Dreamers & Achievers Early Learning Academy

*At approximately 10:20am on 7/10/24 in the infant/young toddler area, staff #3 was alone. Staff #3 stated she was in charge of 5 children. She named and identified the ages of all children in her care: 1 infant, 2 young toddlers, and 2 older toddlers. She was out of ratio.

**At approximately 10:20am on 7/10/24 in the infant/young toddler area, staff #3 was alone. Staff #3 stated she was in charge of 5 children. She named and identified the ages of all children in her care: 1 infant, 2 young toddlers, and 2 older toddlers. She was out of ratio.

***At approximately 10:20am on 7/10/24 in the infant/young toddler area, staff #3 was alone. Staff #3 stated she was in charge of 5 children. She named and identified the ages of all children in her care: 1 infant, 2 young toddlers, and 2 older toddlers. She was out of ratio.

****At approximately 10:20am on 7/10/24 in the infant/young toddler area, staff #3 was alone. Staff #3 stated she was in charge of 5 children. She named and identified the ages of all children in her care: 1 infant, 2 young toddlers, and 2 older toddlers. She was out of ratio.

Second citation previously cited on 5/21/24. At approximately 10:15am on 6/17/24 it was observed 2 young toddlers and 1 older toddler in highchairs without trays and 1 older toddler strapped into an infant bumbo seat while the staff member #1 sat on the floor and read a story during community time. When the staff member #1 was asked why the children were in highchairs and a bumbo seat she stated that she put them in there so that she could get her things ready for community time and the children could not get into everything. Staff #2 admitted to confining Child #1 on 5/3/24 to a highchair for the purpose of time out for 30 minutes. The plan of correction date for this citation given by the operator was 7/1/24. On 7/10/24 it was observed that there were 2 staff persons that still had not completed the required training.

The gate going into the infant/young toddler area was detached from the cabinet exposing protruding screws accessible to young children.

Two screws were on the floor of the infant/young toddler area accessible to children still placing objects in their mouths.

No inspection summary was posted in a conspicuous location used by parents.

Second Citation previously cited on 5/21/24. At approximately 10:15am on 6/17/24 it was observed 2 young toddlers and 1 older toddler in highchairs without trays and 1 older toddler strapped into an infant bumbo seat while the staff member #1 sat on the floor and read a story during community time. When the staff member #1 was asked why the children were in highchairs and a bumbo seat she stated that she put them in there so that she could get her things ready for community time and the children could not get into everything. Staff #2 admitted to confining Child #1 on 5/3/24 to a highchair for the purpose of time out for 30 minutes.

At approximately 10:15am on 6/17/24 it was observed 2 young toddlers and 1 older toddler in highchairs without trays and 1 older toddler strapped into an infant bumbo seat while the staff member #1 sat on the floor and read a story during community time. When the staff member #1 was asked why the children were in highchairs and a bumbo seat she stated that she put them in there so that she could get her things ready for community time and the children could not get into everything. Staff #2 admitted to confining Child #1 on 5/3/24 to a highchair for the purpose of time out for 30 minutes.

The file for Staff #2 was lacked documentation of application of District of Columbia state Criminal History, Child Abuse, and Sex Offender clearances prior to date of hire (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The Child Abuse (11/14/23) and FBI Clearances (11/15/23) on file for Staff #2 are dated after Staff #2's date of hire (SEE LIS CODE SHEET). The PA Criminal History (6/22/23), Child Abuse (6/28/23), and FBI Clearances (6/22/23) on file for Staff #3 are dated after Staff #3's date of hire (SEE LIS CODE SHEET). The Child Abuse Clearance on file for Staff #5 is dated 3/15/24, which is after their date of hire (SEE LIS CODE SHEET). The file for Staff #2 (1/25/24), Staff #5 (3/19/24), and Staff #6 (6/5/23) lacked a valid NSOR certificate within 45 days of hire (SEE LIS CODE SHEET). The file for Staff #4 lacked documentation of application of an NSOR certificate prior to date of hire (5/7/24) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET).

In a group of 9 toddlers at approximately 10:50 AM, 3 toddlers were observed confined in highchairs during circle time with Staff #2 and Staff #6.

Standing water was observed in a container connected to a small playhouse on the outdoor toddler playground. The fire extinguishers in the Lobby and Kitchen were serviced in November of 2022. The directions on the tag of the extinguisher read to 'void 1 year from date punched on tag', meaning the fire extinguisher inspection was not current and was out of date.

The Emergency Plan training on file for Staff #2, Staff #5, and Staff #6 is dated 5/13/24, more than 90 days beyond Staff #2, Staff #5, and Staff #6's date of hire. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET).

In the Infant Space protective receptacle covers were missing in an outlet under thermostat and in a power strip.

A spray bottle containing toxics in the Infant Space was observed unlabeled.

Broken pieces of brick were observed with sharp edges in the Outdoor Play Space, which could be hazardous to children.

Peeling plaster was observed under the television in the Front Preschool Space.

In the bathroom, a sink lacked a handwashing sign.

In the Infant space, a crib was observed blocking the exit gate of the space.

Foam blocks with teeth marks were observed in the Middle Play Space.

The most recent health report on file for Child #2 (OT) is dated 4/19/23, more than 12 months prior.

The immunization record for Child #2 (OT) lacked the following vaccines: 1 dose of DTAP, 2 doses of HiB, 1 dose of Pneumococcal, 1 dose of MMR, 1 dose of Varicella, and 2 doses of Hepatitis A with no letter of exemption in the file. Child #2 must be dismissed from care by close of business on 5/21/24 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter.

The two most recent health assessments on file for Staff #1 are dated 11/4/21 and 1/4/24, more than 24 months apart. The initial health assessment and tuberculosis test on file for Staff #2 are dated 11/15/23, which is beyond date of hire. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET).

On the fire drill log, the fire drill dated 5/17/24 lacked the evacuation length of the drill conducted.

The fire alarm 30-day test log includes test dates 1/1/24-2/2/24 and 3/1/24-4/1/24, more than 30 days apart.

The Initial Child Health Report for Child #3, enrolled for more than 60 days, was lacking from the child file. Child #3 must be dismissed from care by close of business on 5/21/24 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter.

The liability insurance observed on site during the inspection listed the effective dates of the policy as 1/13/23 through 1/13/24, making it invalid.

Staff person #5 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR. The file for Staff #6 lacked the following trainings within 90 days of their date of hire: Pediatric First Aid/CPR (5/30/23) & Get Started with Center-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality -- Revised 2022 (11/9/23). The file for Staff #7 lacked Pediatric First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire. The training for Staff #7 was completed on 5/30/23. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)

The files for Child #1, #2, #3, and #4 contained Child Service Reports that are not an acceptable developmental tool.

The Emergency contact form for Child #1 lacked the enrolling parent's work address and phone number. The Emergency Contact form for Child #3 lacked the enrolling parent's home address.

The Emergency Contact form for Child #3 lacked the Health Insurance/MA policy number.

The Emergency Contact forms for Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3 lack complete addresses for all listed release persons.

The most recent 6 month review signature for the emergency contact form on file for Child #1 (7/7/23 & 4/16/24) and Child #3 (8/15/23) is dated more than 6 months after the previous 6 month review signature.

The most recent 6-month review signature for the financial agreement form on file for Child #1 (7/7/23), #2 (5/18/23), and Child #3 (8/15/23) is dated more than 6 months prior.

*At approximately 1:30 pm, upon entering the facility, the following was observed: Staff person #2 was sitting at a desk in the front of the only room in the facility, facing the entrance. Staff person #1 was in the infant area of the room, which is partly partitioned off in the front left hand corner of the room. Staff person #3 was observed standing in the kitchen doorway at the back of the room, then disappeared into the kitchen. Staff person #4 was observed not to be in the room and the operator stated that staff person #4 was in the kitchen at the time. Behind staff person #2 and in front of the gated off area, 14 children were on their rest equipment, a combined group of 6 preschoolers, 3 older toddlers and 5 young toddlers. Staff person #2 stated that they were responsible for all 14 children since staff #3 and #4 were in the kitchen at the time, placing staff person #2 out of ratio. Next in the infant area, staff person #1 identified the 4 children in the area. When staff person #3 and #4 came out of the kitchen and joined staff person #2 at the front of the room, all 3 staff identified their groups, placing them back in ratio. At this time, staff person #2 identified a…

At approximately 1:30 pm, upon entering the facility, the following was observed: Staff person #2 was sitting at a desk in the front of the only room in the facility, facing the entrance. Staff person #1 was in the infant area of the room, which is partly partitioned off in the front left hand corner of the room. Staff person #3 was observed standing in the kitchen doorway at the back of the room, then disappeared into the kitchen. Staff person #4 was observed not to be in the room and the operator stated that staff person #4 was in the kitchen at the time. Behind staff person #2 and in front of the gated off area, 14 children were on their rest equipment, a combined group of 6 preschoolers, 3 older toddlers and 5 young toddlers. Staff person #2 stated that they were responsible for all 14 children since staff #3 and #4 were in the kitchen at the time, placing staff person #2 out of ratio. Next in the infant area, staff person #1 identified the 4 children in the area. When staff person #3 and #4 came out of the kitchen and joined staff person #2 at the front of the room, all 3 staff identified their groups, placing them back in ratio. At this time, staff person #2 identified a…

**At approximately 1:30 pm, upon entering the facility, the following was observed: Staff person #2 was sitting at a desk in the front of the only room in the facility, facing the entrance. Staff person #1 was in the infant area of the room, which is partly partitioned off in the front left hand corner of the room. Staff person #3 was observed standing in the kitchen doorway at the back of the room, then disappeared into the kitchen. Staff person #4 was observed not to be in the room and the operator stated that staff person #4 was in the kitchen at the time. Behind staff person #2 and in front of the gated off area, 14 children were on their rest equipment, a combined group of 6 preschoolers, 3 older toddlers and 5 young toddlers. Staff person #2 stated that they were responsible for all 14 children since staff #3 and #4 were in the kitchen at the time, placing staff person #2 out of ratio. Next in the infant area, staff person #1 identified the 4 children in the area. When staff person #3 and #4 came out of the kitchen and joined staff person #2 at the front of the room, all 3 staff identified their groups, placing them back in ratio. At this time, staff person #2 identified a…

At approximately 1:30 pm, upon entering the facility, the following was observed: Staff person #2 was sitting at a desk in the front of the only room in the facility, facing the entrance. Staff person #1 was in the infant area of the room, which is partly partitioned off in the front left hand corner of the room. Staff person #3 was observed standing in the kitchen doorway at the back of the room, then disappeared into the kitchen. Staff person #4 was observed not to be in the room and the operator stated that staff person #4 was in the kitchen at the time. Behind staff person #2 and in front of the gated off area, 14 children were on their rest equipment, a combined group of 6 preschoolers, 3 older toddlers and 5 young toddlers. Staff person #2 stated that they were responsible for all 14 children since staff #3 and #4 were in the kitchen at the time, placing staff person #2 out of ratio. Next in the infant area, staff person #1 identified the 4 children in the area. When staff person #3 and #4 came out of the kitchen and joined staff person #2 at the front of the room, all 3 staff identified their groups, placing them back in ratio. At this time, staff person #2 identified a…

Upon entering the facility at approximately 9:10 am, staff person #1 and #2 were observed in the enclosed area in the middle of the room with 16 children, a combination of 4 infants, 5 young toddlers, 3 older toddlers and 4 preschoolers. Staff person #1 identified the 4 infants and staff person #2 identified the other 12 children. Staff person #2 stated that they were out of ratio because staff person #3 was running late, but that the staff person was on their way. A few minutes later, staff person #2 stated that staff person #3 was at the Wilmerding location. At approximately 9:25, staff person #4 arrived at approximately the same time a 17th child arrived. Although the facility was still out of ratio with 3 staff, staff person #2 accepted the child into care. At approximately 9:30, staff #5 arrived, bringing the facility into ratio. Staff person #1 again identified the 4 infants. Staff person #2 identified 5 children, 1 older toddler and 4 preschoolers. Staff person #4 identified 5 young toddlers. Staff person #5 identified 3 children, 1 young toddler and 2 older toddlers.

Based on staff interviews, staff person #1 was attempting to de-escalate child #1 during a tantrum when they firmly clasped the child's head between their hands, leaving a red mark on the child's face.

The file for staff person #1, hired provisionally on (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) and on their 46th day of working with children, included proof of request for the state police clearance, but not the actual clearance.

At approximately 2:45 pm, child #1, an infant, was observed sleeping in a swing in the infant area. Based on conversation with staff, the child was asleep when they relieved staff person #4 for their break, which was approximately 10-15 minutes prior. At approximately the same time, a child was observed sleeping in an unlabeled pack n play in the infant area.

At approximately 2:45 pm, child #1, an infant, was observed sleeping in a swing in the infant area. Based on conversation with staff, the child was asleep when they relieved staff person #4 for their break, which was approximately 10-15 minutes prior.

There was a tube of Desitin diaper cream and Lysol disinfectant spray in the unlocked cabinet underneath the diaper table in the area near the child-sized toilets, making them accessible to children. Both items included instructions to keep out of the reach of children. There was hand sanitizer and multiple cleaning products in an unlocked closet by the bathrooms.

The initial health assessment in the file for staff person #3 who began working at this facility on (SEE LIS CODE SHEET), was dated 7/3/23, which is late, as this facility is under a different legal entity than the other facilities.

The menu posted at the time of the inspection was for the current week.

At the time of the inspection, there was not a formula and feeding schedule for child #1, an infant.

At approximately 2:45 pm, a younger toddler was observed sleeping with a bottle still in their mouth in the infant area.

The one- hour health and safety update training in the file for staff person #2, hired on (SEE LIS CODE SHEET), was dated 1/12/23.

The agreement in the file for child #1 through #5, titled the "registration form," did not include the operator's signature.

The agreement in the file for child #1 through #5 did not specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week.

The agreement in the file for child #1 through #5 did not specify the date on which the fee is to be paid.

The agreement in the file for child #1 through #5 did not specify the services to be provided to the family and child.

The emergency contact information in the file for child #1 through #5 did not include any work information for the child's enrolling parent.

Upon entering the facility, the child files were obsereved on a bookshelf near the front desk.

Upon entering the facility, the staff files were obsereved on a bookshelf near the front desk.

The facility's emergency plan did not include information regarding continuity of operations.

There was a gated space in the middle of the main room that contained the following gross motor equipment: dome climbers, A plastic climber/slide, small basketball hoops and a small plastic see-saw.

The facility's outdoor play space at the initial inspection observed to be located on a large grassy area with no barrier to the nearby hillside or the road that was several hundered feet away from the play space.

The small refrigerator in the infant space in the main room did not contain a thermometer.