Programs shall staff infant and toddler programs in accordance with the following: (1) For children ages 6 weeks to 12 months, the maximum group size shall be 12 with the following minimum staffing levels: a. One associate teacher with up to 4 children; b. One associate teacher and one assistant teacher with 5 to 8 children; and c. One lead teacher and 2 assistant teachers with 9 to 12 children; (2) For children ages 13 to 24 months, the maximum group size shall be 15 with the following minimum staffing levels: a. One associate teacher with up to 5 children; b. One associate teacher and one assistant teacher with 6 to 10 children; and c. One lead teacher and 2 assistant teachers with 11 to 15 children; (3) For children ages 25 to 35 months, the maximum group size shall be 18 with the following minimum staffing levels; a. One associate teacher with up to 6 children; b. One associate teacher and one assistant teacher with 7 to 12 children; and c. One lead teacher and 2 assistant teachers with 13 to 18 children.

The complainant stated that ratios in the Infant classrooms are not being met. The licensing coordinator’s review of daily child and staff attendance records between November 6, 2024 and November 18, 2024, revealed that staff-to-child ratios were not met on November 6, 2024, between 9:45 a.m. and 10:51 a.m., when there were two staff present with nine infants whose average age was 12 months and 6 days, and on November 18, 2024 between 8:55 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. when there were two staff present with nine infants whose average age was 12 months and 9 days. Corrective action: The center has reviewed state regulations and recognizes that children are classified as infants from 0 through 12 months and as toddlers starting at 13 months, not at 1 year old as the center had previously understood. Moving forward, we will ensure compliance with this age-specific rule by: Staff-to-child ratios will be calculated based on infants being 0-12 months and toddlers being 13 months and older, as defined by state regulations. All staff have been informed of the specific age classifications and ratio requirements to ensure consistent understanding and compliance. Leadership will monitor daily attendance and ratios to ensure the correct age classifications are applied at all times during their manager check logged on the CSR 2x per day.

Any contaminated, expired, or discontinued medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, and topical substances shall be returned to the child’s parents or, if belonging to the program, disposed of properly by authorized staff.

The licensing coordinator observed a Desitin diaper cream that expired 2/2024 in the Infant A classroom, and an Aquaphor that expired 4/2024 and a Eucerin Cream that expired 10/2023 in the Infant F classroom that were not returned to the parents/guardians or disposed of by an authorized staff. Corrective action: The items have been returned to the families and a log has been created to help track and monitor dates moving forward.

He-C 4002.21(u) · Correction status not published

Programs shall not use a sink for hand washing after diapering or toileting if food preparation or washing dishes or eating utensils occurs in the sink.

The licensing coordinator observed two children filling up a water bottle at a hand washing sink in the Multi-Age A classroom. Corrective action: We reminded the teachers that handwashing sinks are not for food service or drinking water. We have supplied refillable water jugs for each classroom.

He-C 4002.29(c) · Correction status not published

Child care staff and household members shall not use rough handling on children.

A statement by the complainant that Staff F uses profanity around the children. Staff A, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E all confirmed that they had heard or observed Staff F using inappropriate language around the children. Corrective action: The staff member in question was placed on administrative leave until we could conduct our own investigation. We concluded that their language was inappropriate and they were terminated. We did a retaining with our team for proper child guidance.

He-C 4002.18(e)(2) · Correction status not published

Prior to employment or residency, as applicable, and every 5 years thereafter, all child care staff, substitutes, other employees, and volunteers who may be alone with children or are included in staff to child ratios, and household members age 10 years or older, shall submit for a background record check using NH Connections.

The complainant stated that staff at the program were not completing the required background record check prior to working with children. The licensing coordinator reviewed staff attendance records and found seven staff recorded who had not been determined eligible by the Unit. The director confirmed those individuals were in attendance as indicated. Corrective action: The remaining staff who did not meet the requirements for fingerprints were excluded as of 3/7 as requested and have only been allowed back once their process is fully completed. All staff will be fully cleared prior to starting with our program.

He-C 4002.41(a) · Correction status not published