Incident investigation·December 12, 2025

On 12/12/25 @ 8:45am an unannounced case management inspection was conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Erica Laird. LPA met with licensee Emmy Schykerynec in response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 11/25/25. Per the incident report, on 11/24/25 a child (C1) wandered away from the facility and was absent for an unknown amount of time. C1 was observed by a neighbor walking down the street. The neighbor called the parent of C1 who then called the licensee to notify her C1 was seen walking down the street. Per the report, the licensee was unsure how long C1 was away from the facility but estimated it was approximately 10 minutes. On 12/12/25 LPA Laird conducted an interview at the facility with licensee Emmy Schykerynec. Emmy stated the day of the incident she was making lunch in the kitchen. Emmy stated her assistant was in the back yard supervising 8 children. Emmy stated she heard a door alarm go off but she didn't know if it was the back door alarm or if it was the front door alarm. Emmy stated she did check the areas when she heard the alarms but she did not observe the front door open. Emmy stated she assumed C1 was in the backyard with her assistant. Licensee has installed a key pad lock door knob to the front door. On 12/2/25 LPA Laird received a picture of the newly installed key pad door handle. LPA Laird informed licensee on 12/2/25 the door was a fire hazard as it would not allow children to escape quickly in an emergency. LPA Laird asked that licensee immediately remove the key pad door handle and consult her local fire marshal for approved single action door handles. On 12/12/25, during inspection of the facility, LPA Laird observed the key pad door handle was still installed. LPA Laird asked why the door handle had not been removed. Licensee stated she had not had time to speak with the local fire marshal. During inspection LPA Laird observed licensee and licensee's assistant struggle to open the door several times. Based on observations, the door poses an immediate risk to children as it does not allow the quick egress of staff and children in an emergency. During today's inspection LPA Laird observed the licensee caring for 4 children in the back playroom. LPA Laird observed the kitchen where the licensee was preparing lunch on the date of incident. LPA Laird observed several blind spots from the kitchen into the playroom, front room which faces the street, and egress route between the playroom and front room (photos taken). LPA Laird walked the distance between the front door and C1's address. Based on measurements, C1 walked approximately 258 foot from the facility. On 12/12/25 LPA Laird conducted one staff interview (S1). On 12/01/25 LPA Laird conducted one parent interview (P1). P1 stated on 11/24/25 they were notified by a neighbor their child (C1) was observed walking down the road. P1 stated they immediately called the licensee who seemed to be unaware C1 was missing. P1 stated they pulled camera footage and determined C1 was away from the facility for at least 15 minutes. Based on observations and interviews the following deficiency(ies) is being cited on the LIC809-D. LPA Erica Laird informed licensee, Emmy Schykerynec, that this report dated 12/12/25 documents 2 Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA Erica Laird informed the licensee, Emmy Schykerynec, to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 12/12/25 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Emmy Schykerynec. Appeal Rights were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.