complaint·November 18, 2025

The Department received a complaint on 09/09/25 alleging (1) Staff did not prevent a daycare child from sustaining injuries while in care. (2) Staff did not keep the facility free from outbreaks. (3) Staff did not follow safe food handling techniques. (4) Staff did not properly follow general sanitation techniques. Reporting Party (RP) stated Child 1 (C1) has multiple incidents of unexplained bruises. Staff was not able to communicate what happened. There were several outbreaks of stomach viruses and hand foot mouth viruses throughout June, July, and August 2025 time frame. The staff returning to kitchen (from hallway and classroom) with the same gloves on then began handling food again. Children were exposed to overbearing smells of chemical in the classroom. Improper use of chemical and dilution ratios. Inadequate disinfecting of toys and touching points which allowed bacteria and viruses to remain present in the classroom. During the investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 7 children, 3 parents, and reviewed facility records. Regarding allegation (1) Staff did not prevent a daycare child from sustaining injuries while in care: During the staff interview, 5 out of 5 staff stated they have not seen unexplained bruises on child 1 (C1). Staff #1 (S1) and Staff # 4 (S4) stated there were no unexplained bruises in their class and they also communicate incidents with parents. Staff #2 (S2) and Staff #3 (S3) stated there were no unexplained bruises in their class. During children’s interviews, 3 of 7 children stated their teachers help them when they get hurt and put band aid. 1 of 7 children did not respond. Regarding allegation (2) Staff did not keep the facility free from outbreaks Staff #1 (S1) stated there were cases of Hand Foot and Mouth (HFM) in June, July and August, and parents were notified via app or sending out letters to prevent spreading. Staff # 2 (S2) and Staff # 3(S3) stated they do not recall having an outbreak in class. Staff #4 (S4) stated they do not recall of HFM outbreak in class, S4 stated maybe 1 case but cannot recall the date, S4 stated they notified parents via app. Staff #5 (S5) stated they do not recall having an outbreak of HFM in the facility. During children interview, child 2 (C2) and Child 4 (C4) stated they do not get sick in school. Child 1 (C1) stated they sometimes get sick in school and stays home. Page 2 of 4 Regarding allegation (3) Staff did not follow safe food handling techniques: During the staff interview, Staff #1 (S1) stated they use gloves to distribute food, and they sanitize the table before meals. S1 stated they have not witnessed any staff not changing gloves when going from kitchen to classroom since they stay in the classroom all the time. Staff #2 (S2) stated they use gloves to distribute food and they change gloves every time they serve. S2 stated they have not witnessed any staff not changing gloves when going from kitchen to classroom. Staff #3 (S3) stated they use gloves in serving food and change them often. S3 stated they sanitize the area for meals. Staff #4 (S4) stated they use gloves in distributing food and changes gloves when they touch other surface. During children interview, 3 of 7 children stated they see their teachers use blue gloves when serving food. Regarding allegation (4) Staff did not properly follow general sanitation techniques: During the staff interview, Staff #1 (S1) stated they use Lysol solution to clean and sanitize toys, shelves and outside the room. S1 stated when children are present, they clean outside to avoid strong smell. Staff#2 (S2) stated they use water bleach solution and clean outside to avoid strong smell. Staff # 3 (S3) stated they use cleaner spray that the director mixes or soap water to sanitize toys. S3 stated they sanitize toys and the classroom when children are not present. Staff # 4 (S4) stated they wipe down shelves, beds, books with Lysol solution daily and deep cleans weekly. S4 stated the smell is gentle and not harsh. Staff #5 (S5) stated they follow the instructions on Lysol and Clorox bottle solution to sanitize the classrooms, toys, shelves and the materials the children use. During children interview, 3 of 7 children stated teachers clean the toys and the classroom and uses wipes and wipes smells good. On 9/17/25 LPA was shown the yellow Lysol cleaner and Clorox bleach, the director stated they follow the instructions at the back of the bottles and refills a “Zep” empty bottle for the classrooms to use for cleaning. On 9/17/25 and 9/25/25, LPA did not observe any strong smell of chemicals in the facility. Page 3 of 4 LPA interviewed 3 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations. Based on observations, interviews conducted and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of Staff did not prevent a daycare child from sustaining injuries while in care, Staff did not keep the facility free from outbreaks, Staff did not follow safe food handling techniques, Staff did not properly follow general sanitation techniques did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted with Director Taryn Stephens. Report was reviewed and discussed. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were provided. Page 4 of 4