All medications belonging to staff shall be stored separate from children’s medications in a locked area, or otherwise inaccessible to children.

The licensing coordinator observed a medication belonging to a former staff stored in the same location as a child’s EpiPen in the Toddler 2 Classroom. The former staff’s medication was immediately moved to a different location separate from children’s medications. Corrective action: To ensure teacher medications are separate from child medications, each classroom will be given a separate bin that will be labeled, “Teacher Medications: Keep out of Reach of Children” Staff will then have a dedicated place to store any personal over the counter medications, topical creams/lotions, epi-pens and/or inhalers. Items will be clearly labeled with the teacher's name and bins will be stored separate from student medication, as well as inaccessible to children.

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

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 complainant reported on December 19, 2023, Child A was exposed to Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener that was used to clean a toddler sink. Staff A stated they were in the Older Infant 2 classroom with Child A on December 19, 2023, when they observed maintenance staff pour something down the sink drain then rinse the sink with water. Staff A explained not even 10 minutes later Child A came over and appeared uncomfortable. Staff A observed tiny blood spots on Child A’s face. Staff A realized Child A had their hands in the sink that was treated and then touched their face. It became obvious to Staff A that whatever was in the sink was on Child A’s face. A review of Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Openers' Safety Data Sheet revealed the hazards may include serious eye damage or severe skin burns. The precautionary statements include" do not breath mist/vapors/spray, wash thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection, and keep out of reach of children." The determination by the department that Instant Power Hair and Grease Drain Opener was accessible to children in the Older Infant’s 2 classroom on December 19, 2023. Corrective action: Immediately following the incident, we became aware that the Facilities Manager did not follow our protocol for child safety and chose to make his own decision about treating fruit flies in the sink while the children were present. After a call to Poison Control with parent on the call and a notification to our Licensing Bureau, The Administrative Leadership Team reviewed our written protocols for all maintenance conducted in the program. The policy was edited to emphasize that no forms of maintenance are to be conducted by the Facilities Manager until the Maintenance Request Form has been reviewed and signed by the ECE Director and Head of School. Teachers are to look for this form upon the entrance of the Facilities Manager into their rooms whenever children are present. This will create a double check system to ensure that all safety risks are properly identified and that we have a written plan to eliminate all risks. The updated protocol (attached) has been reviewed with each staff member, personally, and signed as recognition of their understanding. The Maintenance Request Form (attached) has been updated to meet the needs of above. The Facilities Manager was written up to indicate the seriousness of his lapse of judgment and teachers in the room were given a warning to be sure they are aware of and understand all that is going on in their environments when their children are present. The Administration met with the family to assure them we took this seriously and we are very grateful child A is fine.

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 licensing coordinator’s review of department records revealed two staff didn’t submit for a background record check prior to employment. Corrective action: A new item has been added to our onboarding checklist which investigates a new hire's previous center to confirm licensure. This will be done prior to hiring in order to accurately proceed with a background check.

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

Programs serving diapered children and children who are not toilet trained shall have a designated diaper changing area, which shall: (1) Be located adjacent to or in close proximity to a designated hand washing sink to allow access for hand washing without having to open doors or gates or have physical contact with other children; (2) Have a non-porous, washable surface, which shall be used exclusively for diaper changing and sanitized after each diaper change; (3) Contain a covered, hand-free receptacle, lined with a plastic bag, and located within reach of the diaper changing area for disposal of soiled disposable diapers and cleansing articles; and (4) Not be located in kitchens or in food preparation or food service areas, or on surfaces where food is prepared or served.

The licensing coordinator observed that in the Older Infant 1 classroom, the diaper receptacle was broken and therefore could no longer function as hand-free. Corrective action: This trashcan was disposed of and immediately replaced with a new hands-free trashcan.

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