Plan to Correct

The Center's Staff Personal Belongings Policy will be immediately reviewed and updated to clearly mandate that all personal items (including bags, coats, cell phones, water bottles, and purses) must be stored in a designated, secure location that is physically inaccessible to children (e.g., locked cabinet, high shelf, or administrative office). A permanent, designated, and clearly labeled storage area will be established in or near each classroom specifically for staff personal items. This area will be secured via a lock or placed at a height that exceeds the reach of the oldest child in the program. The program Director or Lead Staff on duty will conduct daily checks for staffs personal items. Staff was counseled on maintaining direct and constant supervision at all times.

Regulation Description

340:110-3-287(a) - Supervision. Supervision is the function of observing, overseeing, and guiding a child or group of children, including an awareness of, and responsibility for, the ongoing activity of each child, and being near enough to intervene when needed. The program is required to maintain supervision at all times.

Plan to Correct

Staff was counseled on ensuring that all personal items are stored in designated areas, completely out of reach of children and to ensure that all items within personal bags are unable to be accessed by children. Staff was counseled on storing all medications, even supplements, in the designated medication storage area. Center will implement a zero tolerance policy for maintaining these regulations.

Regulation Description

340:110-3-303(a)(2)(B) - including items in personal belongings, such as diaper bags, backpacks, and purses.