complaint·May 18, 2023

Licensee denied the allegation of diapering needs not being met. Most of the children are potty trained, and she changes the other children often throughout the day. Licensee denied allowing sick children to stay in care. Children that shows symptoms or signs of illness are sent home immediately and are not to return without doctor clearance or a period of time after symptoms are gone. LPAs reviewed licensee contract and sick policy and deemed it acceptable. Licensee and A1 denied that parents are not allowed in the home. On April 7 th , during another unannounced visit, LPAs witnessed parents/guardians arriving at the home for an Easter Egg hunt. Normal drop off and pick up procedures include parents coming into the home and up to the large gate that is in front of the living room. The gate allows parents to see front and main living room, as well as hallway and out the sliding glass door to the backyard. During the initial visit LPAs toured the backyard for hazards and did not identify any. LPAs did observe a section of fence, where a top portion was coming away. Licensee stated it had happened recently, and during that period of time there has been a lot of rain and they have not gone outside much. Licensee provided work order request to have the fence fixed by landlord. LPA has received photos of fence being repaired. Gate on side of the home had a high latched so that children cannot get out of the yard. Licensee also said that the children do not play outside unsupervised. LPAs took photos of play equipment inside and outside of the home. A jumping toy that was deemed a hazard, and missing parts, was reviewed on the official website; it is age appropriate and in good repair. No hazards were noted. During the visit LPA attempted to interview 4 children (C1-C4). All children were asked about getting injured while playing on the equipment and they did not fully understand but stated they don’t get hurt at the home except for running or if another child hurts them on accident. Between the dates of April 14 and 27, 2023, LPA interviewed 5 client/parents (P1-P5). All parents stated they had no issues with the food being fed or the amount given. All parents had no concerns with diapering needs. All parents were asked about children being sick. All stated they have had to pick their child up from care when ill. No concerns of ongoing sicknesses in the home were disclosed. All parents interviewed stated they are welcome into the home. All parents stated they had no concerns with the play equipment or hazards. P5 specifically said she was excited about all the play equipment. On May 5, 2023, LPA P. DiGenova interviewed A2. A2 was asked about meals, snacks and portions for the children. A2 stated that they get 2 snacks a day, usually popcorn, a cookie and juice. She stated if they are still hungry throughout the day, licensee will provide additional nuggets and fruit or other snacks she has on hand. A2 was asked about diaper procedures, she stated that the babies are changed before their morning naps and lunchtime, and anytime they poop or as needed. Stated most of the children are potty trained and will go by themselves. A2 was asked about sick children being in care, she stated that licensee recently terminated an enrolled infant due to parents not willing to bring a doctor’s note that cleared child to return to child care. A2 stated children with symptoms while in care get immediate calls to parents for pick up. On occasion, if a child is coughing the parent will provide cough medicine to be given as needed. A2 stated children that are sick are not allowed to be in child care. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated . Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Licensee Kimberly Brown. 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.