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.

REPEAT CITATION PREVIOUSLY CITED ON JUNE 14, 2023, AND FEBRUARY 21, 2024. The licensing coordinator observed two pairs of adult scissors and two screwdrivers in an unlocked drawer 30 inches from the ground in the Guppy classroom. The staff immediately moved the items to a locked drawer, making them inaccessible to the children. This constitutes the second repeat citation and failure to comply with two approved corrective action plans regarding potentially harmful items being accessible to children. Corrective action: Due to the fact that we have had repeated citations in this area, we are now moving this to our facilities person to monitor in addition to the teachers. We will now make it a part of the facilities person's duties to go to each classroom on a weekly basis to check that locks are working on drawers. In addition to this, to address staff being aware, an email was sent to staff on June 27th regarding the incident and a reminder of the importance of being diligent with keeping items out of reach. Lastly, we will address this issue at our August PD day to review the policy and ensure compliance.

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

Child care staff shall: (1) Teach children the importance of hand washing with liquid soap and running water; and (2) Instruct, encourage, remind, or assist infants and children as needed throughout each day to wash their hands as necessary to comply with (a)(1) through (5) above.

The licensing coordinator observed that the staff in the Seahorse classroom did not assist a child with washing their hands after their diaper change. Corrective action: Upon learning of this, the ECE Director spoke with the classroom to reiterate the importance of following this policy. The director also sent an email to all staff reminding them of the policy. In addition, the director went around to each classroom to ensure that each room has the appropriate hand washing signs posted as reminders near sinks.

The fall zone under and around all indoor swings and climbing equipment, including slides or lofts, which would allow a fall from a height of more than 29 inches shall extend at least 39 inches and be covered with mats designed for gymnastics.

The licensing coordinator’s observation that the climbing structure in the old Minnow classroom measures 33 inches tall did not have a mat designed for gymnastics under it. The program uses this room for gross motor activities. Corrective action: After the licensing observation, it was discovered that another classroom had taken the mat for some gross motor play in their classroom. When the mat was found, we immediately put it back under the structure where it belonged. We also sent a message to all staff to let them know the importance of keeping mats under structures at all times. We are also purchasing new mats so there are enough to go around.

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

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.