Child care staff shall ensure that potentially harmful items, including but not limited to matches, lighters, chemicals, materials labeled “harmful if swallowed,” flammable materials, sharp objects, and staffs’ personal belongings are locked or inaccessible to children.

The licensing coordinator observed one aerosol Lysol spray, one container of Ajax powder cleaner and one container of a degreasing detergent in an unlocked lower cabinet in the children's bathroom. Corrective action: - All cleaning supplies have been removed from children’s areas and stored in a locked storage cabinet accessible only to staff. - A policy reminder was issued to all staff reinforcing that personal belongings and hazardous materials must be kept out of children’s reach or locked at all times. - Daily end-of-shift classroom checks are now required to verify compliance.

He-C 4002.23(c) · Correction status not published

Programs that provide meals and snacks for children shall:(1) Ensure that snacks and meals are prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner, including washing fruits and vegetables before serving them; (2) Not serve food to children beyond the recommended dates of use, or beyond 3 days of storage in the refrigerator for perishable leftover food; (3) Store all food in the original containers or in a clean, covered container labeled with the date open and expiration date; (4) Store all unopened food at least 6 inches above the floor, separate from non-food items; (5) Store food items separate from non-food items that could contaminate food or be mistaken for food; (6) In addition to (c) above, properly wash and sanitize all infant bottles between each use; (7) Prepare and make available to parents on request written menus, including snacks, for each week; and (8) Keep previous menus on file for one year.

The complainant stated there were bottles of milk left in various locations throughout the program. The licensing coordinator observed at least three bottles of milk on the counter for the entirety of the visit, which was from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Program staff stated that the most recent snack was served at 10:30 a.m., and that milk bottles are left out for 30 minutes after a snack or meal, in case a child wants to drink more. According to food safety guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC, pasteurized cow's milk should be refrigerated within two hours of being removed from a refrigerator, as bacteria in milk multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Corrective action: - Staff have been trained on food safety guidelines from the AAP and CDC. - A posted reminder sheet will be visible in food prep and serving area. - A food safety monitor (rotating staff role) will oversee proper food handling during meals/snacks. - All bottles must now be immediately refrigerated after feeding unless the child is actively drinking.

Except for nature-based programs that operate solely outside, programs shall conduct fire drills in accordance with the following: (1) Programs that operate continuously throughout the year shall conduct at least one drill each month of operation; (2) Programs that operate only during the school year shall conduct a drill within 14 days of opening each year and monthly thereafter; (3) Programs that operate only during the summer months shall conduct one fire drill in each month of operation; (4) Child care personnel shall conduct fire drills at varying times during operating hours, including night time hours, if applicable, to ensure that each child attending the program experiences fire drills; (5) Child care staff shall activate the actual fire alarm system for the building for at least 2 of the required monthly fire drills required each year and use a fire alarm or smoke detector to signal all other fire drills; (6) All children and child care staff shall evacuate the building during each fire drill; and (7) Child care staff shall check daily attendance records to ensure that all children and staff are accounted for, after the building is evacuated.

The licensing coordinator's review of the program's fire drill log revealed that no fire drill was completed within the first month of operation. Corrective action: We acknowledge that a fire drill was not completed during our first two month of operation, and we accept full responsibility for this oversight. As a new program, we were still becoming familiar with all operational requirements, and unfortunately, this important task was unintentionally missed. Since your visit, we have consistently conducted fire drills on a monthly basis, as required. To ensure continued compliance and to avoid future lapses, we have designated the third Wednesday of each month as our official fire drill day. This schedule has been incorporated into our program calendar and internal operations plan. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all children and staff, and we thank you for your continued guidance and support as we grow and improve.

He-C 4002.17(a) · Correction status not published