Correction check·September 5, 2024

At 9:15am on 9/5/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Gallo arrived at the facility to conduct a plan of correction visit related to citations issued on 8/29/2024. Upon arrival, LPA was greeted by the director's assistant and observed 16 children supervised by 4 staff. Director Paolo Sarmiento arrived at approximately 9:20am. LPA conducted observation, record review, and interview to determine whether the plans of correction for the following two Type A deficiencies cited on 8/29/2024 were fulfilled: (1) The presence in the center of an adult who did not have a valid criminal background clearance The plan of correction dictated that the adult without clearance, Staff Member 1 (S1), would not return to work at the facility until a valid criminal background clearance has been obtained, and that LPA would conduct a return visit to ensure compliance. During today's visit, LPA observed records that showed S1 received clearance on 9/1/2024, and, through staff schedule and interview with S1, determined that they had only returned to the facility after that date. The plan of correction for this deficiency has been fulfilled and is now cleared. (2) Care being provided to children by aides who were not under the direct supervision of a teacher The plan of correction dictated that the director will provide an updated staff schedule that shows the director acting as a qualified teacher to ensure that aides are always under the supervision of a teacher, and that LPA would return to ensure compliance. Upon arrival at 9:10am, LPA entered the main classroom and observed 2 staff (S2 and S3) supervising 9 children who were sitting at a table eating snack. LPA observed 2 more staff (S4 and S5) in the outdoor play yard supervising 7 children at play. According to record review, S2 and S3 are aides, and the only qualified teacher present was S4, who was outside. Report continues on 809-C The director stated that a recently hired qualified teacher had made a mistake in not appearing for their first day. That staff member arrived later during LPA's visit. Based on the facts of LPA's arrival, when 2 aides were providing care to children without the direct supervision of a teacher, the plan of correction was not fulfilled. A civil penalty of $700 is assessed for failure to correct a repeat violation (see 421FC). The civil penalty will accrue $100 a day until the deficiency is corrected. LPA will return to ensure compliance. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative, Paolo Sarmiento. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeal rights were provided.