Caterpillar Corner Childcare Center

R 400.8125(1) · R 400.8125(1) Staff; volunteer; requirements. All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

On 12/18/2024, CCSM 1 used inappropriate care with Child A when CCSM 1 forcefully slammed Child A on the cot and hit Child A in the chest.

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R 400.8140(2)(a) · R 400.8140(2)(a) Discipline. Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

On 12/18/2024, CCSM 1 used prohibited discipline when CCSM 1 hit Child A in the chest.

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R 400.8125(2) · R 400.8125(2) Staff; volunteer; requirements. All staff and volunteers shall act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

On 12/18/2024, CCSM 1 forcefully pulled Child A down onto the cot and aggressively hit Child A in the chest. CCSM 1 does not promote the safety and well-being of children in a licensed child care setting. The Child Care Licensing Bureau finds that CCSM 1 is not conducive to the welfare of children.

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 1 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (1) All staff and volunteers shall provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times.

On 02/02/2023, I spoke to the complainant. The complainant stated that children are not supervised appropriately at the center. Child A was scratched by another child multiple times and the center is not doing anything about it. Child A received a head injury and there was no contact by the center. On 02/02/2023 I spoke to Child A's Mother. She stated that Child A attended Caterpillar Corner from 1/23/2023 to 2/01/2023. Child A attended the blended Great Start Readiness Preschool (GSRP)/tuition preschool classroom. CCSM A (lead caregiver) and CCSM B (assistant) both worked in this classroom during each incident. Child A's Mother said Child A sustained two injuries during the time that she was enrolled at this center. She said on 01/23/2023, she observed that Child A had a large bump on the right side of her forehead. The bump was along her hairline. On 02/01/2023 she noticed Child A had scratches on the left and right side of her head near her eyes. She said the scratches were deep and there were several. The left side of Child A's face had at least five scratches and her right eye was swollen due to scratches near her right eyelid. Child A's Mother stated that these injuries occurred while Child A was at the center. On 01/23/2023, Child A's Mother said that the program director did not call to tell her what happened and that she received a handwritten note (Incident Report) when she picked Child A up at the end of the day. She signed the note. On 02/01/2023, Child A's Mother picked Child A up from the child care center. She immediately noticed that Child A had scratches on her face. She asked Ms. Theodore what happened to Child A's face, and Ms. Theodore replied that she was unsure and would need to follow up with CCSM A and CCSM B to determine what occurred. Child A did not receive medical care from a physician; however, Child A's Mother applied a healing ointment to the affected area. She stated that Child A is not sleeping well and is scared to return to the facility. Child A's Mother requested information regarding the incident and how it occurred. She is concerned with the supervision of children at the facility and fears for Child A's safety when she is at the center. An incident report was provided; however, she did not sign it. She took it with her. On 02/01/2023, I received a phone call from Ms. Theodore. She indicated that there was an incident at the facility and wanted to notify the department. She stated that Child A received a bump on her head while she was at the child care facility. She said she 3 should have called Child A's Mother but got busy and did not call but did provide a written report of the incident. She stated the bump was minor in nature and the child obtained the injury when she fell into a shelf. Ms. Theodore said Child A had scratches on her face that were not present before coming to the center. Ms. Theodore was not sure what happened to Child A, since the assigned staff members had already left for the day. She informed Child A's Mother that she would speak to staff members and review video footage from 02/01/2023 of the GSRP/tuition classroom and let her know her findings. She observed the following: At 9:45 am, another child scratched Child A on the right side of her face. Staff did not notice the incident. At 2:49 pm, another child scratched Child B on the left side of her face. Staff did notice the incident. Ms. Theodore stated she reached out to Child A's Mother to inform her of the findings; however, she received no response. She left a voicemail message. On 02/07/2023 I conducted an unannounced onsite inspection. The center was closed due to COVID-19 precautions; however, Ms. Theodore was at the facility. I interviewed her. She confirmed that Child A bumped her head at the facility on 01/23/2023 and was scratched by Child C on 02/01/2023. Ms. Theodore said that Child C has a history of scratching other children and is on a behavioral plan. She explained that the plan is for staff membe

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R 400.8155 · R 400.8155 Child accidents and incidents; child and staff illness. (1)A center shall have a written plan for how and when a parent is notified when personnel observe any of the following: b A child experiences an accident, injury, or incident. C~

On 03/06/2023 I spoke to Child B's Mother. She stated that Child B was scratched three times at the facility. Child B was scratched one time each, in September, December, and March. Child B's Mother is very concerned about the safety of the children and feels not enough is being done to prevent children from harming one another while in care. She said, the first time she observed a scratch on Child B was in September 2022. She could not recall the date. In December 2023, Child B was scratched on the neck. She asked Child B what happened, and she stated that Child C scratched her. When she asked Ms. Theodore what occurred, Ms. Theodore said she did not observe a scratch on Child B or observe Child C scratch Child B. An incident report was not completed, because the center was not aware the incident had occurred. Child B's Mother requested a meeting with Child C's parents, center staff, and herself, but was told that would not be possible. She stated she would like to meet with the owner, but no one ever followed up with her. On 03/02/2023, the complainant received a phone call from Ms. Theodore indicating that Child B was scratched on the right side of her face. After the phone call, she went to the center to pick up Child B. When she arrived, she observed scratches on the right side of Child B's face from the top of her eye down to her chin. She received an incident report that stated Child B took a toy from another child, which resulted in the other child scratching Child B. She is aware that Child C has a history of harming other children and did not feel the center is doing enough to keep other children safe. On 03/06/2023 I interviewed Ms. Theodore and CCSM A and CCSM B. CCSM A and CCSM B worked in the classroom with nine children on 03/02/2023. Child B and Child C were present. A GSRP Specialist was also in the room at the time of the incident. I interviewed Ms. Theodore. She confirmed Child A was scratched on the right side of her face in the GRSP classroom on 03/02/2023. As soon as she was made aware of the incident, she contacted Child B's Mother. She was informed by CCSM A, that Child C scratched her, too. She said he scratched her because she told him to wait (his turn) 7 during circle time. At this time Ms. Theodore called Child C's parents to come and get him for the day. Ms. Theodore indicated that Child C has a behavioral plan, and all staff were made aware of the plan. The plan consists of keeping Child C close by at all times to help monitor his behaviors. Ms. Theodore reviewed video footage from 03/02/2023. The footage shows Child C playing at a table with toys on it. Child B walked up to the table, took one of the toys off the table, and walked away. Child C came up behind her and scratched the right side of her face. I interviewed CCSM A. She stated on 03/02/2023, she was asked by the GSRP Specialist to put up a daily routine on the wall, so she worked on that. She was not shadowing him. CCSM A indicated she spends the whole day trying to shadow him; however, it is difficult when she is the lead staff member and has other responsibilities, too. She stated that staff take turns shadowing Child C, it is not one person assigned to him. CCSM A said she did not observe the incident directly. She saw it on video footage at a later time. I interviewed CCSM B. He stated he was doing art with children and CCSM A worked on something else. He said they were not right on him at the time of the incident. He also stated it was difficult to provide Child C with the level of support needed when he has other children to supervise and provide care to. He confirmed he observed what was seen in the video footage. CCSM A, CCSM B, and Ms. Theodore stated when Child C scratched, he was told to use, "gentle hands," "that hurts your friend," or "that's not okay." Ms. Theodore said she would go into the classroom and talk to Child C after scratching incidents, but she was not sure he could comprehend what she said to him. She stated

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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.

Appropriate care and supervision were not provided. On 03/02/2023 Child C's behavioral plan was not implemented when Child B was scratched. CCSM A was putting up a daily routine and CCSM B was doing art. Child C played at a table away from both staff members.

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R 400.8330 · R 400.8330 Food services and nutrition generally. (22) Infants or toddlers shall not have bottles, beverage containers, or food in sleeping equipment.

On 8/18/2022, I observed children in the toddler room during nap time. Many of the children had sippy cups with them on their cots while lying down.

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (2) All staff and volunteers shall act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children.

On 8/18/2022, I spoke with the complainant. The complainant stated that Staff Member 1 would go on bathroom breaks and come back with "squinty" eyes. The complainant did not see Staff Member 1 using a vape pen but stated that former staff members would often talk about "getting high". The 2 complainant also heard that Staff Member 1 may use cocaine but was unsure if it was during child care hours. On 8/18/2022, I completed an unannounced inspection. I spoke with program director Chantay Pettiford. Ms. Pettiford has only worked at the center for five weeks, but she was shocked to hear the allegations against Staff Member 1. She has never suspected Staff Member 1 to be under the influence. No parents or staff members have ever come to her with any complaints on Staff Member 1. Ms. Pettiford described Staff Member 1 as one of her best Staff Members. Ms. Pettiford has not smelled marijuana in the center or on any staff. I spoke with Staff Member 1. She has worked for the center for six years. She denied ever using marijuana in the center. Staff Member 1 stated that there was a former employee that would vape in the kitchen. She stated she did not hear other staff members talk about "getting high". Staff Member 1 understood that she was a mandated reporter and agreed that she would report any staff member that she thought was working under the influence. While speaking with Staff Member 1, I did not smell marijuana. Staff Member 1 spoke eloquently and did not appear under the influence. I spoke with Staff Member 2. Staff Member 2 has never seen or heard anyone talking about "getting high" at the center. Staff Member 2 does not believe Staff Member 1 has ever used a vape pen or been high while at work. She understands that she is a mandated reporter, and it is her duty to report any suspicions of staff members working while impaired. I spoke with Staff Member 3. Staff Member 3 has worked at the center for four months. She stated that when she started at the center, there were two staff members that sold and took pills. Staff Member 3 could smell marijuana in the bathrooms. Staff Member 3 stated that the two staff members appeared under the influence, used vulgar language, and were super hyper. Staff Member 3 stated she did report this to the former program director. The former program director left the center and took several employees with her, including the two staff members that Staff Member 3 reported. Staff Member 3 stated that there have been no issues since then. She denied ever suspecting that Staff Member 1 was involved in smoking, vaping, or any other drug use. I was able to speak with the licensee, Santrece Roberts, on the phone while at the center. She confirmed there were former employees that had caused some trouble, but they are no longer with the center. Ms. Roberts never suspected Staff Member 1 of using anything inappropriate while on the job. Ms. Roberts stated that Staff Member 1 is her best worker at that location and has always been honest and forthcoming. 3

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R 400.8167 · R 400.8167 Indoor space. (3) A center shall provide a floor plan of all child use areas to the department at initial licensure and before making structural changes or adding any child use space. Only 4 ... .................................................................. .......... .. ...................................................................................................... space that has received prior approval for child use by the de artment may be used for child care.

On 8/18/2022, the complainant stated that the basement was used during the summer for school age and preschool children. The basement is not licensed. On 8/18/2022, Ms. Pettiford admitted that the school age children had been using the basement for the summer program. Ms. Pettiford stated that the children were using the basement prior to her being hired, so she assumed that it was a licensed area. I helped her locate and review the facility's licensing reports. The basement was never licensed. Ms. Pettiford agreed that they would no longer use the basement until it was approved by the department. Ms. Pettiford showed me the basement. It was set up with equipment for child use. Staff Members 1, 2, and 3 did not deny that the school age children used the basement but did state that the school aged children were mostly outside during the summer and would also use the preschool room on the main floor. On 8/18/2022, Ms. Roberts stated that she had given the former program director directions to not take the school aged children to the basement because it was not approved. Ms. Roberts explained that she has submitted paperwork to her licensing consultant to start the process of modifying her license to include the basement.

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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... ................ .................... .. ...... .......................... ....................... ................................................................................................................._

On 8/18/2022, the complainant stated that often there are not enough Staff Members for the number of children in each of the classrooms. The complainant did not have any dates or details of the times the classrooms were out of staff member to child ratio. On 8/18/2022, there were 10 children in the preschool room (3- and 4-year-olds) with one staff member. There were four children in the 3-year-old preschool with one staff member. There were eight children in the 2-year-old Toddler room with two staff members. There were four children in the infant room with one staff member. I reviewed the attendance for the week. It appeared that the proper staff member to child ratio was maintained in each classroom each day. Ms. Pettiford stated that since she has been working there, she has made sure there is never a ratio problem. Staff Member 1 and Staff Member 3 stated that the center used to have issues with staffing but there have not been any ratio issues for a couple months. Staff Member 2 stated that since Ms. Pettiford has worked at the center, they have not been out of ratio.

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R 400.8176 · R 400.8176 Sleeping equipment. (13) Soft objects, bumper pads, stuffed toys, blankets, quilts, comforters, and other objects that could smother a child must not be placed in, or within reach of, a crib or orta-crib with a resting or sleeping infant.

On 8/18/2022, I observed an infant sleeping with a blanket in the crib.

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R 400.8176 · R 400.8176 1 Sleeping equipment. (8) Swaddling with a sleep sack swaddle attachment or swaddle wrap is allowed only for infants up to 2 months of age. If a child has a health issue or special need that requires the child use a swaddle attachment or swaddle wrap after the child is 2 months of age, documentation from the health provider is required. The documentation must include specific sleeping instructions and time frames for how long the child needs to sleep in this manner, including an end date.

On 8/18/2022, I observed a three-month-old infant in a swaddle while sleeping in a crib.

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. (2) All staff and volunteers shall wash their hands at all of the following times: (e) After each diapering.

Ms. Roberts stated the previous program director was not keeping children's files updated as she expected and as required by licensing rules. I reviewed three children's files. Child A (4 years old); Child B (1 years old); and Child C (2 years '/2 old). Child A's file had the necessary paperwork including a completed child information card, immunization record, and physical evaluation as required. The files for Child B (date of admission 02/09/2022) and Child C (date of admission 02/22/2022) had completed child information cards, but they did not have immunization records or physical evaluations.

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. (3) Staff and volunteers shall ensure that children wash their hands at all of the following times: (b) After toileting or diapering.

On 06/23/2022 the infants and toddlers were awake and playing on the floor in the infant room during my on-site inspection. I saw several blankets in unoccupied cribs and asked Staff 3 about this. She stated she and other staff sometimes use blankets when they hold infants and rock them before they fall asleep, but staff remove the blanket before placing infants in the cribs. Staff 3 stated blankets are never left in the cribs or within reach of infants when infants are in cribs. On 06/28/2022 as I entered the infant room, I saw Staff 3 picking up an infant from a swing and place the infant on his back in a crib. I saw an infant asleep in a crib, a toddler asleep in a crib, and a toddler asleep on a mat. The infant asleep in the crib did not have a blanket. The toddlers sleeping in the crib and on the mat had blankets. I interviewed Staff 4, Staff 5, and Staff 7. They all stated blankets are never placed in the cribs when infants are resting or sleeping.

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R 400.8137 · R 400.8137 Diapering; toileting. ...................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. (1) Except as provided in subrule (2) of this rule, diapering must occur in a designated diapering area that complies with all of the following: (f) Is washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use.

On 06/23/2022 Ms. Roberts took me to the infant room. Staff 3 was with 4 infants and 1 toddler. Ms. Roberts left the room and returned with Staff 5. I asked where Staff 5 had been, and Staff 5 stated she was using the restroom and had only been out of the room for a minute. I asked Ms. Roberts if they had additional staff to cover when staff need a break. Ms. Roberts stated staff are supposed to have a floater staff come into the room to maintain ratio. Ms. Roberts stated in April and May of this year when the program director was on leave and staff called off there had been problems maintaining the required ratios at the center. Ms. Roberts stated ratio had not always been maintained when staff took their breaks during children's nap time. Ms. Roberts stated in June they hired additional staff, adjusted staff schedules, and contacted parents who were not following their children's schedules, so they are now able to maintain the required ratios in all the rooms throughout the day. Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 4, and Staff 6 stated there have been times over the past few months between 8:00 and 9:00am, when they have arrived at the center, there was 1 staff to 5 toddlers in a room. I reviewed the center's staff and children's attendance records for the week of 06/20/2022. The records indicate the center was maintaining the required ratios. During my on-site inspections on 06/23/2022, 06/28/2022, and 07/06/2022 the center was maintaining the required ratios in the rooms.

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R 400.8143 · R 400.8143 Children's records. (1) At the time of a child's initial attendance, a center shall obtain a child information card using a form provided by the department or a comparable substitute, that is completed and signed by the child's parent. The center shall keep it on file and accessible in the center.

During my on-site inspection in the infant room on 06/23/2022, I observed bottles for Child D, Child E, Child F, and Child G without the children's last names. I discussed with Staff 3 and Ms. Roberts how to comply with this rule by reviewing the requirement with parents, checking when infants arrive that each bottle is labeled correctly, and staff adding missing information to the bottles, if necessary. On 06/28/2022, bottles for Child H did not have the child's last name or the date. Staff 3 stated she had started to put stickers on the children's bottles that had missing information.

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R 400.8143 · R 400.8143 Children's records. (3) For children under school-age, at the time of a child's initial attendance, a center shall obtain, keep on file, and make accessible in the center 1 of the following: (a) A certificate of immunization showing a minimum of 1 dose of each immunizing agent specified by the department of health and human services (DHHS). (b) A copy of a waiver addressed to DHHS and signed by the parent stating immunizations are not being administered due to religious, medical, or other reasons. 1

The center did not obtain a certificate of immunization or waiver for Child B and Child C.

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R 400.8143 · R 400.8143 Children's records. (6) Within 30 days of a child's initial attendance, a center shall obtain, keep on file, and make accessible in the center a record of a physical evaluation of the child that notes any restrictions and is signed by a physician or the physician's designee. An electronic record from a physician's office will be accepted. The physical evaluation must be performed within 1 of the following time limits: (a) For an infant, within the preceding 3 months. (b) For toddlers, within the preceding 6 months. (c) For preschoolers, within the preceding 12 months.

Child B and Child C have been attending the center for more than 30 days and the center had not obtained physical evaluations for them.

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R 400.8176 · R 400.8176 1 Sleeping equipment. (13) Soft objects, bumper pads, stuffed toys, blankets, quilts, comforters, and other objects that could smother a child must not be placed in, or within reach of, a crib or porta-crib with a resting or sleeping infant.

Staff state blankets are not placed in, or within reach of a crib with a resting or sleeping infant. During my on-site inspections I did not see blankets placed in, or within reach of, a crib with a resting or sleeping infant.

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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: Age Child Care Staff Member Maximum Group to Child Ratio Size a)Infants and 1 to 4 12 toddlers, birth until 30 months of age Z

On 06/23/2022 I observed 1 staff to 5 infants and toddlers in the infant room. A staff had left the room without having a floater staff come into the room to maintain the required ratio of 1 to 4. Staff report the required ratio of 1 to 4 was not always maintained some mornings between 8:00-9:00am and during staff lunch breaks in the past months of March, April, and May 2022.

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R 400.8340 · R 400.8340 Food services and nutrition; provided by parents. (3) Breast milk, formula, milk, or other beverages, and food furnished in same-day supply must be covered and labeled with the child's first and last name, and the date.

On 06/23/2022, bottles for Child D, Child E, Child F, Child G, were not labeled with the child's last name. On 06/28/2022 bottles for Child H were not labeled with the child's last name and date.

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R 400.8112 · R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. (3) An individual may serve as a child care staff member pending an eligibility determination by the department under section 5n(8) of the act, MCL 722.115n, and shall be supervised at all times by the licensee or a child care staff member who has been determined eligible.

Staff 7 was serving as a child care staff member, but she was not supervised at all times on 06/23/2022 and 06/27/2022, as required. ..................................

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R 400.8134 · R 400.8134 Hand washing. (2) All staff and volunteers shall wash their hands at all of the following times: (c) Before preparing and serving food and feeding children.

On 06/28/2022 staff in the Toddler 2 room did not wash their hands before serving lunch, and on 07/06/2022 staff did not wash her hands before serving breakfast to the school age children.

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R 400.8134 · 1 R 400.8134 Hand washing. (3) Staff and volunteers shall ensure that children wash their hands at all of the following times: (a) Before meals, snacks, or food preparation experiences.

On 06/28/2022 staff did not ensure children in the Toddler 2 room washed hands before eating lunch, and on 07/06/2022 staff did not ensure the school age children washed their hands before eating breakfast.

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