Macomb Learning Center, Inc.

R 400.8155 · 1 R 400.8155 Child accidents and incidents; child and staff illness. (4) If a center becomes aware that a staff member, volunteer, or child in care has contracted a communicable disease, then the center shall notify parents and provide all of the following information: (a) The name of the communicable disease the children were exposed to. (b) The symptoms of the disease. (c) Prevention measures as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the following website: ://www.cdc.gov/DiseasesConditions.

On February 8, 2022, Child Care Licensing received a written complaint stating that Ms. Coutilish, from The Macomb Learning Center, did not inform parents that several children were out sick with a communicable disease (COVID-19). The complainant stated they were upset that the facility had been closed for weather conditions for two days and closed for an additional day for sick children. The complainant left no contact information, so I was unable to receive any further information. On February 9, 2022, I conducted an unannounced inspection at The Macomb Learning Experience. Upon arrival I met with Licensee Designee/Program Director Christine Coutilish. I went over the allegations with Ms. Coutilish about not informing parents of children in care having a communicable illness. She explained that none of what is in the complaint is true. Yes, the facility closed two days due to severe weather conditions 2 on February 2 and 3, 2022. The facility remained closed on February 4, 2022, due to staff shortage and a portion of children not attending. Several child care staff members come from more than 30 miles away from the facility. On February 4, 2022, Ms. Coutilish made the decision that weather conditions were still severe enough to pose a safety risk to staff driving in to the facility. Since several children would not be attending due to a COVID-19 exposure at their school, attendance would be less than half. So, the facility remained closed on February 4, 2022. Ms. Coutilish stated that she sent out emails advising parents of the decision and the reasoning behind the decision. In the contract that parents sign it states that the center has the right to close due to extreme conditions. The emails that were sent to parents about the closure were forwarded to me. After reviewing the emails, I concur with Ms. Coutilish that the decision was explained. However, in the email it states: "#2. 25 out of 49 children have called/emailed off due to illness ... both COVID-19 related and other sicknesses." This is a confusing statement since it does not explain in detail that the children themselves were not sick with COVID-19 but in quarantine after exposure at school. Ms. Coutilish stated that she follows all Macomb County Health Department, Child Care Licensing COVID-19 protocols and procedures. The facility did not have any specific or documented cases of COVID-19 on February 4, 2022. If they did, she would have called the health department for further instructions. Note- the last email sent out by The Macomb Learning Experience could be considered notification of illness.

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