South Side Childrens Center

The signed disclosure statement on file for Staff person #1 is not dated, making it invalid.

There are 2 outlets behind the television in the Toddler area that did not have covers inserted.

The two most recent health assessments on file for Child #1, who is a preschool age child, are dated 10.27.23 and 11.14.24, more than 12 months apart.

The immunization record on file for Child #2, who is 10 months old, included 2 of 3 DTAP vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age and 2 of 3 pneumococcal vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age.

The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #2 were dated 1.12.23 and 2.20.25, more than 24 months apart.

The current health assessment on file for Staff person #1 does not indicate if the staff person was assessed for communicable/contagious disease.

The health assessment on file for Staff person #1 does not include the physician or health care professional's assessment of the person's suitability to provide childcare.

The facility does not have verification of the completion of an emergency drill within the last 1 year.

The Shaken Baby Policy submitted by the facility does not include language regarding the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.

The file for staff person #1, classified as Director, does not include verification of a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a Bachelor's degree with 30 credits in education or a related human services field and 2 years of experience with children; or an Associate's degree in education or a related human services field and 3 years of experience with children; or an Associate's degree with 30 credits in education or a related human services field and 4 years of experience with children.

The agreement on file for Child #2 does not include the services to be provided by the childcare facility.

The agreement on file for Child #2 does not include the persons to whom the child can be released.

The file for Child #2 does not include written parental consent for the facility to obtain emergency medical care.

The file for Child #2 does not include written parental permission for the facility to administer minor first aid procedures.

The file for Staff person #1, classified as a Director, includes documentation of application of a Massachusetts state criminal history clearance, Massachusetts child abuse clearance, and Massachusetts sex offender clearance after the date of hire (See IS CODE SHEET). The Massachusetts child abuse clearance and sex offender clearance are currently in the file; the Massachusetts criminal history clearance was not yet received at the time of inspection. A Director may not be hired provisionally.

The cupboard containing diaper cream and wipes, labeled "Keep out of reach of children" in the toddler diapering area was not locked, making the toxics accessible to children.

There were infant feeding bottles in the refrigerator in the infant room that were not labeled with the name for whom the bottles were intended.

The file for staff person #1, classified as Director, does not include verification of a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a Bachelor's degree with 30 credits in education or a related human services field and 2 years of experience with children; or an Associate's degree in education or a related human services field and 3 years of experience with children; or an Associate's degree with 30 credits in education or a related human services field and 4 years of experience with children.

The agreement on file for Child #3 does not include the amount of the fee to be paid by the parent/guardian.

The agreement on file for Child #1 and #2 does not include the date the fee is to be paid by the parent/guardian.

The agreement on file for Child #1 does not include the services to be provided

The emergency contact form on file for Child #2 does not include the work address and/or telephone number for the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #1 does not indicate if the child has any special medical needs, which is needed in an emergency situation.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #1 does not include a complete address for all listed release persons.

The file for staff #1 contained a child abuse clearance which was not renewed within 60 months. The previous child abuse clearance was dated 1/11/18. The current child abuse clearance was dated 7/27/23.

Based on statements made by staff, on 8/17/23 staff #1 fell asleep while supervising an infant. The sleeping staff was unable to provide active supervision to the infant they were responsible for supervising.

Based on statements made by staff, on 8/17/23 staff #1 fell asleep while supervising an infant. The sleeping staff was unable to provide active supervision to the infant they were responsible for supervising.

Based on statements made by staff, on 8/17/23 staff #1 fell asleep while supervising an infant. The sleeping staff was unable to provide active supervision, including knowing the whereabouts of the infant they were responsible for supervising.

Based on statements made by staff, on 8/17/23 child #1, an infant, slept in a swing for approximately 1 hour.

The operator's letter that is provided to parents explaining the emergency procedures lacked details regarding accommodations for children and the procedures for communicating with parents during and after an emergency

A bag containing a first aid kit was accessible to children while they were on the playground. The bag was observed on the ground inside the fence near the gate. The bag was not equipped with a lock.

The sink in the toddler room lacked steps that are tall enough for all the children observed in the room to easily wash their hands. Staff were observed holding a child on their knee during hand washing and stated the child could not reach the sink on his own.

In the toddler room, straps across the diaper table stairs created a tripping hazard. The straps were mounted to the steps by the operator and were intended to stop the children from climbing them. Two children were observed climbing up and down the steps while the only staff person in the room was changing a diaper. The children were trying to step over the straps while going up and down which created a tripping hazard..

The file for child #1, eight months old, lacked documentation of receiving the influenza vaccine. The file for Child #2 contained an immunization record which indicated the child did not receive the influenza vaccine at any time in 2022, however a current 2023 vaccination for influenza is now on file. The files did not contain written exemption letters.

Equate brand Homeopathic Cold & Cough medicine, which lacked written parental consent, was observed in the medication storage cabinet. The medication was labeled for use by child #2.

The file for staff #2 contained consecutive health assessments dated more than 24 months apart. The most recent health assessment on file is now current.

The facility's annual inspections of the fire alarm system were conducted more than 12 months apart. The previous inspection report was dated 7/08/22. The current inspection report was dated 7/13/23.

Based on statements made by staff, on 8/17/23 child #1, an infant, slept in a swing for approximately 1 hour.

The facility did not have a written policy for the identification and prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma as required by Announcement C-22-03.

The emergency contact form for child #3 did not include the telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

Loose crib sheets, which present a suffocation risk, were observed in a crib while in use by child #6, an infant.

Upon arrival, staff #3 was observed returning with 2 children from the restroom downstairs. Staff #2 was observed in the PS area with 10 children; 4 young school agers, 5 preschoolers, and 1 older toddler.

The facility's emergency plan did not include details related to continuity of operations.

Three outlets in the preschool area, accessible to children 5 years of age or younger, lacked protective covers.

A wall mounted chalkboard shelf in the school age room was not tightly secured to the wall creating a pinch point.

The file for child #3 contained consecutive health reports conducted more than 12 months apart. The most recent health report on file is now current.

The files for children #2 and #3 contained vaccination records which did not include documentation of receiving the influenza vaccine in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. Written exemptions were not on file.

The files for staff #1 and #2 contained health assessments conducted more than 24 months apart. The most recent health assessments on file for both staff are now current.

The facility has not conducted an emergency drill.

Staff person #4 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): health and safety topics 1-9. Completed training is now on file.

The file for staff #4 lacked a written evaluation. The staff person has been employed for over 12 months.(See LIS code sheet)

The file for child #2 contained an agreement which did not specify the amount of the fee to be charged.

The file for child #2 contained an agreement which did not specify the date on which the fee is to be paid.

The file for child #2 contained emergency contact information which did not include the address of the child's source of medical care.

The files for children #1, #2, and #4 contained emergency contact information which did not include work addresses or telephone numbers for the enrolling parent or guardian.

The file for staff #3 contained documentation of completing the required preservice training, health and safety topics 1-9, on 8/13/16 which is prior to the validity date of September 30, 2016. Documentation of acceptable training is now on file.