First Step Learning Center

3 out of 4 staff files reviewed did not have an hour of child maltreatment training in the training period reviewed. This was corrected at inspection when 2 of the staff members used the current training period child maltreatment training.

One child had a food allergy plan that was signed by the physician, but not the child's parent.

In one of the infant rooms, the handwashing sink was being used for washing bottles. This was corrected during the inspection when the caregiver and director were informed that the handwashing can't be used for bottles and the bottles were taken to the kitchen.

Two caregivers who had been hired after September of 2023 did not have a pre-employment affidavit on file.

The director was missing training in the following required topics: SIDs and shaken baby, abuse and neglect, emergency preparedness, communicable diseases, administering medication, responding to allergic reactions, understanding building and physical premises safety, and handling hazardous materials.

One caregiver was missing eight hours of annual training and the required training topics, and five caregivers were missing the required training topics.

A caregiver stated she had 13 children in care and it was determined she had 15 children in care.

Based on video footage viewed of the incident, it was determined the caregiver was not properly supervising the children. The caregiver was observed with her back to the children just prior to when the incident occurred.

The operation changed 2 infant classroom to classrooms that were utilized by Toddlers and did not notify Child Care Regulation. In addition, the operation is not utilizing 3 classrooms that are counted towards the capacity. One classroom has paint stored on the counter and no furniture in the classroom. Another classroom was utilized as storage. The 3rd classroom was changed to a teacher lounge. I reviewed with the Director Child Care Regulation's required notifications. During the inspection, the classrooms were remeasured and a new permit will be generated to reflect the changes.

The operation did not have incident reports for injuries that were known to have occurred with children in care.

While reviewing video footage at the operation it was seen that the supervision of children was not ensured when the caregivers ran out the room and children started walking out of the open door.

While doing a walk through at the operation there was not a local Licensing office telephone number posted for parents to see. This was corrected at the inspection when contact numbers were posted on the parent board.

While walking the outdoor play area there was not 6 inches of loose fill present underneath the slides.

Observed 10 children's files. 2 out of 10 files were missing immunizations.

Observed 10 staff files. All 10 files were missing SIDS/Shaken baby, Admin medication, food allergy, and hazardous material training.

Observed the legs on playground equipment exposed which is a tripping hazard.

Observed an infant sitting in a highchair without being strapped into the seat. It was corrected when the infant was taken out of the highchair.

Observed 2 infants sitting in highchairs and were not strapped in the chair. This was corrected when the caregivers strapped the children in.

During interviews it was found that a caregiver took two children inside, leaving 11 kids outside with one caregiver and the childrens ages were 1 year-2 years old. The specified age group was 18-23 months old. One caregiver can only have 9 children by themself at this age group. Another caregiver asked the caregiver when coming back outside to watch their group of children which left the 1-2 year old classroom out of ratio for longer period of time.

A child was able to leave the gated area and run towards the road and down the sidwalk before a ex-employee caught the child. The caregiver who was in charge at the time, was not aware the child left the playground until another caregiver informed them.

The edges around the concrete basketball court slab was found to be a tripping hazard on the playground.

During the course of the investigation, it was found that a caregiver caused bodily injury to a child by forcefully grabbing, dragging, yelling at the child, and tossing the child to the ground in anger.

During an investigation there was sufficient evidence to support a child was physically abused.