Building Blocks Academy Aldine

Documentation of the last fire drill conducted was on 03/12/2024.

A hole was observed in the room designated for the after school children. The hole appeared to be from an electrical junction box had been removed (note, no wires were observed); in the same classroom, a child was observed pushing the trash down in the can with hand.

The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/10/2022.

Based upon the findings from the investigation, sufficient evidence was available to support the concerns of flies and gnats in the daycare. A fly strip was observed hanging in the doorway of one of the classrooms.

The director did not ensure the policies & procedures outlined in the Parent Handbook were not followed as it relates to Cell Phone/Electronic Device Use or Procedures for dispensing medication to children due to (1) Children were allowed to bring in their electronic devices for their personal entertainment which did not involve working on a school assignment. The electronic devices were used to supplement an activity. It was not related to a planned activity that meet educational goals and exceeded 1 hour per day. As a result, a child recorded a TikTok video that was not age appropriate while in care; and (2) A caregiver allowed a child to have access to and give themselves medication while in care. The medication was not administered by the caregiver, or any personnel authorized to dispense medication.

The facility failed to maintain six inches of loose filled surfacing for the playground equipment.

The director did not have verification available for review to support they completed the required SIDS/Shaken Baby & Brain Development Training.

Based upon the findings from the investigation inspection, the allegation of the child/caregiver ratio was validated. 1 caregiver was responsible for 10 children (13 mos, 14 mos, 15 mos, 17 mos, 17 mos, 17 mos, 18 mos, 20 mos, 21 mos and 21 mos) The ratio was exceed by 5. Another caregiver was responsible for 12 children, the ratio was exceeded by 1.

During the follow up inspection, in the three year old classroom there were 31 children ages ranged from 3-4 years old. According to the specified age group the operation is allowed to have 15 children with one caregiver. The classroom was out of ratio by 16 children. Also in the two year old classroom there were 15 children ages ranged from 1-3 years old. The specified age group for 2 year olds is 11 children with one caregiver. The classroom was over ratio by 3 children.

During the follow up inspection a 15 year old child was allowed direct access to the children in care without a cleared background check. The child is present at the operation during school breaks and is allowed to go on field trips.

In the three year old classroom there were 23 children ages ranged from 3-5 years old. According to the specified age group the operation is allowed to have 15 children with one caregiver. The operation was out of ratio by 8 children.

In the Infant classroom 3 bottles were not labeled with the infant first and last name. This was corrected at the inspection when the caregiver labeled the bottles.

One out of four caregivers record evaluated were missing training in the following topics: Emergency preparedness, ,Understanding building and physical premises safety, including identification and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic ; and Handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials.

One out of ten children files evaluated needed an updated immunization record.

The wooden boarder around the playground equipment had nails sticking out.

During the follow up inspection the loose fill used in the playground area was not 6 inches.

The wooden boarder around the playground equipment had nails sticking out. Also the large nails used to make the boarder stable was showing due to a wood piece missing.

On the playground in varies areas of the exit slides I was able to observe the dirt underneath the pea gravel.

Based upon the information gathered during the investigation, sufficient evidence was available to support a child was subjected to unusual punishment when a caregiver grabbed a pencil out of a child's hand. CORRECTED, the caregiver was terminated and the director conducted individual meetings with each remaining staff member to remind them of the discipline policy and violating these policies could result in an immediate dismissal. The meeting notes were signed/dated by each staff member and placed in their folder.