area was clean and clutter free. The gate did close but required manual latching. The two little tykes outdoor climbing structures are toward the rear fencing and approximately 3-4 feet from the entrance gate. Child A was located in the front yard of a neighbor's home which is approximately 15 yards, or 40 feet from the gate. The program director, Ms. Jilayne Thomas was also interviewed by phone. Ms. Thomas was not present the day of the incident but the child care staff members (CCSMs) called her to report the incident. There were four children present with two staff. At about 10:00 a.m., they took the children outside to play. Once outside they completed the required head count and noticed the inground climbing equipment was wet. One staff member went indoors to get paper towel to wipe the equipment. When she returned the children were in close proximity helping or watching them clean the equipment. Within minutes he must have wandered out the gate and went next door. All staff are aware constant supervision of children is required at all times. Ms. Thomas has retrained all staff on supervision. 3 On 07/20/2022, I interviewed Child A's Mother. She does not recall which of the staff called her, but she was notified of Child A having wandered away from the facility and they located him at a neighbor's house. She is not clear on what happened and felt there were some inconsistencies in the story told to her. She has not had any problems or concerns with the facility but is uncertain how Child A was able to wander away with there being two staff on duty with four children. The facility has always provided appropriate care and supervision and she understands "accident happens." As of this report, Child A remains at the center. On 07/25/2022, I interviewed the staff present during the incident. CCSM Faith Puschell feels bad that Child A got out of the gate and could not believe how fast everything happened. At approximately 10:20 a.m., she and another staff member decided to take the children outside to play. They completed the regular routine of lining them up and conducting head counts before and when they arrived outside. Ms. Puschell found the climbing equipment was wet from morning dew and she did not want the children to get hurt or dirty playing on it. She went inside to get paper towel and they begin wiping the equipment while the children were following and watching them. Child A was close to her and within 1-2 minutes, she noticed he was no longer at her side and begin calling his name and looking for him. She went inside to see if he had wandered back in the building. Finding he was not there, she ran outside the gate and looked around. Although calling Child A's name he did not respond to her. Ms. Puschell walked toward Beck Rd and found nothing. She then walked across the front grass and saw him sitting in the neighbor's yard. She believes the incident took no more than 5-6 minutes because she was "moving really fast" looking for him. CCSM Maria Al-Qadhi said she was still wiping down the slides when Ms. Puschell asked her if she had seen Child A. She responded, "No" and begin looking around the large yard. She does not recall the last time she saw him, but remembers he was present when they started wiping down the equipment. After not seeing him in the yard, Ms. Al-Qadhi begin watching the remaining children while Ms. Puschell looked for Child A. They both noticed the gate to the playground was still closed as it were when they came outside. As Ms. Puschell walked closer to it, she noticed it had not been locked when the last parent left and went out looking for Child A. Ms. Al-Qadhi begin calling Child A's Mother, licensee Mr. Khaled Mheisen and the program director Jilayne Thomas and reported the incident. As she

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