complaint·March 12, 2025

In regards to the allegation of ratio, it was reported that the facility had one teacher with more than 12 children. LPA made observations and took a census during every visit throughout the course of the investigation and did not find the facility to be out of ratio. LPA reviewed the facility's name-to-face-sheets on select days. These sheets have children sign in/out times along with teacher in/out times. However, specific dates of the alleged out of ratio was not provided to LPA. Further, during interviews, the facility staff stated that other teachers or qualified staff members (like Director or Assistant Director) will step into a classroom when needed. It was also stated that the facility prepares a staffing schedule for the day, a week ahead time. In regards to the allegation of not reporting incidents to authorized representatives, it was reported that children that vomit or who have diarrhea often do not get a call home to their authorized representative. Therefore, LPA reviewed the facility's family handbook. LPA discovered page numbers 20 to 23 and 27 of the facility's family handbook. Further, these pages highlighted what is done in regards to child accidents, illness and caring for sick children, temporary exclusion, and also highlighting every illness and the criteria for return. LPA did not receive specific details on when or what children incidents were not reported to their authorized representatives. Facility staff stated that children that display the mentioned symptoms are sent home and that the parent/authorized representative receives a form that states why the child is being sent home. Further, it was stated the form is signed by the Director or Assistant Director and by the parent/authorized representatives at pick up time. In regards to the allegation of children climbing stacked cots, tables, and chairs, which resulted in injury; LPA confirmed that the facility stacks the cots under the classroom's cubbies. However, the LPA was unable to determine if this action resulted in child injuries or not. During facility staff interviews, it was stated that the facility stacks the napping cots safely by ensuring that they are stacked to a height where the children are unable to climb on them and get hurt. Facility staff interviews also disclosed that staff members have observed children trying to climb tables and chairs and that they re-direct the children from attempting to climb on them. Throughout the course of the investigation, the Department has received conflicting statements for all three allegations. This agency has investigated the complaint regarding the above allegations. Based on the interviews conducted and documentation collected, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding of unsubstantiated means, although the allegations may have happened, or are valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove the allegations occurred. No deficiencies were cited during this inspection. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door 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 Tracy Bierman, Director and Ann-Marie Schoben, Assistant Director.