Higher Learning Academy

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of lack of supervision, not having proper security measures, and lack of indoor space cleanliness due to a dirty rug, and not using respectful communication with families. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision, not having proper security measures, and not having respectful communication with families. Staff #7 stated teachers have left their occupied classrooms at the end of the day to open the main door, and this occurred twice. Staff #5 stated the main door is sometimes propped open at the end of the day. Staff #3 stated Administrator #1 could work on her tone when speaking with families, and Staff #7 confirmed Administrator #1 uses a demeaning and belittling tone towards families.”

“On December 5, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding concerns of not following parent handbook policies and an enrollment agreement, submission of false information to another agency, improper discipline due to the restraint of a three-year-old child, failure to request a child s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and failure to consult with families to design positive behavioral supports or make reasonable accommodations. An investigation was conducted on December 12, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for not following parent handbook policies and an enrollment agreement because Child #1 s original enrollment agreement was to attend 10 hours/day, five days a week. While Administrator #1 states updated verbal agreements were made, there was no documentation to verify these changes or enforce a late fee. This complaint is substantiated for submission of false information to another agency, Purchase of Care (POC), based on review of the center s attendance records and the attendance records submitted to POC. According to attendance records, Child #1 was present at the center four full days and four half days during November 2024. However, attendance records submitted to POC by Administrator #1 show Child #1 was present 20 full days. Further review showed the center claimed 20 days in the month of November while only operating 16 days (plus one paid holiday), and showed other children marked present for full days while not being signed into the center. Following these findings, OCCL requested POC attendance records submitted by Administrator #1 for December 2024. Upon review, Child #1 continued to be claimed for 15 full days to POC despite being disenrolled from the program. This complaint is substantiated for failure to request a child s IEP because Administrator #1 stated it was never requested, and no copies were available during the visit. This complaint is substantiated for failure to consult with families to design posi tive behavioral supports because verbal changes to enrollment were made based on Child #1 s behavioral concerns, but there is no documentation or evidence of conferences, agreements, or of resources being provided. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for the restraint of a three-year-old child in a highchair because the Reporter was unable to provide a picture, and Administrator #1 stated there was no history of conversations in the ClassDojo application and no pictures of Child #1 in a highchair. All staff members interviewed stated Child #1 was never placed in a highchair. Additional concerns noted during this investigation are an incomplete child file for Child #1, who was enrolled in August 2024. There was no child health appraisal or permission signatures present in Child #1 s file. An additional concern noted is incomplete child and staff attendance records because on the 16 days of attendance records viewed for the three-year-old classroom from November 2024, staff and children were not signed out accurately on 12 of the days. An additional concern noted during this investigation was the three-year-old classroom was over staff-to-child ratio on November 7, 2024, with 11 children and one staff member.”

“On January 9, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, not following Department of Labor requirements for meal breaks (13), completing false staff attendance records (36), the Administrator not being present the required hours (26), and not permitting children to use the restroom when a state agency is present in the building (73). An investigation was conducted on January 15, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios due to observation of the one-year-old classroom at this visit. An Early Childhood Intern was alone with six children, including an infant. This complaint is substantiated for not following meal break requirements because two staff members noted they sometimes do not get lunch breaks during a 9 10-hour shift, with one staff member noting it had been a few days since having a lunch break. Staff present during this visit did not take lunch breaks, and no staff was available upon arrival to provide a break. One staff member noted they had taken a break the day of the investigation but could not answer who covered their classroom. This complaint is substantiated for not permitting staff to take children to the restroom when a state agency is present because two staff members stated Administrator #1 has instructed them to not do this. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for completing false staff attendance records because no staff members interviewed stated they were ever advised to write false information on attendance records. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for Administrator #1 not being present the required hours because all staff interviewed noted she is present the majority of the day, every day. Additional concerns noted at this visit were inaccurate staff and child attendance records. Thirty-three attendance sheets were viewed for various classrooms. On 11 of those records, including one observed duri ng the complaint visit, staff and/or children were not signed in or out accurately. According to the attendance records, a staff member was signed out for lunch four different days in December 2024 in the three-year-old classroom, but no staff was signed in to cover the lunch break.”

“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 and 4 need CPR/FA, Staff #5 needs training hours and application or resume. Staff #8 needs upon hire- orientation form, OCCL training, references, declaration and drug/alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check.”

“Children #1 and 6 need an enrollment date. Children #5, 7, and 8 needs updated health appraisals and immunizations. Child #5 needs an MAR for their Epi-Pen.”

“Clean or replace carpet in the two year old classroom and fix hole in the bottom baseboard of the wall and send a picture to OCCL.”

“Replace outdoor fence and ensure fence has 2 exits. Send a picture of repaired fence with exits to OCCL.”

“Place science materials in the younger and older one year old room.”

“Ensure OCCL has immediate access to the center- this includes access to information, files, documents, and video recordings needed to determine compliance.”

“Ensure trash cans in the bathroom are foot operated. Send picture of fixed foot operated trash cans to OCCL.”

“Place literacy items in the older one year old classroom.”

“Send in notarized renewal application.”

“Ensure fragrances, incense, burning of candles are prohibited. Fragrance oil and diffuser were observed in the younger 1's room. Remove diffuser and send a picture to OCCL.”

“Replace ceiling tiles in the boys bathroom and hallway. Send proof of communication with the landlord regarding this issue to OCCL and work on replacing the tiles. This will be our last time citing for this non-compliance, or there will be further enforcement action.”

“Place diaper changing covers in the boy's bathroom. There were none upon arrival.”

“Ensure melatonin "sleep spray" is not used. Sleep spray was observed in the younger 1's classroom and is classified as medication and should not be used. Remove spray from classroom and send a picture to OCCL.”

“Ensure there is enough emergency water/snacks. Send a picture of emergency water to OCCL.”

“Ensure trash, including diaper trash, is covered at all times. Both bathrooms and the one year old room did not have the trashcan covered. This was corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure paper towels are available in the bathrooms. Send a picture.”

“Music items needed in the new one year old room. Send a picture.”

“Replace ceiling tiles in the boys bathroom. Ensure disposable covers are used for diapering. Send a picture.”

“Ensure all prescribed medications stay in the original container and the medication logs are filled out. Send medication logs for the Nystatin and medication form for Child #1 and 2.”

“Ensure lesson plans are current and posted. The one year old room was completing theirs at the time of the visit. Another one year old room did not have a lesson plan posted. Both rooms were corrected at the visit.”

“Pre-K room schedule was not posted. This was corrected at the visit. Screen time may not be used for one-year-olds. A video with music was playing in both one year old classrooms. This was corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure classroom capacity is maintained in the Pre-K room. The max number of children is 11, but 12 children were present. Review capacity for all rooms and send a signed acknowledgment from all staff.”

“While waiting for the results of the background check, a staff member must be supervised at all times. A staff member was observed alone with children and has not been determined eligible by the Criminal History Unit. Please submit an update to OCCL.”

“Ensure attendance is accurate. 10 children were signed into the ones room, but several were in another room upon arrival. Send attendance for 1 week for older and younger ones. Attendance documentation shows staff not signed out.”

“Bleach was accessible under the sink in the boys bathroom and cleaners were accessible in the one year old classroom. Remove them or put locks on the cabinet and send pictures.”

“Ensure trash is covered at all times. Trash was uncovered in the ones room and both bathrooms, where they are also used for diapering. Send pictures. Ensure no trash is stored on the floor.”

“Clean the intake ventilation fan in the boys bathroom and order/install replacement ceiling tiles. Send pictures or receipts.”

“One year old classroom needs music, sensory, and manipulative materials. Send pictures.”

“Ensure trash is covered at all times. Trash was uncovered in the ones room and both bathrooms, where they are also used for diapering. Send pictures. Ensure no trash is stored on the floor. Disposable covers are needed for all changing areas. Send pictures.”

“Ensure there is enough emergency water available. Send a picture.”

“Nutrigrain bars and water were served for breakfast. Ensure all meals meet required components. Send planned menu for the week of 10/28/2024.”

“Lesson plan was not current in the two's room. Pre-K lesson plan is missing a healthy habits and music activity. Ensure staff are trained in what classifies as social-emotional activities. Send one week's plans for infants, ones, and twos.”

“Submit for Staff #1: Review of abuse/neglect and safe sleep, orientation form, health and safety training, application/resume, job description, 4 references, service letter attempt with release of employment history, employee declaration and drug/alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check.”

“Ensure staff are signing out when leaving the classroom. Two staff in the threes room weren't signed out and one child in the Pre-K room wasn't signed in. Send one weeks attendance to OCCL.”

“Ensure all children are signed in. One child in the Pre-K room wasn't signed in. Send one weeks attendance to OCCL.”

“Remove or repair broken shelf near the literacy area that is coming apart. Send pictures to OCCL.”

“Ensure afternoon snack contains two of the required components. Animal crackers and water were served. This will be checked at a follow-up visit.”

“Ensure there are sufficient manipulatives, art, and construction materials in the three year old classroom. Send pictures to OCCL.”

“Ensure classroom capacity in the three-year-old classroom is maintained. Agreement with OCCL regarding classroom capacities was with the one and Pre-K rooms. The three-year-old room was over its capacity with 15 children present. The room capacity is 10 children. Review the center's measured capacity space and send a confirmation of understanding to OCCL.”

“Ensure staff are supervised at all times until eligibility is determined. Staff #1 was observed changing a child's diaper in the bathroom but is not DEEDS qualified or determined eligible to work with children by the Criminal History Unit. Submit Staff #1's out of state results to CHU and send eligibility letter by 8/28/2024. Staff #1 submitted her out of state request receipt, dated 8/19/2024.”

“Ensure staff files are complete: Annual review of safe sleep for Staff #3, 5, and 7. Professional Development plan for Staff #3. Annual review of child abuse and neglect for Staff #1-8. Orientation form for Staff #1-8. OCCL's Health and Safety training for Staff #1 and 5. Job Description for Staff #3. Release of Employment for Staff #2, 3, 5, and 8. Service letters for Staff #1-8. References for Staff #3-8. Adult abuse registry for Staff #4-8. Employee declaration for Staff #4. Date of Hire for Staff #6 and 8.”

“Ensure all staff sign in and out for their lunch breaks. All staff did not sign in and out. Send one week's of attendance for all classrooms reflecting lunch and bathroom breaks to OCCL.”

“Ensure nap cots are 18 inches apart. Cots in the one year old classroom were too close together. Separate nap cots and send a picture to OCCL of spaced out cots during nap time.”

“Submit updated lesson plans for the three and pre-k rooms.”

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on June 28, 2024, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation began on June 28, 2024, and concluded on July 1, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios based on observation of the classrooms, attendance records, and interviews with staff members. On June 28, 2024, 21 children ages three to five were with one staff member at 8:30 am in the opening classroom. Throughout the morning of June 28, 2024, the one-year-old classroom had eleven children present with one staff member. Additionally, on June 28, 2024, the door to the two-year-old classroom was closed with nine children inside and no staff member was present. A school-age child was present alone in [name withheld] s office during this visit. There was not sufficient staff present on June 28, 2024, to open the door for families, prepare meals, or provide bathroom or lunch breaks to staff while maintaining staff-to-child ratios. An additional concern noted at this visit was inaccurate child and staff attendance records. Attendance records for the date of June 28, 2024, did not accurately show which staff members were in each classroom. Children remained signed into the middle classroom but were not present. An additional concern noted at this visit was the use of a cell phone while caring for children. A staff member was using her cellphone while caring for children in the one-year-old classroom. An additional concern noted during this visit was nap equipment not being placed 18 apart during nap time in the one-year-old classroom. The cots were approximately 3-4 from each other in this classroom. An additional concern noted was improper use of screen time. On July 1, 2024, the middle classroom had 11 children present ages two to three with one staff member upon OCCL s arrival. The children in the one-year-old classroom were watching the television. Additional concerns noted at this visit were a lack of super vision and insufficient staff present to operate in compliance as no staff were available to open the door for families, prepare meals, or provide bathroom or lunch breaks to staff while maintaining staff-to-child ratios, and not being truthful when providing information to parents or guardians. When the license was suspended on July 1, 2024, [name withheld] informed parents there was a leak in the roof of the center which was the reason for the closure for the day. An additional concern noted was the lunch served to children on July 1, 2024, did not meet the meal pattern requirements.”

“Ensure proper staff to child ratios are maintained. The two-year-old room had 1 teacher and 9 children present. Upon arrival 11 children and 1 teacher was present in the Yellow Room (1 yrs). Upon arrival there are not enough staff to sustain operations as there are 5 teachers and 46 children present, with no one to prepare meals or provide lunch and bathroom breaks. - Close a classroom to ensure proper ratios are maintained and send a written plan stating how you are able to provide efficient staff to operate child care and maintain proper ratios to OCCL, in order to re-open the room. [name withheld] was at the front desk upon arrival. - [name withheld] arrived around 10:50 am to help with the operations of the facility and 1 child in the two-year-old room was picked up to maintain ratios. - Send plan by the end of the day. This was corrected when the facility was suspended on July 1, 2024.”

“Ensure TV's are not placed on top of the shelves and accessible to children. Remove TV from shelf and send a picture to OCCL. Not in the way of the children.”

“Replace refrigerator and send receipt or invoice to OCCL. CACFP will be contacted if receipt is not presented.”

“Wading pools are prohibited. Remove wading pool and review regulation 54 and send a signed acknowledgment to OCCL.”

“Update infant feeding schedule for Child #1 and Child #2.”

“Ensure staff files are complete. All staff need eligibility letters in their files and 2 documented attempts at sending the service letter. Staff #3 needs CPR/FA, orientation form, health appraisal, release of employment, and 2 documented attempts for the service letter. Staff #4 needs a health appraisal. Staff #7 needs CPR/FA and 2 more refences.”

“Ensure kitchen refrigerator is 40 degrees or below. Current temperature read 60 degrees. Replace refrigerator or take a picture showing 40 degrees to OCCL.”

“Ensure any changes to the menu are documented and families are notified. The posted menu did not match what was for breakfast, and the provider did not inform families of the change. Review Regulation 71 and send a signed acknowledgement to OCCL.”

“On April 12, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of insufficient meals/snacks, not serving milk with breakfast, the food menu not matching what is served, not following proper procedures to address food allergies, not storing an EpiPen correctly, lack of supervision and improper staff-to-child ratios on multiple occasions, insufficient staffing, the administrator not being present, not following child health exclusions, improper sleeping arrangements, clothing not being changed when soiled, no extra clothing available, outings to another location occurring without parent permission, policies on photographing/videotaping not being followed, and not receiving a copy of the parent handbook. A visit was conducted on April 16, 2024, to investigate this complaint. The Child and Adult Care Food Program investigated on the same day. This complaint is substantiated for insufficient meals/snacks, not serving milk with breakfast, and the food menu not matching what is served. Staff members interviewed verified a granola bar and water were served for breakfast at least one day the previous week. One staff member stated yogurt was served, and another staff member stated fruit was served. This meal was not noted on the posted menu. The CACFP report stated lunch on April 16, 2024, did not meet all required components. Changes were not marked on the posted menu. This complaint is also substantiated for improper sleeping arrangements because two children were observed sleeping without a top and bottom covering. This complaint is substantiated for taking children on outings to another location without parent permission because photographs and [name withheld] verified children were taken off-site and permission was not available in the child files. This complaint is substantiated for the center not following policies on photographing/videotaping and permission to post on social media because children without signed permission for ph otographs to be posted were shown in photographs on Instagram and in the center's ClassDojo application. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following proper procedures to address food allergies based on staff interviews. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not storing an EpiPen correctly because [name withheld] denied misplacing an EpiPen at any point. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision, improper staff-to-child ratios, or insufficient staffing based on direct observation of the classrooms, observation of attendance records, and interviews with staff. There is no evidence to substantiate the administrator not being present based on interviews. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following child health exclusions based on staff interviews. Staff stated children are observed at drop-off and parents are called to pick up a child if they exhibit signs of illness exclusions. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for clothing not being changed or not having extra clothing available based on staff interviews and observation of extra clothing available within the center. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not receiving a copy of the parent handbook based on observation of an automated message sent to newly enrolled families that includes access to the parent handbook. Parents also sign a verification of receipt of the parent handbook. An additional concern noted was the Administrator is not currently documenting her attendance at the facility. Another concern noted is the findings from the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) investigation noted children were claimed for reimbursement for meals they were not present for at the facility.”

“Submit updated liability insurance.”

“Ensure accurate ratios and group size are maintained. Upon entry, all classrooms except the infant room were present in the three's room. There were 35 children and 6 teachers present. The youngest was one year old. Review Regulation 27 regarding max group size and child ratio's and send a signed acknowledgement to OCCL.”

“Ensure all staff files are complete: Service letters/attempts at sending service letters for Staff #1-9. Eligibility letters for Staff #1-9. Release of employment for Staff #3. Health appraisal and TB for Staff #3,4, and 7. Employee Declaration for Staff #3. References for Staff #3, 4, 7. App/Resume/or Data Sheet for Staff #3 and 9. Orientation for Staff #3. CPR/First Aid for Staff #3 and 7. Start Date/Date of Hire for Staff #3, 4, and 7. All paperwork must be witnessed by program administrator.”

“Submit MAR log for Child #1.”

“Ensure children's attendance is accurate. Two children were not signed in, in the fours/fives room. Send 1 week attendance to OCCL.”

“Ensure garbage is covered in all classrooms. The infants, ones, threes, fours/fives rooms did not have lids on the trashcans. Send a picture of trashcan lids for all rooms to OCCL.”

“Fix vent fan in the girls bathroom and send a video of fan in use to OCCL.”

“Ensure updated food menu is posted and updated, and menu is followed. Posted menu was not updated and cereal, milk, fruit, was not on today's menu. Send updated menu to OCCL.”

“Ensure lesson plan is posted and updated. The infants, ones, pre-k, rooms did not have updated lesson plans. The two's room did not have accurate social-emotional components, and the three's room did not have music and food components. Send updated lesson plans for all rooms to OCCL, with accurate components.”

“Ensure schedule for all classrooms are posted. Send schedule for all classrooms to OCCL.”

“On March 11, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns about respectful communication with parents, parent handbook policies, administration of medication and handling allergies, staff-to-child ratios, open-door policies, the presence of the administrator, and diaper-changing procedures. This complaint is substantiated for not communicating respectfully with families based on a staff interview and documentation collected at the visit. Administrator [name withheld] never confirmed the parent handbook was re-sent to a parent after they requested it. This complaint is substantiated for not following the required open-door policy because [name withheld] and Staff #1 mentioned a letter was sent to families stating families are not welcome into the children s classrooms at all due to rising illnesses throughout the center and due to it causing a distraction. This complaint is substantiated for not following proper allergy precautions because while [name withheld] was aware of a child having a severe allergy, there was no documentation of this in the child s file, including not having an allergy action plan. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following administration of medication procedures because [name withheld] stated the facility did not accept Child #1 s medication due to it not being in the original packaging as required. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on a review of the classrooms and attendance records. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following diaper-changing procedures based on interviews with a staff member and [name withheld]. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for the administrator not being present the required hours based on an interview. [name withheld] keeps a weekly timecard of hours present within the facility showing the required hours. An additional concern noted was that after the investigation, OCCL r eceived a telephone call from the Reporter and from [name withheld] stating care for Child #1 s enrollment was terminated due to the Reporter s complaint to OCCL, which could be construed as a form of retaliation and did not follow the reasons for termination of care per the facility s parent handbook. An additional concern noted was children were participating in screen time activities in the infant and one-year-old classrooms. This is a repeated concern at this facility.”

“On August 16, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision and not following infant feeding requirements. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because a state agency representative observed staff members leaving two classrooms unattended during nap time on August 14, 2023. Owner Chadae Young self-reported to OCCL that one classroom was left unattended. This complaint is substantiated for not following infant feeding requirements because Child #1, an infant, was receiving almond milk rather than formula or breast milk. There was no doctor s note in Child # 1 s file permitting them to receive almond milk. An additional concern noted at this visit was a staff member had been working at the facility for at least two weeks without completing a comprehensive background check or receiving eligibility determination. Classrooms were also not following their posted daily schedules, as children did not go outside during this visit for the required amount of time.”

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on June 7, 2023, regarding not following the staff-to-child ratio and not having sufficient staff available. An investigation began on June 12, 2023, and ended on June 22, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for both allegations because the facility was over the staff-to-child ratio during both visits conducted for this investigation. On June 12, 2023, LS Brady observed one staff member with eleven children, with the youngest child being a one-year-old. At the follow-up visit on June 22, 2023, all classrooms were out of staff-to-child ratio and one classroom was left unsupervised while a staff member answered the door to the facility. Additionally, an unqualified staff member was alone with children in the infant classroom with five children. Staffing was not sufficient during both visits for the number of children present at the facility, resulting in staff members leaving the classroom to answer the door, causing rooms to be out of ratio or leaving children unsupervised. Additional concerns noted during both visits included inaccurate attendance records due to all children in care being listed in their assigned classrooms rather than the classrooms they were in during the visit. Lesson plans for two classrooms were from May and June of 2023. A staff member was observed physically moving a child by pulling them by the arms into a classroom. In the infant classroom, sheets were observed to be loose fitting and an infant was in a crib with a bottle. Infant bottles were observed without labels and not refrigerated.”

“A licensee shall have an organized system of business management and have sufficient staff. During the visit on January 18, 2024, there was not sufficient staff available within the center to allow for appropriate lunch breaks, bathroom breaks, preparing meals, or opening the door for visitors. Submit an updated staffing plan to show sufficient staffing schedule within the center by January 26, 2024. The staffing plan shall include which ages of the children each staff member will be working with at all times.”

“Ensure a current copy of liability insurance is up to date for the center. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“An Early Childhood Intern may not be alone with infants. An Early Childhood Intern was alone with 9 children including two infants. This was corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure ratios for all classrooms are met at all times. A staff member was alone with 9 children including 2 infants. Two Staff who were not determined eligible in the system were alone with 11 children. Send two weeks attendance documentation for all classrooms by February 15, 2024.”

“Ensure staff are fingerprinted and determined eligible before the start of employment. Two staff were present and working and not determined eligible. This was corrected when LS Brady sent staff home.”

“Ensure Staff Files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR/First Aid, and 1 Reference Letter. Staff #2 needs CPR/First Aid, and 18 hours of professional training, as well as OCCL's 7 hour Health & Safety course, 3 Letters of Reference, a Health Appraisal with TB results, Staff #3 needs CPR/First Aid Staff #4 needs CPR/First Aid. and 18 Training hours including OCCL's 7 hour Health & Safety Course, and 1 Reference Letter. Send to OCCL when complete. Staff #5 needs a full file. Staff #6 needs CPR/First Aid. Staff #7 needs a Full File. Staff #8 needs a Full File.”

“No staff at the center have current hand-on- CPR training. Ensure there is certified staff member on site at all times. Send copies of CPR/First Aid for all staff.”

“Ensure all staff sign in and out of each classroom when leaving the classrooms and during transitions. . Send two weeks worth of attendance to OCCL showing staff signing in and out of the classroom. Infant Teacher was observed cooking and was not signed out on the attendance document, as well as the 1 year old assistant teacher was observed taking two children to get their diaper changed, leaving an unqualified staff member alone with 9 children including two infants. Send two weeks worth of each classrooms attendance to OCCL showing staff signing in and out of the classroom.”

“Ensure all child files are complete. Child #5,6,7,14 need updated Health Appraisals. Child #3,6,7,14 need immunizations. Child # 1,2,3,4,6,7,11, 14 need blood lead level results. Child #13 needs transportation permission. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure all Cleaning Chemicals are locked. Both the girls and boys bathrooms had cleaning chemicals accessible to children in care. This was corrected at the visit when the administrator removed the cleaning chemicals from under the bathroom sinks.”

“Ensure all classroom have labeled rest equipment. All rooms in the center except the Infant room need labeled sleep equipment along with a chart if sleep equipment is labeled by number. Send a picture of the the list of children assigned to the numbered sleep equipment for each classroom. (Provider only corrected labeled equipment without providing a list of the children assigned to each cot).”

“Ensure First Aid Kit is complete. First aid kit did not include roll gauze or triangular bandage. Send a picture to OCCL when First Aid Kit items are complete.”

“Ensure all bottles are labeled in the infant room. Send a picture of the labeled bottles to OCCL when complete. This was corrected at the visit when the Infant Teacher labeled the bottles.”

“None of the classroom in the center had current lesson plans posted. Send 2 weeks worth of lesson plans to OCCL for each classroom in the center. Send pictures to OCCL of current Lesson Plans being posted outside of each classroom that are labeled for each age group served at the center.”

“A licensee shall ensure screen time activities, such as watching television, are prohibited for children under the age of two. On January 18, 2024, LS Brady and LS Hackett observed the television on in the one-year-old room where infants and one-year-olds children were present. Submit two weeks worth of lesson plans to OCCL that include age-appropriate activities for one-year-olds to OCCL.”

“Ensure Infant Daily logs are completed and available and filled out for each infant in care. Send one weeks worth of infant daily logs to OCCL when complete.”

“Two infants were observed sitting in Bumbo seats on the floor of the one-year-old-classroom for a period of more than 30 minutes. They did not have an activity offered to them., Send two weeks worth of lesson plans for the infant room including age-appropriate activities for all infants in care.”

“A licensee shall ensure staff members interact with Toddlers as required. During the visit on January 18, 2024, LS Brady and LS Hackett did not see staff members offer or provide activities for children in care. Send two weeks worth of lesson plans for all Toddler classrooms including activities to be offered while children are in care.”

“A licensee shall ensure staff members interact with pre-school age children and provide and offer age-appropriate activities such as those found in the Delaware Early Learning Foundations. On January 18, 2024, LS Brady and LS Hackett did not observe staff offering age-appropriate activities to pre-school children while in care. Send two weeks worth of lesson plans to OCCL including activities offered throughout the day to OCCL.”

“Ensure an annual renewal application is submitted 60 days prior to license expiration. Send to OCCL when complete. Ensure 2024 Business License is current, and posted in the center. Send a copy to OCCL when complete.”

“Between November 15, 2023, and December 8, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received three complaints regarding Higher Learning Academy, located at 2002 Rodman Road, Wilmington, DE 19805, with similar allegations. These allegations included the administrator never being present at the facility, the classrooms frequently being out of the correct staff-to-child ratios and having insufficient staffing for the current enrollment, and staff being instructed to be dishonest with OCCL. Additional allegations include not having enough food within the center and not following the meal pattern requirements, including sometimes serving expired food and milk. There were also allegations of outlets not being covered, and staff members gathering in one room during nap time, leaving the remaining children unattended, and staff members being required to answer the facility s phone while supervising children. Additional allegations included two broken cribs in the infant classroom, and inaccurate attendance records created to make it appear classrooms are within the correct staff-to-child ratio. It was also alleged a staff member was witnessed flicking children on multiple occasions, and a staff member was using marijuana in the facility s restroom. Three unannounced visits were conducted to investigate these allegations on December 5, 2023, December 7, 2023, and December 20, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for not following correct staff-to-child ratios based on observation of classrooms and attendance records, as well as documentation received from the Reporter. This complaint is substantiated for having insufficient staffing to operate in compliance due to the facility not having enough staff present at each of the three visits conducted to prepare lunch, have bathroom breaks, lunch breaks, or answer the facility door. This complaint is also substantiated for staff being dishonest with OCCL, as a staff member falsely stated what was served for breakfast o n December 5, 2023. Documentation was also received showing [name withheld] instructed staff not to show OCCL any files. This complaint is substantiated for not having sufficient food or water within the facility based on observation of the kitchen area. A portion of a gallon of water was available within the center on December 5, 2023, and only 1% milk was observed available on December 20, 2023, with infants and one-year-olds in care. On December 5, 2023, there was not sufficient food to provide a snack meeting meal pattern requirements. This complaint is substantiated for staff members leaving children unsupervised due to a staff member being observed on the opposite side of the center during nap time, leaving a classroom unsupervised during nap time. This complaint is substantiated for requiring staff members to answer the facility s phone while supervising children, as a staff member was seen answering the center s phone in the absence of the administrator while caring for children. This complaint is substantiated for inaccurate attendance records, as several records were observed showing staff signed in that weren t present, and an inaccurate number of children signed in. Attendance records received from Administrator [name withheld] after these visits varied in content and handwriting from the attendance records viewed at the facility visits. This complaint is substantiated for the use of improper discipline based on a staff interview and documentation received showing the staff member holding a child up by their collar. Additional documentation was received showing a conversation with [name withheld] regarding parent complaints about this staff member grabbing children s ears and arms. There is no evidence to substantiate expired food or milk was served to the children. No items were expired within the kitchen area. There is no evidence to substantiate outlets not being covered as all outlets were observed to be covered during the visits. There is also no evidence to s ubstantiate the use of two broken cribs in the infant room, as all cribs in the classroom were observed to be assembled properly and in good working order. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of a staff member utilizing marijuana within the facility, as the staff member denied this. The allegation regarding the absence of the Administrator was substantiated in a complaint investigation completed at the start of this investigation, and [name withheld] submitted her staffing plan and documentation to correct this on December 8, 2023. Additional concerns noted at this visit include a staff member working alone with infants without the required DEEDS Early Learning Certificate, and documentation showing staff members utilizing cell phones while caring for children as they were sending messages to each other and [name withheld]. Additionally, documentation was provided showing two physical hazards within the center; however, these items were fixed prior to these visits were conducted. The refrigerator in the kitchen was at 50 degrees on December 5, 2023, and 44 degrees on December 7, 2023. Changes to the meals served to children were not being marked on the posted menu. An infant s bottle was observed with cereal mixed in with formula/breastmilk. Screen time was observed being utilized for over an hour with children ages infant and up during the visit on December 5, 2023. An infant was observed in a high chair in for over an hour.”

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints on November 6, 2023, regarding concerns about improper staff-to-child ratios, lack of supervision, not using positive behavior management techniques, children running around the classrooms without direction, the Administrator not being present at the facility, and inadequate food being served to the children. An investigation was conducted on November 8, 2023. The complaint is substantiated for not providing proper interactions with preschool age children because the children were observed running around the middle classroom with little to no guidance or positive interactions with staff members. This complaint is also substantiated for the administrator not being present the required hours, as the administrator was not present upon arrival and was unable to provide attendance documentation to support her attendance at the center. This complaint is also substantiated for the inadequate food being served to the children because on the date of this visit, the breakfast and lunch provided to the children did not meet the requirements. There is no evidence to substantiate improper staff-to-child ratios because all classrooms were within staff-to-child ratio at this visit, and attendance documentation viewed at this visit reflected the same. There is no evidence to substantiate not using positive behavior management techniques as no staff members were observed yelling at children or otherwise acting inappropriately. There is no evidence to substantiate lack of supervision as no staff members were observed using their cellphones during this visit. Additional concerns noted at this visit are the posted menus did not reflect what was being served to the children, lesson plans posted were not current but from the previous month, five containers of diapering cream/ointment were observed in the bathroom without the correct Medication Administration Records, , infant feeding schedules were not being signed monthly by the parent/guardian. and cleaning chemicals were accessible to children. An additional concern noted was the Administrator became angry and raised her voice with OCCL staff during this visit and began refusing to speak with the Licensing Specialist. In addition, the Administrator stated she was not going to comply with specific DELACARE Regulations such as making a change to the posted menu to coordinate with the food served and documenting her attendance at the center.”

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints on November 8, 2023, regarding concerns about two child injuries occurring without receipt of an accident/injury report and concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on December 7, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for not providing an accident/injury report for a child facial injury that occurred in October 2023. This complaint is also substantiated for lack of supervision because the staff member responsible for the care of Child #1 when the injury occurred was not qualified to be left alone with children due to not having a DEEDS Early Learning Certificate.”

“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs a Health appraisal. Also two attempts need to be made for each place of employment. Send to OCCL when complete. Staff #2,3, need service letters submitted to previous employers before needing 5 references if service letter are not returned. Proof of service letters being sent out twice must be kept in staff files before allowing 5 references. Send to OCCL when complete. Staff #4 needs to complete OCCL's 7 hour Health & Safety class.”

“Child #16 needs a current Health Appraisal and blood lead screening. Send to OCCL when complete. Child #18 needs blood lead screening. Send to OCCL when complete. Child #19 needs a current Health Appraisal, Immunization, blood lead screening. Send to OCCL when complete. Child #7 needs blood lead screening. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“Repair the hole in the wall behind stall in the boys bathroom. Send a picture when complete.”

“Ensure all opened food items in the kitchen are labeled with prep or expiration date. Remove any spoiled foods. Send pictures when corrected. Refrigerator in the kitchen was at 45 degrees. Lower temperature and send pictures of thermometers to OCCL. Thermometers are needed in the fridge by one's room. Send a picture to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure there is sufficient materials available. More dramatic play items are needed in the middle room and dramatic play and manipulatives in the one-year old room.”

“Diapering cans were not foot-operated in either bathroom. Repair or replace and send a picture to OCCL when complete. Disposable gloves are required. Send pictures to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure written lesson plans are current and posted for easy reference. On June 22, 2023, lesson plans were posted for the months of May 2023 for the Pre-K classroom and June 2023 for the one-year-old classroom. Submit lesson plans for all classrooms for the week of July 24, 2023.”

“Replace the safety gate at the one-year- old room doorway so it is not a pressure gate.”

“Ensure infant crib sheets are tightly fitted. Send a picture to OCCL when complete. Send a picture to OCCL when fitted sheets come in. No Head Bands are permitted in infant cribs. This was corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure all staff are fingerprinted and determined eligible before hire date. Send eligibility determination letters to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure staff files are complete. LS Brady provided owner with missing items for staff files. Staff #1-7 need complete files. Several items missing for all staff. Send all corrections to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure owner's files are complete. Send to OCCL When complete.”

“Ensure Parent Right to Know Log is filled out for all enrolled children, and anyone who tours the center. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure Child Files are complete. Child #1 needs enrollment, hours, and days attending. Child #2 needs immunizations, and blood lead screening. Child #4 needs hours, and days attending. Child #6 needs hours attending. Child #7 needs blood lead screening. Child #10 needs date of enrollment. Child #11 needs a Health Appraisal, Immunizations, and blood lead screening. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“Ensure attendance is accurate for each room. The three year old room had 14 children signed in and 7 children present. This was corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure Refrigerator in the infant room has a thermometer. Send to OCCL when complete.”

“Sufficient staffing needed to conduct all functions- answering the door/infant diaper changes. Submit a staffing plan to ensure this is corrected.”