• 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 02/10/2021, a complaint was received alleging that the child care center's boiler system had not been functioning properly for many months. It was alleged that due to the outside weather conditions, the temperature inside of the child care currently was in the low 50's. It was also documented that no other forms of heat (such as electric heaters) were being used as it was a violation of the licensing requirements. On 02/10/2021, I conducted a phone interview with the complainant. The complainant stated that Ms. Kennell posted on social media stating that the boiler was broken. The complainant sent me a screenshot of the post. The undated post created by "Lisa Collins" stated the following: "Seriously someone tell me what I can do at this point. It is 56 degrees in my daycare. [Heating and Cooling company] has been dicking me around since October!!! Someone who knows anything about boilers, anyone who knows someone who know something about boilers??? Please! I cannot keep doing this! I've had to close three times already for this shit!!! Help me!" In a second undated post Lisa Collins posted the following: "Here is the phone number to [Heating and Cooling company]. Give them a call and let them know how you feel about a daycare being without a functional boiler since October." On 02/10/2021, I was able to verify with the complainant that Lisa Kennell was also known as Lisa Collins. On 02/11/2021, I conducted an onsite inspection at the child care facility. No one was present at the child care center on this day. I returned to the child care center on 02/17/2021, and again no one was at the child care center. I called the facility while I was still on property and no one answered the phone. On 02/18/2021, I called licensee Lisa Kennell. During this phone call, I informed Ms. Kennell of the allegations. She stated that while it was true that she had several issues with her boiler, there was only one day the children were at the child care center when 3 the temperature in the center was under 65 degrees. She stated that on 02/10/2021, she contacted parents to pick up their children so they would not be in the cold building for too long. She added that while the children were waiting to be picked up, the staff members did everything they could to keep the children warm. She stated that they used tents, made blanket forts, and did physical activities to stay warm. Ms. Kennell further explained that the boiler has been a "lemon" since she took over the lease for the building in May of 2019. She stated that she is responsible for fixing the heating equipment, but the landlord of the property is unwilling to put any money into assisting her and therefore issues have persisted. Ms. Kennell stated that the boiler is now fixed but there are still other concerns with the building. She added that center was last opened on 02/12/2021 but she told the parents on 02/17/2021 that she will not be re-opening the child care center. She indicated that the conflict with the landlord was one of the main reasons for her closure. On 02/19/2021, Ms. Kennell provided me contact information for Kelly Witkowski, a staff member, to confirm the information provided by Ms. Kennell. In contacted Ms. Witkowski on 03/15/2021 and 03/16/2021, and have not received a response as of the date of this report.

The facility's boiler system has not been functioning properly for many months.

Disposition: Substantiated