complaint·November 7, 2025

Reporting Party (RP) stated 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 and 3 parents, and reviewed facility records. No children interview conducted since children were non-verbal. Regarding allegation (1) Staff did not keep the facility free from outbreaks: Staff #1 (S1) stated they disinfect toys, tables, rugs and mats in the classroom all day and at the end of the day before their shift ends. Staff #2 (S2) stated they clean shelves, toys and disinfects and air dries them. Staff #3 (S3) stated they sanitize the mats, shelves, tables and cribs and uses bleach water on Fridays. Staff #4 (S4) stated they sanitize toys, shelves, beds and cleans the surface daily so germs does not pass around. Staff #5 (S5) stated they follow bottle instruction for Lysol to sanitize the classrooms. Based on Records reviewed, the facility sent parents notification through Bright Wheel app of Hand Foot Mouth (HFM) cases on 07/03/25 and 07/14/25. Another notification for Stomach bug on 08/22/25 were sent to parents through the app. On the notifications, facility informed the parents through the messaging app that they have done disinfecting in the classrooms and to keep children home to prevent the spread of the virus. Regarding allegation (2) Staff did not follow safe food handling techniques: During the staff interview, 5 of 5 staff stated they use gloves when serving food. Staff #2 (S2) stated they use gloves or they use spoons and forks to serve food. S2 stated if they needed to step out of the classroom, they replaced new pairs of gloves to continue serving food. Staff #3 (S3) and Staff #5 (S5) stated they change gloves every time they prepare food or if they do something else. Page 2 of 3 Regarding allegation (3) Staff did not properly follow general sanitation techniques: During the staff interview, Staff #1 (S1) stated they sanitize the classroom when children are not present because of the smell, and they open the doors for ventilation. Staff #2 (S2) stated they deep clean toys, shelves, and air dry them. They do it when children are not present. S2 stated the smell is not strong since they dilute the solution with water. Staff #5 (S5) stated they follow instructions from the bottle of Lysol or Clorox for cleaning; 1 cupful to a gallon of water. 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 a strong smell of chemicals in the facility. No children interview conducted due to children being non-verbal. LPA interviewed 3 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations. Based on the 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 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 3 of 3