Amherst Montessori School

7.07(16)(e) — Physical Facility - Outdoors

The fall zones beneath and surrounding the playground equipment do not contain sufficient depth of impact-absorbing material in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Corrective action: When we measured we felt it was at the correct depth as set forth by the regulation but we added more material under the equipment and will do so again before the start of school year. Regulation: Playground Safety. The use zones under and around swings, slides, and climbing structures must be covered with an adequate depth of an impact absorbing material, in accordance with EEC policy. Pea gravel and wood chip nuggets must not be used in areas used by infants and toddlers. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(14)(c) — Postings

Allergies and medical information was not posted in a manner that protects the privacy of each child. Corrective action: allergy list was placed in cabinet & covered up after visit. Regulation: in a manner that protects the privacy of each child: Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.10(08)(b) — Postings

The staff schedule posted did not accurately reflect the current staff members. Corrective action: Updated and hung up with the correct schedule. A new one will also be posted when the new school year begins next month.. Regulation: Whenever more than one educator is providing care: Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(07), 7.04(08)(b), 7.06(05)(b), 7.10(09)(a)(05) — Administration

A random review of children files showed that two children did not have current lead test on file. Corrective action: Requesting lead testing reports will now be part of our routine record update with the physical & immunization records. A message has been drafted to parents linking this request to the requirement on the Commonwealth of MA website. Regulation: Children’s Records. The licensee must maintain an individual written record for each child that includes:, For school age children, the licensee may accept either:, The licensee must obtain parental consent prior to contacting any outside social, educational or health care resource or service provider on behalf of an individual child. If such direct contacts are made by the program, the licensee must maintain a written record of such contacts and the results of such contacts., Whenever a child is considered for assignment in a fixed age group outside his chronologically defined age group, the licensee must: Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(16)(e) — Physical Space (Indoor & Outdoor)

The swing set does not have the proper fall zones. The director reported that the wood chips will be replenished in November 2024. The director reported they replenish the woods chips twice a year. The director reported that the child care program does not use the monkey bars and the climbing wall. These equipments are only used by the elementary school. Corrective action: We will be having our annual playground clean up on November 9th, 2024 and all woodchips for the swing set fall zone will be fully replenished. This will be done for a second time in April 2025.. Regulation: Playground Safety. The use zones under and around swings, slides, and climbing structures must be covered with an adequate depth of an impact absorbing material, in accordance with EEC policy. Pea gravel and wood chip nuggets must not be used in areas used by infants and toddlers. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).