• Violation

  R 400.8170 · 1 R 400.8170 Outdoor play area, (3) A center operating with children in attendance for 3 or more continuous hours per day shall provide daily outdoor play, unless prevented by inclement weather or other weather conditions that could result in children becoming overheated or excessively chilled.

  On June 14, 2021, I spoke to the Complainant. The Complainant reported that September 2020, Okemos Nursery School transitioned to an outdoor preschool to mitigate the risk of coronavirus transmission. When The Complainant picked up Child A (male, age 4) from child care he reported being cold and wet. The Complainant also observed Child A's clothing to be wet. When The Complainant 2 discussed the concerns with director, Renae Slaton, The Complainant was told that the children enjoy being outside. The Complainant stated that the child care center did provide parents with policies and procedures explaining the outdoor preschool model, including the type of raincoats, clothing, and footwear to provide for their children daily. The Complainant stated being pleased with the child care center and agreeing to the outdoor model but being concerned with the children being outside during rain, snow, and extreme cold temperatures. On June 15, 2021, I completed an unannounced on-site inspection at the child care center. I individually interviewed program director, Renae Slaton and child care staff, Jayne Locke. Ms. Slaton stated that Okemos Nursery School transitioned to outdoor forest style learning preschool September 14, 2020, to mitigate the risk of coronavirus transmission. The child care center operated from September 2020 until November 2020. The child care center closed from November 2020 until March 2021, due to the increase of statewide coronavirus cases. The child care reopened March 2021 until July 2021.The child care center operates two half day sessions from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The child care center closes from mid-July until mid-September. Ms. Slaton denied that any child was ever wet or cold all day. Ms. Slaton stated that children were taken inside to warm up if they became too cold, and their clothing was changed if wet. Children were also taken inside to use the restroom. Parents were given policies and procedures to agree to, which explained the outdoor forest preschool learning model. Parents were instructed to provide their children with an OAKI raincoat, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and a change of clothing. Ms. Slaton also stated that heating lamps were provided outside as well as tents for shelter. She denied receiving any complaints from parents of children being too cold or wet. I also interviewed Ms. Locke. Ms. Locke denied that any child was ever wet or cold all day. Ms. Locke stated that children were taken inside to warm up if they became too cold, and their clothing was changed if wet. She also stated that parents were instructed to provide children with an OAKI raincoat, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and a change of clothing. She denied receiving any complaints from parents of children being too cold or wet. On June 18, 2021, I spoke to Child B&C's Mother. She stated that she received policies and procedures and signed a compact statement agreeing to the outdoor forest learning school approach at the child care center. The information received informed her of the proper clothing to provide for her children. She stated that she was very pleased with the child care center and never had any concerns regarding her children being wet or cold. Her daughter once informed her of another child that was taken inside due to her feet being cold. 3 On June 18, 2021, I spoke to Child D's Mother. She stated that she received policies and procedures and signed a compact statement agreeing to the outdoor forest learning school approach at the child care center. She reported never having a concern with her son being wet or too cold. She was made aware by Ms. Slaton that there were times that the children were taken inside to warm up. On June 22, 2021, I spoke to Child E&F's Mother. She stated that she received policies and procedures and signed a compact statement agreeing to the outdoor forest learning school approach at the child care center. She reported being pleas

The preschool transitioned to an outdoor model and the children are kept outdoors during rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Child A (male, age 4) complained of being cold and wet all day.

Disposition: Substantiated