Fredette, Sheila

R 400.1903 · R 400.1903 Licensee responsibilities. (8) To comply with section 3c of the act, MCL 722.113c, a licensee shall have a policy and procedure on smoking and vaping that includes all of the following: (a) Ensure that smoking and vaping do not occur in child-use space, on the premises of a child care home while children are in care, and in a vehicle when used to transport children who are in care. .................

On November 15, 2022, I received a phone call from Mrs. Fredette stating that she might get a complaint made on her home because someone she knows ran into Child A's Mother (whose child used to attend the child care home until August 2022) who is harassing her. Immediately after giving her a discharge notice in August, a complaint was made against her home and Child A's Mother made threats against her. Recently, another parent ran into Child A's Mother and they had a conversation about whether Mrs. Fredette's license was revoked due to the last complaint. She was informed that it wasn't revoked and now Mrs. Fredette feels another false complaint will be made. On November 15, 2022, a complaint was made stating that Mrs. Fredette has been seen by Witness 1 smoking marijuana during the day while the children are in her care. She also drinks alcohol while the children are in her care. Her behavior is erratic and disturbing. It is believed she is using illegal street drugs as she cannot comprehend her own sentences and acts erratic. On November 15, 2022, I corresponded with the complainant. The complainant alleged that there are several witnesses who have observed Mrs. Fredette smoking marijuana and cigarettes during child care hours. Everyone knows that she drinks alcohol as well during child care hours; however, the only person willing to be interviewed is Witness 1. On November 17, 2022, I interviewed Witness 1 via telephone. Witness 1 stated that they live near Mrs. Fredette and are home oftentimes during the day to observe the child care home. Witness 1 is aware that Mrs. Fredette runs the child care during the daytime hours, generally during the week, but is unsure of the children's schedules or when the children are there. Witness 1 has observed Mrs. Fredette walk out of the house to go to her garage throughout the day. There aren't any children with her. It is unclear what she is doing. Witness 1 knows that she has smoked marijuana before, but always in the garage. Witness 1 has observed her smoking a cigarette on the porch at times during the day, but it is still unclear if children are in the home or not. Witness 1 indicated that Mrs. Fredette can appear erratic at times because she will text them non- stop about silly or irrelevant things. She also misspells words a lot and doesn't always make sense. Witness 1 has asked Mrs. Fredette repeatedly to stop texting them because they are busy. Witness 1 is not sure why Mrs. Fredette acts so erratic, but she has done this during the day when she knows that there are child care children present. Mrs. Fredette will text about the children being there, acknowledges that she is busy and needs to go. Mrs. Fredette has never specifically said that she is drinking or smoking. On November 17, 2022, I parked by the child care home and observed it from 4:15pm to 4:50pm. I observed Mrs. Fredette come out of the home very briefly (for less than one minute) to go to the detached garage and immediately go back in. It appeared that 3 she was carrying a bag of garbage. She did not come back outside during that time. At least one child was present, as I observed a parent pick them up around 4:55pm. On November 29, 2022, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection in the home at 4:31p m. I observed three small children present in Mrs. Fredette's care. Immediately upon entering the home I smelled cigarette smoke. Mrs. Fredette had a living room window cracked upon about one inch despite the cold weather outside. She was asked if she was smoking in the home and initially, she denied it. Upon further questioning about the smell in the home, and the open window, she stated that she had smoked one cigarette upstairs during naptime. She smoked it briefly by an opened window. She was reminded of the child care licensing rules regarding smoking on the premises during child care hours. She acknowledged that she knew the rules and that she shouldn't have, but she did. She adamantly denied that she smokes

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R 400.1911 · R 400.1911 Care; supervision; children. .......................................... ............................. (1) A licensee shall ensure appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

On November 15, 2022, the complainant stated that Mrs. Fredette leaves the home while she has the children in her care but does not take the children. Witness 1 observed her leaving. On November 17, 2022, Witness 1 stated that they are unsure if Mrs. Fredette ever leaves the children alone. It is hard to tell when she is operating or when the children are there. On November 17, 2022, I parked by the child care home and observed it from 4:15pm to 4:50pm. I observed Mrs. Fredette come out of the home very briefly (for less than one minute) to go to the detached garage and immediately go back in. It appeared that she was carrying a bag of garbage. She did not come back outside during that time. At least one child was present, as I observed a parent pick them up around 4:55pm. On November 29, 2022, Mrs. Fredette denied that she leaves the children home alone or leaves them unsupervised. She stated that she is always with the children when they are there. She is in the process of hiring a child care assistant to help her when she is there, but she is aware that the children must be supervised at all times. Mrs. Fredette stated that when she has an appointment or has to leave, she closes the child care, and the children are gone. It should be noted that the allegation's regarding Mrs. Fredette is not supervising the children adequately were investigated in December 2022, complaint number 2022D0354020. There were no violations found during that investigation. Child B-E's parents were interviewed at that time. They all denied having concerns of Mrs. Fredette not properly supervising the children.

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R 400.1904a · R 400.1904a Child care staff member; employment requirements. ................................................... ............... ..... ........................ (4) A child care staff member shall conduct himself or herself in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children and be able to meet the needs of children and provide for their care, supervision, and protection.

On November 17, 2022, Witness 1 stated that they were unaware of any seizures that Mrs. Fredette has allegedly had. On November 21, 2022, the complainant texted me a screenshot of an alleged conversation between Mrs. Fredette and Witness 1 from November 11, 2022. Mrs. Fredette texted "I started working at 6am this morning and just had a seizure about 20 minutes ago I'm done." Witness 1 responded "you have been blowing my phone up nonstop, so I find that hard to believe just stop messaging me." Mrs. Fredette responded, "it's been almost two months I haven't said anything until she made me look bad to one of parents today." The complainant is concerned that if Mrs. Fredette is having seizures, they are unpredictable and could happen at any time while caring for the children, driving with the children, or while holding the children. This is a huge concern and safety issue. The children could become harmed as she is alone with the children. On November 29, 2022, Mrs. Fredette denied that she recently had a seizure. She stated that her dog has had seizures and she texted this to Witness 1 about a week ago, she wasn't sure what date. Oftentimes she uses talk to text when she is texting and sometimes the words get misunderstood. She stated that this allegation is nonsense and just another false allegation made by the complainant. Mrs. Fredette showed me a text message on her phone to a different friend stating that her dog had a seizure. This was around the same time of the alleged conversation that the complainant provided. During the inspection, I observed Mrs. Fredette caring for the children. She was walking around, picking them up and appeared to be functioning normally. I observed her gathering the children's belongings and walking them outside to the parents. She did not appear to have a hard time completing these tasks. I requested that Mrs. Fredette have a physical completed by her physician and to send me a copy of the signed/dated health form. She indicated that she had to problem complying with this. She agreed to have one completed and sent to me. Previously, Mrs. Fredette submitted a copy to the department of a signed physical completed on April 12, 2022, documenting that she is in good physical and mental health. On January 05, 2023, Mrs. Fredette informed me that she was having difficulty getting into her primary physician. She is on the cancellation list at this time, but she has a scheduled appointment on February 01, 2023. On January 12, 2023, I completed an exit conference with Mrs. Fredette. On January 25, 2023, Mrs. Fredette submitted three written letters from her neighbors and a child care parent stating that they have observed her to be in good health. One neighbor wrote that they have "known her for over 15 years and have never observed her to be incapable of caring for children in any way." On February 02, 2023, I received a copy of Mrs. Fredette's physical. It was signed by a licensed physician and documented that she is in good physical and mental health and able to care for children.

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R 400.1932 · R 400.1932 Home maintenance and safety. (2) All dangerous and hazardous materials or items must be stored securely and out of the reach of children.

On August 11, 2022, I interviewed Child A's Mother. Child A (female, age 2.5) has attended the home for approximately one year since Mrs. Fredette moved to her new child care home. She has heard her say "I have to get back inside Child B (female, age 2) is in the high chair." She has also observed her going upstairs and leaving the children alone. On August 11, 2022, I received a phone call from Mrs. Fredette stating that she might get a complaint because she has a very upset parent. She had to issue a discharge notice to Child A's Mother yesterday because she continues to send Child A to the home when she is sick. Just yesterday she sent Child A to the home with a low-grade fever and she had to call Child A's Mother to address it. She asked her not to send her the next day if she was still sick because other children are getting sick too and this is starting to upset other parents. Mrs. Fredette has had to address this issue before and Child A's Mother gets really defensive. When she finally had to tell her it wasn't working out, Child A's Mother "went off on her" and started accusing her of being unprofessional and inappropriate. She tried to have a conversation with her and it was impossible. Mrs. Fredette texted me several conversations between her and Child A's Mother about Child A being sick many times, having a temperature and ongoing alleged allergies. Mrs. Fredette anticipates a complaint coming in because of all the nasty things that Child A's Mother said to her. On August 16, 2022, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection during which time I interviewed Mrs. Fredette. She denied that she leaves the children unattended or unsupervised. She periodically has to run upstairs for something but she is only gone for less than a minute. The home is very small and it only takes a second to grab whatever she may need. She denied getting ready when there are children there, she does this before they arrive. Mrs. Fredette feels that this complaint is stemming directly from the discharge notice and that Child A's Mother is lying about all the allegations because she no longer has child care. 3 • — • • - • f • I ! ' f ! • 1 • • • • • ■' c i i l Fi ~• - f • • • .•• •• • •_ fl • • • • • NOT . *': 0

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R 400.1902 · R 400.1902 Applicant; licensee; requirements. (2) An applicant or licensee shall be of responsible character and shall be suitable and able to meet the needs of children and provide for their care, supervision, and protection.

On August 11, 2022, Child A's Mother stated that Mrs. Fredette has two large dogs that are aggressive and bark at anyone coming into the home. Mrs. Fredette asks parents to stay outside when dropping off because the dogs go crazy and jump on people. The children that attend there are under school age and this is unsafe. The younger dog is very aggressive and barks so much it is scary. On August 16, 2022, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection. I observed two dogs present outside. One was with AHHM1 in the garage on a tether, and the other one was in the fenced in backyard. They both barked loudly upon my arrival and remained outside during the inspection. Mrs. Fredette stated that the dogs do bark anytime someone comes to the house but they are friendly. The older dog just likes to jump in the windows to see who is there. The younger one is much more energetic and just likes to be in the middle of everything. Mrs. Fredette affirms she would never allow the dogs to be around the children if they were unsafe or aggressive. The dogs know the children and love them. The children are used to them and are not scared. Most of the time during good weather, the dogs are outside in the fenced in area. The reason she prefers parents to stay outside is because of AHHM1's health being compromised and the less germs in the house the better. She has a covered porch where it is easy for them to drop off there and the entryway doesn't have a lot of room. It isn't because of the dogs. I explained the risk of potential harm some dogs are capable and to be mindful of this when having any pets around small children. Mrs. Fredette agreed that she would separate them or not have the dogs if they were ever aggressive. On August 16, 2022, AHHM1 denied that the dogs are aggressive. They are just loud barkers and would not harm the children. The younger one will jump at adults and they try to stop him. On August 17, 2022, Child B's Mother stated that the dogs bark a lot and can be scary, but Child B isn't scared of them. They just sound scary to outside people. On August 17, 2022, Child C's Mother stated that the dogs bark a lot. They are not aggressive. On August 17, 2022, Child D's Mother stated that she doesn't even see the dogs, she just hears them barking. She did not have any concerns related to the children though. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Mother stated that the dogs are just noisy, but the kids are fine. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Father stated that his fiancee doesn't mind the dogs, but he does. They might be a little too aggressive or energetic for what he prefers, but 5 f'. • • i• of ~'. • • ` • r • • • • ' !' t [ cupboards X On August 17, 2022, Child C's Mother stated that she has never seen children in or near the cupboards. On August 17, 2022, Child D's Mother denied seeing the children in the kitchen area or near any cupboards. There is a gate in between this area so they cannot go in there. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Mother and Father denied seeing any children in the cupboards or kitchen area. On August 23, 2022, Relative 1 recalled hearing Mrs. Fredette say one time that "Child B was inside by herself and will get into my cupboards." She didn't know what was in her cupboards but she sounded concerned.

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R 400.1904b · ...................................................................................................................................................................... R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requirements. (6) A child care assistant shall not substitute for the licensee or a child care staff member.

On August 11, 2022, Child A's Mother was informed by another adult who has been to the home that Mrs. Fredette drinks and works at the same time. In addition, she has smelled alcohol on Mrs. Fredette's breathe at pick-up time. Mrs. Fredette has admitted that she drinks a box of wine every day. She has never addressed this issue before but is concerned. On August 16, 2022, I completed an unannounced onsite inspection near pick up time. I did not smell alcohol on Mrs. Fredette. She was outside with the children while waiting for their parents. I did not observe slurred speech or other signs of visible impairment. Mrs. Fredette denied that she consumes alcohol at any time during child care hours. She acknowledged that she has wine in her refrigerator, and that she periodically consumes alcoholic beverages during non-childcare hours. She reiterated that the complaint is retaliation over a recent discharge notice and that this allegation is completely untrue. 7 On August 16, 2022, AHHM1 denied that he has ever seen Mrs. Fredette consume alcohol during child care hours. On August 17, 2022, Child B's Mother denied ever hearing about or seeing Mrs. Fredette use alcohol during child care hours. On August 17, 2022, Child C's Mother stated that she has never seen or smelled Mrs. Fredette using alcohol. On August 17, 2022, Child D's Mother stated that she has "absolutely never" seen Mrs. Fredette using alcohol during child care hours. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Mother stated that she has never smelled alcohol on Mrs. Fredette. She has a very hyper personality at times but she has never thought she was drunk or drinking alcohol. On August 23, 2022, Relative 1 stated Mrs. Fredette smelled like alcohol on two occasions back in the spring when she was picking Child A up. She immediately reported it to Child A's Mother but did not address this concern to Mrs. Fredette. She did not observe her to be slurring and didn't feel that she was bad enough to report it to anyone else.

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R 400.1904b · R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requirements. ............... (2) Prior to contact with children, the individual shall be determined by the department to be eligible to serve as a child care assistant, as required by R 400.1925. 11

On August 11, 2022, Child A's Mother stated that Child A told her that her "butt hurts because Lala ( the nickname she uses for Mrs. Fredette ) spanked me." At first, she did not believe her and assumed it meant she had a rash or needed her diaper to be changed, but then Child A repeated that "Lala spanked her." Child A explained that she had been in trouble for hitting another child and that is why she spanked her. She addressed this with Mrs. Fredette and she denied that she ever spanked Child A or any child. Recently Child A started screaming before going inside to Mrs. Fredette's house and said she was scared. Mrs. Fredette heard it and said, "c'mon let's go play inside" and she went inside. Another time Child A had a bruise on her cheek and Mrs. Fredette had no idea how that happened. Child A's Mother noticed it at pick-up. She did not take Child A to be medically assessed. The concern with the bruise wasn't that Child A was being abused, rather that Mrs. Fredette doesn't supervise the children and this could have resulted from another child or anything else. Child A is pretty articulate but she didn't think that she could be forensically interviewed. Child A no longer attends the home but there is a concern that Mrs. Fredette might spank another child. On August 16, 2022, Mrs. Fredette denied that she has ever spanked Child A or any child. The discipline that she uses is redirecting the children, talking to them, or separating them aside from the others if they are misbehaving. Spanking or corporal punishment is not allowed in child care homes. She described Child A as being very sweet and well behaved most of the time. Child A is going through a lot in her home life with her parent's fighting and drug use. Unfortunately, this has impacted her behaviors and she has had to address a few negative behaviors with her before. Child A's Mother has never had a concern before or mentioned her being spanked or having unexplained bruises. Mrs. Fredette did not recall her having any significant marks or bruises. If any child has a scratch or bruise, she will text the parents or report it at the end of the day, but usually this is seldom. On August 16, 2022, AHHM1 denied ever seeing Mrs. Fredette spank Child A or any child. On August 17, 2022, Child B's Mother stated that Child B loves going to the child care home and she has never had a concern that Mrs. Fredette would spank her. Child B has had a couple small marks from normal playing and bruises. Mrs. Fredette always communicates any small injuries or bruises if her child gets hurt while there. On August 17, 2022, Child C's Mother stated that she has never heard about Mrs. Fredette spanking her child or any child. She has never observed this. Mrs. Fredette's whole demeanor is usually being overly kind and too nice, she would never even spank a child. Child C had a scratch one time and Mrs. Fredette told her how it happened. She had no concerns. On August 17, 2022, Child D's Mother denied every seeing Mrs. Fredette spank a child or Child D. There are never any unexplained marks on her. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Mother and Father denied that Child E has ever had any marks, bruises, or injuries. Child E's Father stated that Child E is very articulate and would definitely report if Mrs. Fredette or anyone spanked her. On August 23, 2022, Relative 1h a never observed Mrs. Fredette spank a child, but Mrs. Fredette told her one time that she had to give Child A "a pat on the butt" because she rj a ~' r • . • • • F fltriiti • is ' • i 7 -• — • -s•-• • • • : •:r - .:• - • ~ • • • b m On August 17, 2022, Child D's Mother stated that she has never observed another caregiver there when she picks up or drops off Child D. On August 17, 2022, Child E's Mother stated that she has observed Ms. Alfaro at the home a few times. She was introduced to her and Mrs. Fredette asked her if it was alright if she watches Child E if she has to leave a couple times. She agreed that this would be ok, she s

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R 400.1904b · R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requirements. ..... ........ (3) Within 90 days of hire, a child care assistant shall provide the licensee all of the following: (a) A valid certification in infant, child, and adult CPR.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete CPR training within 90 days or hire.

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R 400.1904b · R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requirements. ......................................... ........ ..................... ....... (3) Within 90 days of hire, a child care assistant shall provide the licensee all of the following: (b) A valid certification in first aid.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete first aid training within 90 days or hire.

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R 400.1904b · R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requuiirreemmeennttss.. (3) Within 90 days of hire, a child care assistant shall provide the licensee all of the following: (c) Proof of training in the prevention of infectious disease, including immunizations. Hours of training in the prevention of infectious disease from MiRegistry will be allowed to count for training hours to meet this requirement.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete infectious disease and immunization training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1904b · R 400.1904b Child care assistant; requirements. (4) A child care assistant shall be supervised directly at all times by the licensee or a child care staff member who is present on site and can observe the child care assistant.

Mrs. Fredette acknowledged that Ms. Alfaro was not directly supervised by her on a few occasions when she had to leave the home for a short while.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. .............................................................. ......... ...................................... ............. .............................. ....... (3) A licensee shall ensure that child care staff members and child care assistants, prior to caring for children, have training that includes information on all of the following: (a) Safe sleep practices to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete safe sleep training prior to caring for children.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. (3) A licensee shall ensure that child care staff members and child care assistants, prior to caring for children, have training that includes information on all of the following: (b) Recognition of and the reporting of child abuse and neglect.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete child abuse and neglect training prior to caring for children.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. .................................................... .................... ................. .......... ............ .......... (3) A licensee shall ensure that child care staff members and child care assistants, prior to caring for children, have training that includes information on all of the following: (c) Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment prior to caring for children.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (a) Child development.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete child development training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · ................................................................................... R 400.1905 Training. ............................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... ........................................................... (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (b) Administration of medication.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete administration of medication training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. .................. ............. ..................................... ................... ...................................................................... (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (c) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete prevention of and response to emergencies training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. .................................................. ............................................................. (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (d) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (e) Precautions in transvortina children.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete precautions in transporting children training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · ................................................................................... R 400.1905 Training. ............................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... ........................................................... (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (f) Building and physical premises safety.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete building and physical premises training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1905 · R 400.1905 Training. (4) Within 90 days after receiving a child care license or of being hired at a child care home, a licensee, a child care staff member, and a child care assistant shall complete training on all of the following topics: (g) All hazards emergency preparedness and response olannina.

Ms. Alfaro did not complete all hazards emergency preparedness and response planning training within 90 days of hire.

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R 400.1907 · R 400.1907 Child's records. (3) Dated daily attendance records of children in care must be maintained and include the child's first and last name and the time of arrival and departure. Electronic records may be used. If electronic records are used, they must be available to the department at the time of the inspection. If electronic attendance records are not available during an on-site inspection, the child care home is in violation of this rule.

Mrs. Fredette acknowledged that she wasn't recording the daily attendance of the children.

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