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Family Child Care Home

Joan Cotter Family Child Care Home

Pittsburgh, PA · Allegheny County
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0 (2 reviews)
BIRMINGHAM AVE, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
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Quick Facts

Capacity
6 children
Type of Care
Daytime, Full-Time, Part-Time
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
1

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Contact Information

📞 (412) 884-5292
BIRMINGHAM AVE
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
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• Family Child Care Home
Not found in current state licensing data

This provider appeared in previous licensing records but was not found in our most recent state data update.

Historical licensing information
License Number
CER-00169967
Expired
Mar 25, 2022
Issued By
Pennsylvania Department of Education and Public Welfare
District Office
Early Learning Resource Center for Region 5

Reviews

5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
2 reviews
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2
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3★
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1★
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Kboland
2021-06-21 03:48:32
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

Joan is the most amazing, caring individual. She cared for not only me, but my seven brothers, and we all have fond memories. Knowing how amazing she was, I asked that my son be in her daycare while I was working and going to school. She helped with potty training, learning to tie his shoes, socializing, and general learning activities. She truly is a wonderful person.

77 out of 156 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No
Shalana
2020-10-27 19:43:43
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

So glad I found her, 1 of the best provider's around!

85 out of 172 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No

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About the Provider

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I have been in business many years, cared for many children and loved every minute of it.

Several of the "kids" I have cared for have brought their kids back to my day care. That's a great reference! 

Hours of Operation

  • Monday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Inspection Date Reason Description Status
2019-12-04 Renewal 3290.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: A preschool aged child was using a wooden ruler which was observed to have a piece of the corner broken off causing a sharp point and a potential to get a splinter. Two of the four resting mats used by the children were observed to have numerous tears along the seams allowing for the foam padding inside to be exposed causing the mats to not be in good repair.

Correction Required: Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I am going to put tape on it and put it in the cardboard tray for child to take home; child brought the ruler in and wasn't broken when brought in. I am going to tape them and have new ones by end of month. In the future will check toys and if it looks safe they can play with them or if it breaks while they are here will put in tray for them to take back home. As soon as mats wear out I'll replace them.
2019-12-04 Renewal 3290.113(a) - Supervised at all times Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: While answering the fire safety questionnaire related to whether or not staff sleep while children are in care, staff person #1 self reported that while children nap she would put her head back, close her eyes, and be semi-conscious and there would be no other staff present to supervise the children.

Correction Required: Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises. The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in 3290.51-3290.52 (relating to maximum number of children; and staff:child ratio).

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I won't close my eyes. Instead of relaxing and closing my eyes I'll keep my eyes open and stay alert. In the future children will be supervised at all times.
2019-12-04 Renewal 3290.18 - General Health and Safety Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Outside on the front porch which the children have access to in order to enter/exit the residence and sometimes play on the front porch per Staff person #1 the following safety concerns were observed accessible to the children in care: an extension cord, a small garden hand shovel and small garden hand rake, a disassembled wooden bird cage, a lawn flag sign with metal post, a rusted metal fire place gate and rusted gardening told inside a yellow milk crate, a white plastic laundry bin with a cracked handle, and three individual bricks on top of a pile of newspapers inside a plastic bin that could be tipped over and injury a child.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Will put all items in the storage room off the cellar downstairs. In the future instead of storing the summer yard stuff on the porch I'll store it in the room off of the basement.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The roof of a plastic toy truck was observed to be deflated causing it not be in good repair.

Correction Required: Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The toy was thrown away. In the future will continue to check the toys everyday to ensure that they are in good repair.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.123(a)(3) - Services provided Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #1 contained a current child service report that was not completed at least once in a 6 month period. The dates of the last two child service reports on file were 12/17 and 7/18. The child file for child #3 lacked an updated child service report on file; the date of the last completed child service report on file is dated 12/17.

Correction Required: An agreement shall specify the services to be provided to the family and the child, including the Department's approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided. the operator shall complete and update the form and provide a copy to the family in accordance with the updates regarding emergency contact information at 3290.124(e).

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A child service report will be completed on child #3 if he comes for care during Christmas break. If child does not come during Christmas break his registration runs out at the end of February and he will be dis-enrolled. In the future will continue to do child service reports every 6 months.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.131(b)(2) - Updated toddler/preschool health report: every 12 months Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #1, who is a preschool aged child, contained a current health report that was not updated every 12 months. The last two health reports on file are dated 1/16/17 and 2/20/18. The child file for child #2, who is a preschool aged child, contained a current health report that was not updated every 12 months. The last two health reports on file are dated 1/6/17 and 5/1/18.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Children have current health assessments on file. In the future will remind parents a month in advance of when health reports are due.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.131(d)(7) - Free from contagious/communicable disease Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #2 contained an updated health report on file that lacked a statement from the doctor regarding an examination of communicable disease and the child's ability to participate in child care.

Correction Required: A health report shall include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Dad is in the process of obtaining an updated health report. In the future will remind parents in advance to get the DHS form filled out by the doctor when a child goes to get a physical.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.133(3) - Name on bottle Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: A tube of Desitin and A&D ointment were not labeled for the use of a specific child.

Correction Required: The label of a medication container shall identify the name of the medication and the name of the child for whom the medication is intended. Medication shall be administered to only the child whose name appears on the container.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The cremes were thrown away. In the future parents will bring their own diaper creme and it will be labeled with the child's name.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.133(4) - Locked Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room a tube of Desitin and A&D ointment were observed inside an unlocked top drawer of a multi plastic drawer organizer accessible to children in care.

Correction Required: Medication shall be stored in a locked area of the facility or in an area that is out of the reach of children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The cremes were thrown away. In the future will continue to make sure toxics are inaccessible.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.133(5) - Original label Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: A tube of Desitin was observed to have expired on 1/2015.

Correction Required: Medication shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's or health professional's instructions on the original label.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The creme was thrown away. In the future parents will bring their own diaper crememe and will inspect to ensure it is not expired.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.151(a) - Within 3 months, then 12 months Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The staff file for staff person #1 lacked a current health assessment on file.

Correction Required: A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment on file at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Will contact doctor to obtain new physical. In the future will try to remember to put physical in the file as soon as I get the physical.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.181(c) - Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #1 and #2 contained a financial agreement and emergency contact form that were observed to not have been reviewed and updated by the parent at least once in a 6 month period. The dates of review/update on the financial agreement were 7/17/17 and 6/13/18 and the dates of review/update on the emergency contact information form were 11/16/17 and 6/13/18. The child file for child #3 contained a financial agreement form that was observed to not have been reviewed and updated by the parent at least once in a 6 month period. The date of review/update on the financial agreement form was 10/2/17 and 6/14/18.

Correction Required: A parent is required to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The financial agreement and emergency contact information forms are current. In the future will ensure parents review forms every December and June.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.31(a)(2) - HS Diploma/GED Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The staff file for staff person #1 lacked proof of education on file.

Correction Required: The operator shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and submit proof to the appropriate regional office of the Department at the time of registration renewal.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Will find high school diploma. In the future a copy will be kept on file.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.63 - Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room 3 electrical outlets on an electrical power strip located underneath the christmas tree were observed to be lacking a protective outlet covering. Another electrical outlet in the living room located to the right of the fire place was observed to be missing one protective outlet covering.

Correction Required: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Will get the outlets covered. In the future will inspect the plugs more often to ensure plug protectors are in place.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.64(a) - Locked or inaccessible - in original container Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The following toxics were observed inside an unlocked multi plastic drawer organizer located in the living room accessible to the children in care: 6 bottles of nail polish in the second drawer from the top, 2 nail polishes and a bottle of Wit Out labeled 'Keep Out of Reach of Children' in the top drawer, two bottles of rubbing alcohol labeled 'Keep Out of Reach of Children' were observed in the bottom drawer. Black duck tape was observed to be on the right side of each of the drawers which the provider self reported was used to keep the drawers locked however the drawers were still able to be opened and the contents inside were accessible.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be kept in a locked area or in an area inaccessible to children, and shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
All toxics were made inaccessible. In the future will continue to make sure toxics are inaccessible.
2018-12-10 Renewal 3290.75(a) - No peeling paint or plaster Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Peeling paint was observed on the ceiling in the upstairs bathroom which is used by the children in care.

Correction Required: Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Will call someone to scrape, prime, and paint the ceiling. In the future will inspect the walls and ceilings to ensure there is no peeling paint and if there is will fix it.
2017-12-13 Renewal 3290.123(a)(6) - Admission date Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #2 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the admission date.

Correction Required: An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The admission date was added to the financial agreement form. In the future operator will check over forms to make sure all information is provided.
2017-12-13 Renewal 3290.131(b)(2) - Updated toddler/preschool health report: every 12 months Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The child file for child #1, who is a preschool aged child, lacked an updated health report. The last health report on file was dated 3/8/16.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A new health report for child #1 will be provided or the operator will find the most recent health report that was provided previously. In the future operator will put the health report in the file as soon as it is given to her.
2017-12-13 Renewal 3290.24(a)(3)/3290.24(a)(4) - Contact when arises/Contact when ended Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The facility emergency plan lacked a method for a facility person to contact parents when an emergency arises and ends.

Correction Required: The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A method of contacting the parents in the event of emergency was added to the facility emergency plan. In the future the facility emergency plan will contain a method of contacting parents.
2017-12-13 Renewal 3290.75(a) - No peeling paint or plaster Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room peeling paint was observed along the bottom of the front door as well as along the banister at the bottom of the stairs.

Correction Required: Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Operator will repaint the bottom front door and the banister at the bottom of the stairs. In the future operator will check for peeling paint and repair as needed.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Outside on the grassy area near the back deck the green roof of a plastic toy play house was observed to have a crack going across the roof as well as a hole causing it not be in good repair. A preschool aged child was observed to be playing with the top of a plastic toy bin lid which was observed to be cracked causing it not to be in good repair.

Correction Required: Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Lid was immediately removed from child care space. Toy play house was discarded. In the future toys will be checked more frequently to ensure they are in good repair.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.105(a) - Clean, age appropriate Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room a pack n play playard was observed to lack the name of the child for whom it is to be used by.

Correction Required: Individual, clean, age-appropriate rest equipment shall be provided for preschool, toddler and infant children as agreed between the child`s parent and the operator. The rest equipment shall be labeled for the use of a specific child and used only by the specified child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Pack 'n Play was labeled with child's name. In the future as soon as children are enrolled rest equipment will be labeled.
2017-08-01 Complaints- Legal Location 3290.111(c) - Promote development Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 self reported that sometimes when the children are not paying attention, like during story time, she will squirt the water up in the air and then it falls down on the children like rain to get their attention.

Correction Required: Daily activities shall promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem. Daily experiences shall recognize the child as an individual and give some choice of activities that respect personal privacy, lifestyle and cultural background.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I refer to the squirt bottle as my microphone. If I am being ignored and I hold the squirt bottle in front of my mouth, it's amazing how much better the children all hear me. We have had squirt battles' when ALL the children get little squirt toys and EVERYBODY squirts and gets squirted, including me. It's a fun activity and sure adds some fun to our day. The squirt bottle is not and never has been used for punishment. The example I told you about was just part of the storyWe were having storytime. Fourt children were stomping our feetwe stood on the carpet squares and stompedAs we returned to our sitting positions, one child turned around and started to crawl away. The next special effect was rainfall and I sprayed the squirt bottle into the air. The drops fell on everyone, including me, and the exiting' child look up at the drops, then turned around and returned to the carpet square. I didn't have to stop reading or interrupt the story. The children returned to the group and I thought it was great! That was the story I told you. It was not discipline, it was part of the story that served the purpose. My daily activities will now and always promote the development of children and the children have not and will not be disciplined.
2017-08-01 Complaints- Legal Location 3290.114 - Outdoor Activity Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person # 1 self reported that children were not taken outdoors daily.

Correction Required: Weather permitting, children shall be taken out doors daily.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Children have been going outside daily either outback or on the front porch. In the future weather permitting children will go outside every day.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.118 - Infant sleep position Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 self reported that child #1 sleeps in the infant swing at nap time. There is no known medical reasons documented as to why the child should not sleep in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Correction Required: Infants shall be placed in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics unless there is a medical reason an infant should not sleep in this position. The medical reason shall be documented in a statement signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP and placed in the child's record at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Infant started using Pack 'n Play to sleep in. Child dis-enrolled 10/30/17. In the future unless a medical note from doctor is obtained an infant will sleep in a Pack 'n Play.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.161(c) - Potentially hazardous food refrigerated Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room a diapering bag that was on the couch was observed to have 3 bottles of milk inside.

Correction Required: Potentially hazardous food brought from the child`s home or provided by the facility shall be refrigerated.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Bottles were put into fridge. In the future diaper bag will be checked for anything that needs to be refrigerated.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.166(4) - Bottles labeled Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: In the living room 3 unlabeled bottles of milk were observed inside a diapering bag.

Correction Required: Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child`s name.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Bottles were labeled same day. In the future when bottles come in they will be labeled with child's name.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.18 - General Health and Safety Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Outside on the back deck a green turtle sandbox and two red wagons were observed to have standing water inside of them causing a potential safety hazard.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Standing water was dumped. In the future prior to children going outside any standing water present will be dumped from the toys.
2017-08-01 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3290.64(a) - Locked or inaccessible - in original container Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Upon walking out onto the back porch a spray can of wasp and hornet killer was observed on the table to the right of the sliding door which was accessible to the children.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be kept in a locked area or in an area inaccessible to children, and shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Spray can was exposed of. In the future any toxic materials will be removed from the area before children out outside.
2017-05-18 Unannounced Monitoring 3290.111(c) - Promote development Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation interview, Staff Person #1 reported she uses a squirt bottle to squirt children with water when they are not listening.

Correction Required: Daily activities shall promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem. Daily experiences shall recognize the child as an individual and give some choice of activities that respect personal privacy, lifestyle and cultural background.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I refer to the squirt bottle as my microphone. If I am being ignored and I hold the squirt bottle in front of my mouth, it's amazing how much better the children all hear me. We have had "squirt battles" when ALL the children get little squirt toys and EVERYBODY squirts and gets squirted, including me. It's a fun activity and sure adds some fun to our day. The squirt bottle is not, will not, and never has been used for punishment. The example I told you about was just part of the story...We were having Storytime. Four children were sitting on carpet squares listening to the story. The story called for special effects such as clapping our hands, hitting a drum, stomping our feet..we stood on the carpet squares and stomped...As we returned to our sitting positions, one child turned around and started to crawl away. The next special effect was rainfall and I sprayed the squirt bottle into the air. The drops fell on everyone, including me and the "exiting" child looked up at the drops, then turned around and returned to the carpet square. I didn't have to stop reading or interrupt the story. The child returned to the group and I thought it was great! That was the story I told you. It was not discipline, it was part of the story that served the purpose. My daily activities will now and always promote the development of the children and the children have not and will not be disciplined.
2017-05-18 Unannounced Monitoring 3290.51 - Maximum Number of Children Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation interview, Staff Person #1 reported that on 4/11/17 between the hours of 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, she was over ratio.

Correction Required: The number of children in care may not exceed six children at any one time who are unrelated to the operator.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I have not and will not be out of ratio. If a parent brings children and it will cause me to be over my limits, the parent will be informed, "I'm sorry I can't take the child/children today.". If a child/children arrive unannounced without a parent, and parent can't come, I will contact another parent/parents to come pick up their children to maintain my ratio.
2017-04-26 Complaints- Legal Location 3290.113(b) - No physical punishment Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation interview, Staff Person #1 reported she swats children on their backsides and squirts the children with water as discipline.

Correction Required: A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I do not swat the children and did not say I do. The water bottle has never been - is never and will never be used as a discipline tool. When I first started my day care, it was because I could not find anyone that I trusted to care for my children. I discovered there were many families in the same situation. There was a need for day care providers who really cared for children. I decided to help fill that need. I tell this story at each interview for a new child. I tell them that I will care for their child/children as I would have expected someone to care for mine. If my children misbehaved and the care giver thought it was necessary, I would have understood them giving my child a "botch" on the bum. A "botch" is a term meaning a light tap, not a hit, possibly with the back of their fingers. I did not say I will "swat their backsides". I said I would have understood if a care giver would have done that to my child. I do not swat my day care children. I will not, do not and have not swatted, botched, lightly tapped daycare children on their backside. The "LOOK" has the desired effect. I refer to the squirt bottle as my microphone. If I am being ignored and I hold the squirt bottle in front of my mouth, it's amazing how much better the children all hear me. We have had "squirt battles" when ALL the children get little squirt toys and EVERYBODY squirts and gets squirted, including me. It's a fun activity and sure adds some fun to our day. The squirt bottle is not and never has been used for punishment. The example I told you about was just part of the story...We were having Storytime. Four children were sitting on carpet squares listening to the story. The story called for special effects such as clapping our hands, hitting a drum, stomping our feet...we stood on the carpet squares and stomped...As we returned to our sitting positions, one child turned around and started to crawl away. The next special effect was rainfall and I sprayed the squirt bottle up into the air. The drops fell on everyone, including me and the "exiting" child looked up at the drops, then turned around and returned to the carpet square. I didn't have to stop reading or interrupt the story. The child returned to the group and I thought it was great! That was the story I told you. It was not discipline, it was part of the story that served the purpose.
2017-04-26 Complaints- Legal Location 3290.113(c) - No ridicule or threaten harm Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation interview, Staff Person #1 reported yelling at chidlren for discipline. Staff person #1 was observed yelliing in a harsh and demeaning way and singling out children for their behavior.

Correction Required: A facility person may not single out the child for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child`s family and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child`s family.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
This did not happen this will not happen. During your investigation, we were sitting in a room adjacent to the room where the children were supposed to be napping. Usually I am not out of the children's sight. One child kept creeping around the corner to see where I was. I understood what he was doing and why. But it was nap time and he was supposed to be on his mat. So I would tell him to get back on this mat. Each time my voice would be a little more stern, it was loud enough to be heard from one room to the other but not loud enough to wake up the sleeping children. Each time he would have a big grin on his face and would scoot back onto his mat for a minute or so and then would come creeping around the corner again. My manor was not harsh nor demeaning which was obvious by the grin on his face. He was getting the attention he wanted and I was able to continue with the meeting until the next time he would creep around the corner. Yes, I do yell...I yell, "Horray" when a child does something challenging, "Wahoooo" when we achieve a goal, "Wow" when I get a big hug. I have not, do not and will not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language or threats in or out of the presence of children. I have not, do not and will not use physical punishment on any child.
2017-04-26 Complaints- Legal Location 3290.113(d) - No harsh language Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation interview, Staff Person #1 reported yelling at children for discipline. Staff Person #1 was observed yelling in a harsh and demeaning way and singling out children for their behavior.

Correction Required: A facility person may not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language in the presence of children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
During your investigation, we were sitting in a room adjacent to the room where the children were supposed to be napping. Usually I am not out of the children's sight. One child kept creeping around the corner to see where I was. I understood what he was doing and why. But it was nap time and he was supposed to be on his mat. So I would tell him to get back on this mat. Each time my voice would be a little more stern, it was loud enough to be heard from one room to the other but not loud enough to wake up the sleeping children. Each time he would have a big grin on his face and would scoot back onto his mat for a minute or so and then would come creeping around the corner again. My manor was not harsh nor demeaning which was obvious by the grin on his face. He was getting the attention he wanted and I was able to continue with the meeting until the next time he would creep around the corner. Yes, I do yell...I yell, "Horray" when a child does something challenging, "Wahoooo" when we achieve a goal, "Wow" when I get a big hug. I have not, do not and will not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language or threats in or out of the presence of children. I have not, do not and will not use physical punishment on any child.

If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

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