complaint·October 16, 2024

Staff do not ensure safe food hygiene practices are followed: It was reported, on or about August of 2024, that several staff members share personal food and drinks brought in from outside the facility with children in the toddler classroom. Additionally, it was stated that staff give unwanted food touched or eaten by another child to other children and will also allow other children to use utensils already used by another child. LPA conducted interviews with pertinent parties. Some pertinent parties stated that they had personally witnessed or had staff members admit to them that staff have given personal food or drinks to children in the toddler classroom. However, this could not be confirmed with all pertinent parties. Additionally, it could not be confirmed with pertinent parties that staff were giving touched food or utensils to other children. Pertinent parties stated that the facility provides food for the children and that it is procedure for staff to set aside used utensils in a bucket that is to be taken to the kitchen to be cleaned. Some pertinent parties stated that staff were allowed to bring in personal food into the classroom while others stated that staff eat personal food in the break room or outside the classroom. Staff exposed day care children to hazardous fumes: It was reported, on or about 08/16/2024, that staff members use large amounts of bleach to clean the toddler classroom while children were napping. Additionally, it was stated that the bleach smell is very strong and that the staff do not open the windows to ventilate the room. LPA conducted interviews with pertinent parties. Some pertinent parties stated that they had personally witnessed staff utilize bleach while children were present and that the bleach smell could be smelled from the next room. However, this could not be confirmed with all pertinent parties. Some pertinent parties stated that bleach is used at the facility but that it is only to be used after hours when children are not present. Staff do not ensure required ratios are maintained: It was reported, on or about August of 2024, that staff members walk out of the toddler classroom to use the restroom or go to the office which causes the classroom to be out of ratio. LPA conducted interviews with pertinent parties. Some pertinent parties stated that they had personally witnessed staff walk out of the Toddler classroom. However, this could not be confirmed with all pertinent parties. Additionally, pertinent parties stated that the facility has walkie talkies for staff to use to communicate with other staff or management but that it has not been utilized as of late. Pertinent parties stated that staff will sometimes come to the office to communicate with management but that they come during their breaks or when they know there is enough staff left in the classroom to maintain ratio. Based on information obtained during this investigation through interviews conducted, the review of pertinent documentation, and after receiving conflicting information, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that the allegation is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegation occurred. 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. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Melissa Speakman.