Small Steps - Big Strides Child Care
Inspection history
Source: Ohio Department of Children and YouthRecords held from Sep 12, 2023 onward. Earlier visits may exist in the agency’s own files.
Ohio publishes its inspection findings only as scanned report images. The findings shown here were transcribed from those scans; the archived original report linked on each visit is the authoritative record. Findings the inspector handled as technical assistance are not violations and are not listed.
| Date | Kind | Outcome as recorded | Violations | Official record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7, 2026 | Annual | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Partially Addressed | 5 | Official report · PDF |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Complaint | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 1 | Official report · PDF |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Annual | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 9 | Official report · PDF |
| Sep 16, 2025 | Complaint | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 2 | Official report · PDF |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Complaint | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 3 | Official report · PDF |
| Sep 4, 2024 | Annual | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 3 | Official report · PDF |
Violations
Text reproduced verbatim · Ohio Department of Children and YouthNearly every licensed provider accumulates some. A missing signature and an unlocked medicine cabinet are both “violations”, and they are not the same thing. Look at the class, the pattern over time and how quickly it was corrected — not the count alone.
Class is our grouping of the state’s own weights, reviewed per state. The agency’s own label is always shown beside it.
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that background checks did not meet the requirements of the rule for the person listed on the Employee Record Chart. The following was observed: The individual(s) had engaged in assigned duties or were near children or otherwise have access to children and preliminary approval from DCY was not on file. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the DCY 01176, or a copy of the preliminary approval or a statement that the individual(s) are no longer engaged in assigned duties and are not near children until the preliminary approval has been received, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for administering a medication or medical food or a prescription topical product to a child. The following was observed: physician instructions were missing as required by rule; parent instructions conflict with either the manufacturer or physician instructions. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes the completed written parent permission for each child needed, record of medication administration, verification that the prescription label is now attached, and/or verification that the medication or product is now in its original container, and a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were not protected from item(s) or condition(s) which may threaten their health, safety, or well-being. The following was observed: Access to a closed cutting tool in an unlocked drawer in the school age room. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that children's records had not been kept confidential in that health conditions were openly posted. Provide staff training. Submit the program's corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined the program’s emergency preparedness and response plan (EPRP) did not meet the requirement or was missing the information. The following was observed as missing: medical or dental emergencies, including emergency transportation; emergency numbers for medical, dental, and transport-related emergencies in addition to 9-1-1 Make the necessary revisions to the EPRP. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes the revised information, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“In review of the records, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for completing a JFS 01299 “Incident/Injury Report” as noted in number 16 below: 1. The JFS 01299 was not completed when a child became ill or received an injury which required first aid treatment. 2.The JFS 01299 was not completed when a child was transported to a source for emergency assistance. 3. The JFS 01299 was not completed when a child received a bump or blow to the head. 4. The JFS 01299 was not completed when an unusual or unexpected incident which jeopardized the safety of a child or employee of a program. 5. The parent or a person picking up the child did not receive the JFS 01299 on the day of the incident. 6. The program information (program name, number, address) was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 7. Child’s name was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 8. Child’s birthdate was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 9. Name of person(s) responsible for the child at the time of the incident was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 10. Number of children present in the group at the time of the incident was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 11. Date and/or time of the incident was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 12. Whether or not parents were contacted was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 13. Complete summary of the incident was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 14. Accurate summary of the incident was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 15. Name and/or signature of the person completing the form was incomplete on the JFS 01299. 16. The JFS 01299 was not kept on file at the program for at least one year for review by the Department. 17. Other. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is required at this time. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that background checks did not meet the requirements of the rule for the person(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart as noted in number 1 below: 1. The request for a background check for child care was not submitted in the OPR. 2. The fingerprints were not submitted electronically according to the process established by BCI. 3. The individual(s) had engaged in assigned duties or were near children and preliminary approval from ODJFS was not on file. 4. Background checks were not updated every five years. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the JFS 01176, or a copy of the preliminary approval or a statement that the individual(s) are no longer engaged in assigned duties and are not near children until the preliminary approval has been received, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the children’s records, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for caring for at least one child, indicated on the Children Records Review, with a condition that requires a JFS 01236 "Child Medical/Physical Care Plan" as noted in numbers 20-23; 27-30 below: 1. No plan was on file. (Page 1) 2. Child’s name was missing. 3. Name of the condition was missing. 4. Indication if medication or medical food is required was missing. 5. Signs, symptoms or situations that require staff to take action were missing. 6. Activities, foods, environmental conditions to avoid were missing. 7. Training instructions for procedures for staff to follow were missing or incomplete. (Page 2) 8. Child's name was missing or not attached. 9. Child's date of birth was missing or not attached. 10. Child's weight was missing or not attached. 11. Name of the medication/medical food was missing or not attached. 12. Dosage of medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached. 13. Time for medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached. 14. Expiration date for medication/medical food was missing or not attached. 15. Symptoms that require staff to administer medication/medical food were missing or not attached. 16. Specific instructions to administer the medication/medical food were missing or not attached. 17. Actions to be taken if the symptoms do not subside were missing or not attached. 18. Physician's signature was missing or not attached. 19. The date of the physician's signature was missing or not attached. (Page 3) 20. Child's name was missing. 21. Instructions regarding emergency evacuation, if applicable, were missing. 22. Signature of parent granting permission to implement the plan and verifying training was missing. 23. Date of parent signature was missing. 24. Certified Professional Trainer information was missing. 25. Signature of certified professional who trained the program staff was missing, if parent was not the trainer. 26. Date of trainer signature was missing. 27. Printed name(s)of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing. 28. Signature(s) of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing. 29. Date of staff signature was missing. 30. Administrator/Provider signature was missing 31. Date of administrator/Provider was missing. (Page 4) 32. Child's name was missing. 33. Name of medication or medical food was missing. 34, Date the medication/medical food was administered was missing. 35. Time medication/medical food was administered was missing. 36. Dosage of medication/medical food that was administered was missing. 37. Signature of person administering medication/medical food was missing. 38. The plan was not followed or implemented. 39. The plan was not able to be implemented due to conflicting information. 40. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were onsite when a child requiring the plan was present. 41. Child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were not scheduled to be present the entire the time the child requiring the plan was onsite. 42. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 accompanied the child requiring the plan during a trip. 43. Achild care staff member who had not been trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 performed the procedure. 44, Medication listed in the procedures to follow was not onsite available to administer as instructed and alternate instructions for this situation were not included on the plan. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed JFS 01236, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were not protected from item(s) or condition(s) which may threaten their health, safety, or well-being as noted in numbers 4, 5, 11 below: 1. Surge protectors/outlets did not have childproof receptacle covers. 2. Open pull cords that are not closed loop. 3. Toys or other items small enough to be swallowed were present in the space where infants and/or toddlers were in care. 4. Electrical/extension cords attached to an object that would not likely result in a severe injury if pulled. (Green 2) 5. Stacked chairs. (Gym) 6. Employee(s) purse(s). 7. Diaper bags. 8. Television not securely anchored. 9. Small or lightweight pieces of shelving units are not securely anchored to the wall. 10. Smoke detector needing batteries replaced. 11. An area rug did not have a nonskid backing. (Green 2) 12. An area rug presented a tripping hazard. 13. A floor surface that was unsafe. 14. No platform was provided for the sink or toilet in the classroom. 15. The platform provided for the sink or toilet in the classroom was not sturdy. 16. The platform provided for the sink or toilet in the classroom posed a safety hazard. 17. Telephone cords. 18. Staff member stepped over a barrier/gate while holding a child. 19. Emergency exits were blocked by the classroom furniture. 20. A mercury thermometer was being used to take a child’s temperature. 21. Methods of ventilation used did not provide protection from rodents, insects, or other hazards. 22. Other. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that unsanitary conditions, as noted in numbers 6, 9 below, were in the Yellow, Red, Green 1, Blue 1 restrooms: 1. There was no liquid soap. 2. There was no toilet paper. 3. There were no paper towels. 4. The toilet cleaning brush was accessible to the children. 5. The plunger was accessible to the children. 6. The toilet(s) were not flushed. 7. The trash was not emptied from the day before. 8. There was a strong urine odor. 9, Other: The toilet tank lid was cracked in the Yellow Room. The toilet seat was chipped in the Red Room. The restroom(s) must be kept sanitary at all times. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that verification of a high school education for the child care staff member(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart, did not meet the requirements as listed in number 2 below: 1. Verification of completion of a high school education was not on file. 2. Documentation was incomplete or not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a career- technical program. 3. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is also enrolled in a college credit program in child development or early childhood education. 4. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) training program. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the education verification, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined employment records in the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) were not created or maintained as noted in numbers 5, 6, 7 below: 1. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member (including substitutes) had not created a profile. 2. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not created an employment record for the program on or before their first day of employment. 3. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not updated changes to positions or roles within five calendar days of the change. 4. The administrator had not assigned at least one employee or child care staff member to the program's organization dashboard. 5. At least one individual's schedule was not current. 6. At least one individual's position or role did not include an applicable group assignment. 7. At least one individual's employment had not been end dated. 8. Other. Submit the program's corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in numbers 5, 6 below: 1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire. 2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired. 5. The first aid training was expired. 6. The CPR training was expired. Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in numbers 1, 3, 6 below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee; 2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employee’s first day of employment; 3. Date of examination was missing; 4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing; 5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); 6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d, Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of 25% of the children's records, it was determined that information had not been secured from the parent/guardian on the JFS 01234 “Child Enrollment and Health Information For Child Care”, as required, for the items in numbers 14, 15 below. 1. No enrollment form was completed for at least one child 2. The current JFS 01234 was not completed for at least one child 3. Complete child information 4. Complete parent information 5. Complete emergency contact information 6. Complete physician information 7. Information regarding the parent list 8. Health information 9. Additional information for all boxes checked “yes” 10. Emergency transportation information 11. Parent/guardian’s signature 12. Diapering Statement 13. Acknowledgement of Policies and Procedures 14. Enrollment form for at least one child was not updated by either the parent or the administrator 15. Enrollment form for at least one child was not signed by the administrator 16. Other. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were left unattended while inside the program as noted in number 1 below: 1. A child was left unattended once. 2. Child(ren) were left unattended more than once. 3. Child(ren) left the group and were unattended. 4, Child care staff were using a baby monitor to supervise children. 5. Child care staff were using a walkie talkie to supervise children. 6. Child care staff were using mirrors to view children in another room. 7. Child care staff were using a video camera instead of physically being present in the room. 8. Other. Children must be supervised and within sight and hearing of a child care staff member at all times. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that a Serious Incident was not reported in the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS), as required, by the program administrator or designee for an incident as listed in number 2 below: 1. An incident, injury or illness that required professional medical consultation or treatment. 2. An unusual or unexpected incident which jeopardizes the safety of a child, child care staff member or employee of the program. 3. An incident defined as a serious risk non-compliance in appendix A to rule 5101:2-12-03 of the Administrative Code. 4. The program did not submit the report in OCLQS by the next business day as required by rule. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that the program administrator or designee has completed the Serious Incident Report in OCLQS, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“During the inspection, it was determined that a child-care staff member had abused, endangered, or neglected a child. Child care staff members, administrators, and owners must always use appropriate guidance and management methods with children and ensure that children are safe at all times. The individual needs to be released from employment immediately. Rule 5180:2-12-03 requires the program to notify parents when a serious risk non-compliance is cited. The notification must inform parents of the serious risk non-compliance and include the Department of Children and Youth website and location of further information regarding the determination. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that the individual is no longer employed and a copy of the written parent notification, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined a child care staff member did not protect or remove children from a situation and/or person determined to be inappropriate as noted in number 4 below: 1. Verbal argument involving adults. 2. Staff member allowed children to do something unsafe. 3. Staff member did something unsafe. 4. Children were exposed to inappropriate language by a staff member. 5. Other. While the program did not protect the children from an unsafe or inappropriate situation and/or person, it was determined the situation would not or did not result in a serious incident or injury to a child. All program employees must take actions to protect children in care. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were not being properly supervised as noted in numbers 1, 5 below: 1. Children were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during nap. 2. Children were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during outdoor play. 3. Children were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member more than once. 4. Staff were not physically present in the space and near enough to respond and reach the children immediately. 5. Other: Children were not properly supervised in that a child care staff member focused her attention on one child for several minutes on several occasions, and did not react to the actions of other children in the classroom during nap. Children must be supervised according to rule and within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member at all times. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that background checks did not meet the requirements of the rule for the person(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart as noted in number 1, 3 below: 1. The request for a background check for child care was not submitted in the OPR. 2. The fingerprints were not submitted electronically according to the process established by BCI. 3. The individual(s) had engaged in assigned duties or were near children and preliminary approval from ODJFS was not on file. 4. Background checks were not updated every five years. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the JFS 01176, or a copy of the preliminary approval or a statement that the individual(s) are no longer engaged in assigned duties and are not near children until the preliminary approval has been received, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, a potentially hazardous substance, which was determined to not present a serious risk to a child, was not used or stored properly as noted in number 11 below: 1. Cosmetics were accessible to children. 2. Disinfecting wipes were accessible to children. 3. Fish food was accessible to children. 4. Hand lotion was accessible to children. 5. Hand sanitizer (for children under 24 months) was accessible to children. 6. Laundry detergent was accessible to children. 7, Powder dish washing soap was accessible to children. 8. Paint cans were accessible to children. 9. White out was accessible to children. 10. Potting Soil was accessible to children. 11. Other potentially hazardous substance, clear coat art spray, was accessible to children in the Green 2 PreK area. 12. Cleaning/sanitizing supplies had not been clearly labeled. 13. School-age children were using cleaning supplies, agents and/or equipment without adult supervision. 14. A spray aerosol was used while children were in attendance. 15. Other. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number 1 below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee; 2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employee’s first day of employment; 3. Date of examination was missing; 4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing; 5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); 6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b, Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”