Froebel Montessori & Childcare

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.

Based on the interviews of Child Care Staff Member 1, Child Care Staff Member 2, and Child Care Staff Member 3, appropriate care supervision was being provided to Child A when they made efforts to keep Child A and Child B separated by creating small groups in the classroom. There was no observations that Child A was scratched or bit by another child.

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R 400.8155(1)(b) · R 400.8155(1)(b) Child accidents and incidents; child and staff illness. A child experiences an accident, injury, or incident.

There was no accident or injury observed that child care staff members were made aware of; however, the center uses Bright Wheel application and writes incident reports when a child is injured. There were no reports that Child A was injured at the facility.

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R 400.8176(6) · R 400.8176(6) Sleeping equipment. Car seats, infant seats, swings, bassinets, and play yards are not approved sleeping equipment. 2 LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933 Michigan.gov/MiLEAP

I observed three infants asleep in non-approved sleeping equipment. All infants shall sleep alone in a crib or any other approved sleeping equipment.

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MCL 722.115m Child care center, group child care home, or family child care home; requirements for licensure. (2) … If the department determines that a service, facility, applicant, licensee, child care staff member, or member of the household is not conducive to the welfare of the children, the department shall deny that application or revoke that licensee's license according to section 11.

Based on our findings, investigation, and review - which includes considering the investigation and findings of -CCLB determines CCSM 2 is conducive to the welfare of children and is eligible to be associated with a child care organization.

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R 400.8140 · R 400.8140 Discipline. (2) All of the following means of punishment are prohibited: (a) Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

Based on the interviews with the , Licensee Designees, CCSMs, and parents. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that Child A had red marks on his arm from the use of inappropriate discipline by CCSM 2.

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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.

On March 22, 2023, I initiated this investigation via telephone with Child A's Mother. Child A's Mother reported that Child A is no longer enrolled at Froebel Montessori & Childcare. Child A's Mother stated that Child A is transitioning into underwear. On an unknown date, at pick up, Child A "reeked" of urine. Child A's Mother addressed this concern with a childcare staff member who's name she could not remember. On April 6, 2023, I made an unannounced on-site visit. The assistant director Pamela Gjorgjevska was present. The allegations were explained. She confirmed that Child A was no longer enrolled. The program director, Batul Akbari and the child care staff members (CCSM) in Child A's classroom were not present. I left a business card with Ms. Gjorgjevska with a request that CCSM 1 and CCSM 2 contact me. On June 29, 2023, CCSM 1 was interviewed via telephone. CCSM 1 stated Child A's Mother told them that Child A's pull-up was full when he got home. She explained that if Child A was wet when he arrived at home, he must have wet his pull -up in the car on the ride home because diapers and pull-ups are checked before each child leaves. CCSM 1 said they check/change diapers and pull-ups every 2 hours. She also said that because he was just beginning to transition into underwear, Child A was checked more often than the required 2 hours. On June 29, 2023, CCSM 2 was interviewed via telephone. CCSM 2 remembers an incident (date unknown), when Child A was picked up as soon as he woke up from nap. He had an accident during nap. CCSM 2 was taking him to bathroom to get him cleaned up, but was told by Child A's Father, "It's fine, I'll change him." She explained that when Child A's Mother had a conference with Mrs. Akbari regarding another child hitting Child A, she also complained that he would come home wet. CCSM 2 denied that this happened because the children are changed every 2 hours, when they awake from nap and they care checked and changed before they are picked up. On July 7, 2023, Child B's Mother & Child C's Mother were interviewed separately via telephone. They each stated that they've been very pleased with their child's care. Neither Child B (4-years-old female) nor Child C (5-years-old male) has come home unclean. 3

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R 400.8146 · ...................................... . R 400.8146 Information provided to parents. 1 (1) A center shall provide a written information packet to each parent enrolling a child that includes at least all of the following: (h) Parent notification plan for accidents, injuries, incidents, and illnesses.

Based on interviews and documentation review, there is no evidence that staff did not follow their written policy for parent notification when Child A was hit by another child. ....................

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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 December 13, 2022, I initiated this investigation via telephone with complainant who reported that Child A is no longer enrolled in care at Froebel Montessori and Childcare. When Child A was picked up from childcare on December 2, 2022, his pull-up was "soaked". When Child A was changed, there were bruises on his legs. The complainant stated that Child A was in the preschool room with CCSM 1. The complainant does not believe that Child A was hit, or inappropriate discipline occurred. It is believed that Child A, who is diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal, may have been handled "too rough" causing bruising. The complainant reviewed the center's video footage from Friday, December 2, 2022, and reported that it showed Child A going into the bathroom with CSSM1. When he came out of the bathroom, Child A was agitated and grabbing his legs. A police report was made at the Westland Police Department. On February 15, 2023, during an unannounced on-site inspection, CCSM2 said that she is familiar with the incident in question. She stated that when the video was reviewed, she did not see Child A showing signs of being upset or rubbing his legs. CCSM2 said CCSM1 is very ethical, patient, and one of the best teachers at the center. While at the center, I reviewed the video footage from the date in question. Child A can be seen going into the bathroom with CCSM1. When he left out of the bathroom, he stood in one spot for a little while, I could not see that he was "agitated" nor did I see him grabbing his legs. On February 15, 2023, CCSM1 denied being rough with Child A and causing him to have bruises. She also denied that she neglected to change Child A's pull-up. CCSM1 said most of the children in her classroom are potty trained, but those who are still in pull-ups are checked and changed on schedule. She does not recall seeing any bruises on Child A on December 2, 2022. CCSM1 reported that Child A may have bruised himself when he fell to the ground a couple of times while outside on the playground. CCSM1 reported that when they came in from outside, Child A's Father arrived to pick him up at around 4:20pm. She did not have a chance to change Child A after they came in, therefore, there is a chance that Child A was wet at pickup. However, this would have been the only time that something like this occurred. On February 21, 2022, CCSM3 said she works in the class with CSM1. She said she has never witnessed CCSM1 being rough or inappropriate with children in care. She did not have knowledge of Child A's pull-up being soaked on the date in question. 3 On February 21, 2023, Child B's (4-year-old male) Mother said Child B has attended the childcare his whole life. She has not had any concerns with any of the teachers treating the children inappropriately. Child B's Mother has never had any issues with diapering. On February 21 ,2023, Child C's (4-year-Male) Mother said Child C has been in care since he was 1 year old. There has never been any concerns with diapering or inappropriate handling of Child C. She is pleased with the care. On March 30, 2022, Cherise at the Westland Police Department reported that Child A's Mother made a police report for documentation purposes only. The Westland Police Department detectives did not investigate the allegations.

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R 400.8137(6) · R 400.8137(6) Diapering; toileting. (6) Diapers and training pants shall be checked frequently and changed when wet or soiled.

Based on interviews with staff and parents, and video observation, there is no evidence that Child A was not checked frequently and changed when wet. CCMS1 said Child A's Father arrived before she could check and change him after coming in from outside.

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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.

On September 9, 2022, I initiated the investigation with an unannounced on-site inspection. During the inspection, I interviewed licensee designee and the program director Batul Akbari along with child care staff members Pam Gjorgjerska, Lynn Fellows, Aubrey Bode, Monica McFarland, Erica Gordon, and Dae Sanders. The allegations were explained to Ms. Akbari. She admitted to having a conversation with Child A's Mother who expressed that Child A had been in a soiled diaper at pick-up. On that date, she recalled that Child A's Mother changed Child A's diaper before leaving the center. Ms. Akbari had not heard concerns from any other parents. Pam Gjorgjerska said she had not received any parental complaints regarding diapers not being changed. She is not aware of Child A being left in a soiled diaper. Lynn Fellows said Child A's Mother told her that Child A had been picked up approximately 4 times with a dirty diaper. She said Child A's Mother was unhappy and was disenrolling Child A. Ms. Fellows reported that diapering is done every two hours or as needed. Aubrey Bode said that she has heard parents complain about the afternoon staff not changing diapers and leaving children in dirty diapers. Ms. Bode stated that she leaves the facility at 2:30 p.m. She reported that she changes diapers at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. She said that diapering occurs in between those times as needed. Monica McFarland said she works in the infant room. Infants are changed every 2 hours or as needed. She has no knowledge of parents complaining about children not being changed. Erica Gordon also reported that diapers are changed every 2 hours. The last scheduled diaper change is usually around 4 p.m. Ms. Gordon stated that she tries to check the diaper and change it again if needed before parents arrive. Dae Sanders said she is aware of Child A's Mother being "mad" about his diaper being dirty. This occurred a couple of months ago. Ms. Sanders says she checks diapers approximately every hour and logs each change. On January 18, 2023, Child A's Mother was interviewed by phone. She said Child A is no longer enrolled in care at this program. Child A had a diaper rash while in care. Child A was enrolled for 8 months. The diapering concerns began within the last couple of months before leaving the program. On January 23, 2023, Child C's Father was interviewed by phone. He said he would pick up Child C between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Child C has been picked up wearing a 3 diaper that looked as if it had not been changed all day. This happened a few times and Child C is no longer enrolled in care.

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R 400.8137(6) · R 400.8137(6) Diapering; toileting. (6) Diapers and training pants shall be checked frequently and changed when wet or soiled.

On September 9, 2022, I observed each classroom to be in compliance with the ratio rule. The toddler class that Child A was enrolled in (Ti) had 4 children present with 1 childcare staff member. Attendance records for staff and children were reviewed for the week of August 29, 2022, through September 2, 2022. The facility was in compliance during that timeframe. Childcare staff members Pam Gjorgjerska, Lynn Fellows, Aubrey Bode, Monica McFarland, Erica Gordon, and Dae Sanders were interviewed separately. They each denied ever observing a classroom with 20 children present with 1 childcare staff member. On January 18, 2023, Child A's Mother reiterated that Child A's class would have "too many" children with only 1 adult in the room. On February 1, 2023, Child C's Father reported there were "revolving" staff and they always seemed to not have enough staff.

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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 Maximum Group Size member to Child Ratio a) Infants and toddlers, 1 to 4 12 birth until 30 months of age

Based on attendance record review, interviews and observation, there is no evidence to support the allegation of ratio non- compliance in the toddler classroom.

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R 400.8110 · R 400.8110 Applicant; licensee; licensee designee; requirements. (13) Smoking and vaping must not occur in or during both of the following: (a) In the childcare center or on real property that is under the control of the center and upon which the center is located.

On 11/12/2021, I initiated the complaint with a phone call to a complainant. On 12/6/2021, I completed an unannounced inspection at the center. I interviewed owner/program director, Batul Akbari. Ms. Akbari stated that several months ago the staff came to her with suspicions that CCSM, Alana Parks, was smoking weed, however, nobody observed her doing it. CCSM, Lynn Fellows, found a weed vape 3 pen in the Toddler 1 room, but nobody was certain where it came from. Some parents come to the center and smell of marijuana so they thought it might belong to a parent. Ms. Akbari confronted Ms. Parks and Ms. Parks denied smoking weed. In early October, Ms. Parks quit the job and no longer works there. There has been no other issues with smoking since then. I interviewed CCSMs, Monica McFarland and Summer Marshall. They have never seen any staff smoking and have never smelled it on anyone. I interviewed CCSM, Krystal Haro. She stated she had never heard anything about a weed pen in the center and has not seen anyone smoking. I interviewed CCSMs, Lynn Fellows and Cheyenne Trigg. They stated that there were suspicions that a former employee was smoking, but she no longer works there. Ms. Fellows did recall finding a weed pen in the classroom and told Ms. Akbari. They did not find out who it belonged to. There have been no more concerns of employees smoking since Ms. Parks left.

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R 400.8112 · R 400.8112 Comprehensive background check; fingerprinting. .................................................. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... (1) Pursuant to section 5n of the act, MCL 722.115n, before an individual has unsupervised contact with children, the department shall determine the individual's eligibility to be any of the following: (a) A licensee. 4 ............................................................................... ................................ (b) A licensee designee. (c) A child care staff member. (d) A child care aide. (e) An unsupervised volunteer.

On 12/6/2021, Ms. Akbari provided evidence that all staff have completed background checks. The Child Care Background Check system was reviewed, and all current staff are eligible and connected. There is one person awaiting their fingerprint results, but she is not actively working in the center yet.

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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.

On 12/6/2021, I reviewed the incident reports for child injuries in 2021. There were no injuries that left welts or stitches and no injuries that required medical attention. Ms. Akbari also denied that any child obtained welts or stitches. Ms. Akbari stated that in 2020, the center did have an issue with staff being on their phones. Ms. Akbari instated a no cell phone rule that each staff signed and there has not been a problem since. During my inspections on 11/12/2021 and 12/6/2021 I did not see any staff using their phones or any phones visible in the classrooms. I observed all staff interacting with children appropriately and providing proper supervision. On 12/6/2021, Ms. Akbari, Ms. McFarland, Ms. Marshall, Ms. Haro, Ms. Fellow, Ms. Trigg, and Ms. Zaidi denied that children run out of the classrooms unattended. The doors to the rooms remain closed and nobody admitted to seeing children running around without their class or their teacher.

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R 400.8128 · R 400.8128 Staff; volunteer; tuberculosis. A center shall keep on file at the center evidence to verify that each child care staff member and each volunteer who has contact with children at least 4 hours per week for more than 2 consecutive weeks is free from communicable tuberculosis (TB). Verification of TB status is required within 1 year before employment or volunteerin .

On 12/6/2021, I reviewed staff records. Eight of the 23 staff did not have TB test results on file at the center.

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 Professional development requirements. (1) The center shall provide an orientation about the center's policies and practices and these administrative rules for all personnel hired after the effective date of these rules and before unsupervised contact with children.

On 12/6/2021, Ms. Akbari provided me with the Employee Handbook. I reviewed the center's policy on ongoing staff training. It requires staff to obtain 24 hours annually during each calendar year. Ms. Akbari then presented proof that each employee signed that they received and understood the employee handbook when they were hired.

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 1 Professional development requirements. (10) All child care staff members who work directly which children are required to be trained in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of being hired. Prior to issuing a license to operate a child care center, and prior to the renewal of a license, the department shall verify that at least 50% of the child care staff members who work directly with children are currently certified in first aid and pediatric, child, and adult CPR. Each of these child care staff member's first aid and CPR certificates must be valid and retained on file in the center.

On 12/6/2021, staff training records were reviewed. Three of the 23 staff members did not have proof of training in first aid and CPR. I reviewed the staff schedule for the past two weeks. There was always at least one person certified in first aid and CPR at each closing. On 11/12/2021, I observed the children in the preschool 2 room sleeping with blankets over their heads. I pointed this out to Ms. Akbari, and she instructed staff to remove the blankets from the children's faces. While reviewing records on 12/6/2021, I found that six of the 23 staff did not have safe sleep training on file. On 12/6/2021, all current staff had blood borne pathogen training on file. On 12/6/2021, three of the 23 staff had not completed the required Health and Safety 1 & 2 training on MI Registry. On 12/6/2021, all current staff had completed the required 16 clock hours of training.

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 Professional development requirements. (2) Child care staff members shall have training that includes information about prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices before caring for infants and toddlers. 7 I

On 11/12/2021, I spoke with the complainant. She stated that on 11/9/2021, she entered the Toddler 1 room around 4:15 p.m. she observed CCSM, Aaliyah Haymer, "snapping" at Child A. Child A was in a time out chair in the corner of the room facing the wall. Ms. Haymer was yelling loudly at him that he better not move. When Child A started to move, Ms. Haymer grabbed him by the arm and jerked him back to looking at the wall. The complainant went to the office and told administrator, Bridgette Diaz, what she saw. According to the complainant, Ms. Diaz went immediately into the classroom to address the situation. On 11/12/2021, I spoke with Ms. Akbari and assistant program director, Pamela Gjorgjevska. Neither of them was at the center on 11/9/2021. On 11/10/2021, Ms. Haymer did not come to work. She did arrive on 11/11/2021, but Ms. Akbari terminated her employment. According to Ms. Akbari and Ms. Gjorgjevska, Ms. Haymer came in the week before for trainings, but only began working there on 11/8/2021. She worked for a total of two days. On 11/12/2021, I spoke with CCSM, Melissa Cox. She stated that she was in the Toddler 1 classroom the day of the incident, for about an hour and a half. During that time, she did witness Ms. Haymer yelling loudly at Child A and a couple other rj children. Ms. Cox stated that usually when they put children in time out, they sit the children at the table, but Ms. Haymer put Child A in the corner. Ms. Cox thought that maybe Ms. Haymer worked at the center for a week or two. Ms. Cox confirmed that Ms. Diaz came in and talked to Ms. Haymer about on the incident. I spoke with CCSM, Zhane Brown. She stated that on 11/9/2021, she brought the Toddler 2 room to the Toddler 1 room to combine classes for a short time around 2:00 p.m. She said Ms. Haymer kept yelling at Child A to stop doing stuff. She reminded Ms. Haymer not to yell at the kids. Later that day, Ms. Haymer told Ms. Brown that a crazy parent seen her put a child in time out and didn't like it. Ms. Brown thought that Ms. Haymer worked at the center only a week and a half before she was let go. I spoke with CCSM, Geneva Curtis. Ms. Curtis stated that she was in Toddler 1 room on the afternoon of 11/9/2021 with Ms. Haymer. Ms. Haymer put Child A in the corner for fighting with other children. She told Ms. Haymer "We don't do time out facing the wall at this center". She never saw Ms. Haymer handle the children roughly but did hear her yelling at the children. Child A was whining in the corner to get out, but he was not crying. After about five minutes, Child A was let out of time out. Ms. Curtis stated that Child A continued to play with his friends, and she began the diaper changing routine in the bathroom. While in the bathroom, she could not see Ms. Haymer put Child A back in the corner. She saw a parent come into the room and say, "I would not have my child enrolled at this center if my child was in the corner". On 11/22/2021, I spoke on the phone with Bridgette Diaz. She stated she has been working a few hours a week to help Ms. Akbari with paper work. On 11/9/2021, she was in the office when a parent came in and told her a child was in time out, looking at the wall in the Toddler 1 classroom. Ms. Diaz went to the room immediately and saw Child A in a chair in the corner. Child A was smiling. Ms. Haymer was sweeping the floor. When asked, Ms. Haymer stated that Child A "had been something that day". Ms. Diaz stated she never seen Ms. Haymer before that day. Ms. Diaz took Child A out of time out and told Ms. Haymer they do not allow time outs at the center. Ms. Diaz confirmed that she never saw Ms. Haymer near Child A or touching Child A. On 11/22/2021, I attempted to call Aaliyah Haymer. The message I got was that her "phone number is not reachable". I attempted to call Child A's mother. The message I got was that the "subscriber is not in service". I called Child A's father and left a voice mail message asking him to return my call. I called

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 j Professional development requirements. (4) Before unsupervised contact with children, all child care staff members who work directly with children shall complete prevention and control of infectious disease training, including immunizations.

On 11/12/2021 and 12/6/2021 I walked through the center. I did not observe any broken furniture. On 12/6/2021, Ms. Akbari, Ms. McFarland, Ms. Marshall, Ms. Haro, Ms. Fellows, Ms. Trigg, and Ms. Zaidi all denied having broken furniture.

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R 400.8125 · R 400.8125 Staff; volunteer; requirements. (5) A written statement must be signed and dated by staff and volunteers at the time of hiring or before volunteering indicating all of the following information: (a) The individual is aware that abuse and neglect of children is against the law. (b) The individual has been informed of the center's policies on child abuse and neglect . ........................................................................................ 14 .................................... ............... ............................. . (c) The individual knows that all staff and volunteers are required by law to immediately report suspected abuse and neglect to children's protective services.

While reviewing staff records on 12/6/2021, it was found that two of the 23 staff did not have abuse and neglect statements signed and on file.

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 Professional development requirements. (5) Within 90 days of being hired, or the first day as an unsupervised volunteer, all child care staff members and unsupervised volunteers who work directly with children shall complete the following trainings, which may count toward annual professional development hours and are available at MiRegistry: (a) Administration of medication. (b) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions. (c) Building and physical premises safety. (d) Emergency preparedness and response planning. (e) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants. (f) Precautions in transporting children, if applicable. Child development.

On 12/6/2021, I observed the infant classroom at two different times of the day. There were no swings in the classroom. I observed bouncer seats that were put away out of reach. The only child I observed sleeping was in a crib. The infant and toddler caregivers, Ms. McFarland and Ms. Marshall denied allowing infants to sleep in the bouncers. They stated that if a child does ever fall asleep, they immediately move the child to the approved crib.

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R 400.8131 · R 400.8131 Professional development requirements. (6) All child care staff members who work directly with children shall complete 16 clock hours of professional development annually on topics relevant to job responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, any of the following subjects: (a) Child development and learning. (b) Health, safety, and nutrition. (c) Family and community collaboration. (d) Program management. (e) Teaching and learning. (f) Observation, documentation, and assessment. (g) Interactions and guidance. I (h) Child care center administrative rules.

On 12/6/2021, all current staff had completed the required 16 clock hours of training.

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R 400.8173 · .............................................................. R 400.8173 Equipment. ................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. (4) Play equipment, materials, and furniture, must be all of the following: (b) Safe, clean, and in good repair.

On 11/12/2021 and 12/6/2021 I walked through the center. I did not observe any broken furniture. On 12/6/2021, Ms. Akbari, Ms. McFarland, Ms. Marshall, Ms. Haro, Ms. Fellows, Ms. Trigg, and Ms. Zaidi all denied having broken furniture.

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R 400.8176 · R 400.8176 1 Sleeping equipment. (6) Car seats, infant seats, swings, bassinets, and play yards are not approved sleeping equipment.

On 12/6/2021, I did not observe any children sleeping or otherwise in a swing or a bouncer. Ms. McFarland and Ms. Marshall denied allowing infants to sleep in the bouncers. They stated that if a child does ever fall asleep, they immediately move the child to the approved crib. ...................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................

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R 400.8188 · R 400.8188 Sleeping, resting, and supervision. (11) Infants and toddlers who fall asleep in a space that is not approved for sleeping shall be moved to approved sleep equipment appropriate for their age and size.

On 12/6/2021, Ms. McFarland and Ms. Marshall denied allowing infants to sleep in the bouncers. They stated that if a child does ever fall asleep, they immediately move the child to the approved crib.

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R 400.8122 · R 400.8122 Lead caregiver; qualifications; responsibilities. (9) Verification of the education, credentials, and experience of each lead caregiver shall be kept on file at the center or at MiRegistry.

There were eight staff designated as lead teachers. None of them had their required credentials on file.

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