1 Root Childcare

7.04(04)(a)(01), 7.04(04)(a)(02) — Care of Children

The children’s attendance records were incomplete and did not reflect accurate times of arrival and departure. Corrective action: We have reviewed attendance procedures to have accurate times. Staff will be trained in attendance procedures to log accurate times of arrival and departure.. Regulation: daily attendance records indicating each child’s attendance, including arrival and departure times;, a method of knowing exactly who is present on the premises at any given point in the day. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.06(03)(a) — Administration

The program did not have documentation of progress reports on file. Corrective action: Children files will be reviewed for missing progress reports and completed.. Regulation: Frequency Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(02), 7.07(03), 7.07(16)(b) — Physical Space (Indoor & Outdoor)

The building inspection was expired at the time of the visit. Corrective action: Building inspection certificate will be reviewed and renewed 3 months prior of expiration date to avoid any complications.. Regulation: Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Fire Inspection. Every program not located in a residence must submit evidence of compliance with applicable fire codes., Integrated Pest Management. Programs must document compliance with the Integrated Pest Management program of the Department of Agricultural Resources. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(02)(l)(05), 7.11(02)(l)(04), 7.11(02)(l)(03), 7.11(02)(l)(02), 7.11(02)(l)(01) — Medication

The program was missing required medication administration consent forms and written parental consent for some children. Corrective action: Children files will be reviewed for missing medication administration consent forms and written parental consent.. Regulation: Type of Medication: Topical, non-Prescription (not applied to open wounds or broken skin) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No. Items not applied to open wounds or broken skin may be supplied by program with notification to parents of such, or parents may send in preferred brands of such items for their own child(ren)’s use. Logging Required: No for items not applied to open wounds or broken skin., Type of Medication: Topical, non-Prescription (when applied to open wounds or broken skin) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature, Type of Medication: Unanticipated Non-Prescription for Mild Symptoms (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature, Type of Medication: Oral Non-Prescription Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed weekly with dosage, times, days and purpose Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature. Missed doses must also be noted along with the reason(s) why the dose was missed., Type of Medication: All Prescription Written Parental Consent Required: Yes Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: Yes. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed. Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature. Missed doses must also be noted along with the reason(s) why the dose was missed. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(02)(e), 7.11(02)(c) — Health

1- The program had medication that was expired. 2- Some medications were not stored in their original containers. Corrective action: All medication will be inspected on a frequent basis to prevent having expire medication and in their original containers.. Regulation: Unless otherwise specified in a child’s individual health care plan, the educator must store all medications out of the reach of children and under proper conditions for sanitation, preservation, security and safety during the time the children are in care and during the transportation of children., All prescription medications must be in the containers in which they were originally dispensed and with their original labels affixed. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s packaging. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(02)(j), 7.11(02)(l) — Health

The program did not have an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) and medication consent form on file for each child who requires one. Corrective action: Children files will be reviewed for missing IHCP and medication consent forms.. Regulation: Each time a medication is administered, the educator must document in the child’s record the name of the medication, the dosage, the time and the method of administration, and who administered the medication, except as noted in (k) below., All medications must be administered in accordance with the consent and documentation requirements specified below: Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(05)(d)(04) — Health

The program did not have emergency medication readily available for all children who require it. Corrective action: Children files will be reviewed for missing emergency medication.. Regulation: emergency or life-saving medications, such as asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, for any children for whom they have been prescribed; Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(17)(p)(04), 7.11(07)(e), 7.11(18)(b) — Postings

Emergency procedures were not posted at each exit. Corrective action: Each exit will be reviewed for missing emergency procedures and have one posted if needed.. Regulation: next to each exit, emergency and evacuation procedures., Exit signs must be posted in rooms that have direct access to the outdoors., Escape Routes. A diagram of escape routes must be posted conspicuously at each means of egress in rooms that do not have direct access to the outdoors. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(14)(c) — Postings

The allergies and medications list did not include all children identified as having allergies, medications, or medical conditions. Corrective action: Children's files will be reviewed to update all children with allergies, medications or medical conditions. The allergy and medications list will be updated and review constantly and with new arrivals.. 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).

7.04(17)(p)(03), 7.04(17)(p)(01) — Postings

Location of the heath care policy was not posted. Corrective action: Location of the health care policy will be posted on visible area.. Regulation: the location of the first aid kit;, the location of the health care policy; Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(13)(d), 7.07(01), 7.07(02), 7.07(10) — Physical Facility - Indoors

Multiple maintenance and safety issues were observed at the time of the visit that require repair or attention. 1- Floors appeared to need cleaning at the time of the visit. 2- A shoe rack was broken. 3- One classroom had small puzzle pieces scattered on the floor and appeared to need cleaning and organization. 4- A window frame in one room had peeling paint, and the trim around the border appeared worn. 5- Ceiling tiles in one bathroom showed water leak stains. 6- Cleaning materials were accessible and must be kept out of children’s reach. 7- Peeling/chipped paint and broken plaster were observed around a sink in one bathroom. 8- Floor tiles had visible cracks and separation along some seams. 9- One bathroom had broken trim along the wall. 10- A sofa showed visible stains and wear. 11- Broken floor tiles were observed in one area. 12- Loose wood boards and other items were stored leaning against a wall near an exit area and were accessible to children. 13- A ceiling access opening was exposed. 14- During the visit, a staff member’s bag was found exposed and within children’s reach. Corrective action: Building and rooms will be inspected for repairs and maintenances. Furnitures and fixtures will be inspected for repair and replacement. Cleaning and safety procedures will be reviewed with all staff. Staff will be trained to have a organized, safe and clean environment.. Regulation: All play equipment, fences and structures must be free of entrapment hazards., The licensee must ensure that the physical facilities are safe, clean, in good repair and free from hazards and clutter. The licensee must monitor the environment daily to identify and remove or repair any hazards that may cause injury to children. Exits and evacuation routes must be kept clear of obstructions., Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Indoor Space. The indoor space must be clean, safely maintained, well-ventilated and well-lit, of sufficient size for the children served, and must encourage play and learning. Cited during: Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

Complaint investigation

Non-compliance identified during complaint investigation Regulation: No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified Cited during: Complaint Investigation. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(04)(a)(01), 7.10(01), 7.10(02), 7.10(03), 7.10(04), 7.10(09) — Care of Children

The children attendance record was incomplete. Corrective action: A staff meeting was conducted to inform all staff how to record attendance completely.. Regulation: daily attendance records indicating each child’s attendance, including arrival and departure times;, The licensee must maintain sufficient numbers of qualified staff to promote the health, safety, growth and development of each child. Assignment of staff must take into account the physical environment, requirements of the activities children are engaged in, and the developmental levels and behavioral traits of children in care., Ratios: The program must have the number of educators necessary to:, Staff to Be Included in Ratios., Multi-Age Grouping. A group of children ranging in age from birth through thirteen years (or sixteen years, if such children have special needs), may be assigned on an ongoing basis to a single group, provided all provisions of 606 CMR 7.10(4) are met. The Multi-Age Grouping ratios and group sizes specified at 606 CMR 7.10(4)(d – h) may be used by:, Additional Provisions for Large Group and School Age Child Care. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(05)(d)(04) — Health

The program did not have all the emergency medications. The Licensee reported it has been challenging working with some parents to obtain the necessary medications after multiple requests. Corrective action: All parents were contacted to provide emergency medications and informed that we would need their medications in order to care for their children.. Regulation: emergency or life-saving medications, such as asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, for any children for whom they have been prescribed; Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(07)(d), 7.07(13)(g) — Health

Cleaning materials and tools were accessible to children. Corrective action: Cleaning materials and tools were moved to lock closet or storage room where children don't have access.. Regulation: The outdoor play area must be free from hazards including but not limited to: a busy street, a parking lot, poisonous plants, water hazards, debris, broken glass, chipping, peeling or flaking paint, dangerous machinery or tools, and weather-related and environmental hazards or small objects that could present a choking hazard to young children. Any such hazard must be removed or fenced by a sturdy, permanently installed barrier which is at least four feet high or otherwise protected or removed, as appropriate., Educators must ensure that all hazardous objects, including but not limited to matches, lighters, toxic materials, sharp objects, plastic bags and purses are locked or inaccessible to children. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(02)(c), 7.11(02)(e) — Health

Some medications were expired and some children were missing medications. Corrective action: All expired medication were discarded. Parents were contacted to provide missing and new medications based on their IHCP.. Regulation: All prescription medications must be in the containers in which they were originally dispensed and with their original labels affixed. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s packaging., Unless otherwise specified in a child’s individual health care plan, the educator must store all medications out of the reach of children and under proper conditions for sanitation, preservation, security and safety during the time the children are in care and during the transportation of children. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(03) — Health

1- Multiple children had expired IHCP and medication consent forms. 2- Multiple children with medical conditions did not have an IHCP and medication consent form on file. 3-The program must review children's files to identify any children with health conditions that require an IHCP. 4- The allergies and medications list must be updated and posted. Corrective action: All files were checked for missing IHCP and medication consent forms. The parents were contacted for missing IHCP and medication. The allergy and medication list where updated.. Regulation: Individual Health Care Plans The licensee must maintain as part of a child’s record, an individual health care plan for each child with a chronic medical condition, which has been diagnosed by a licensed health care practitioner. The plan must describe the chronic condition, its symptoms, any medical treatment that may be necessary while the child is in care, the potential side effects of that treatment, and the potential consequences to the child’s health if the treatment is not administered. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(01), 7.11(07)(h) — Emergency Preparedness

There was no evidence that monthly evacuation drills had been conducted Corrective action: The evacuation logs were completed and filed on a Fire Drill Binder.. Regulation: The licensee must ensure that the physical facilities are safe, clean, in good repair and free from hazards and clutter. The licensee must monitor the environment daily to identify and remove or repair any hazards that may cause injury to children. Exits and evacuation routes must be kept clear of obstructions., The educator must hold practice evacuation drills with all groups of children and all educators from each floor level of the approved space at least monthly. Drills must be held during different times of the program day, and must use alternative exits. The educator must document the date, time, exit route used, number of children evacuated and effectiveness of each drill. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.13(06)(f) — Transportation

One of the vans had tools stored in the back of the vehicle, but they were not secured. Corrective action: All tools were removed removed from the vehicle if it wasn't secured.. Regulation: Sharp, heavy or potentially dangerous objects must be placed in the trunk or cargo area and securely restrained when transporting children. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(13)(d), 7.07(01), 7.07(02), 7.07(10) — Physical Facility - Indoors

1- There are broken ceiling tiles throughout the facility, with some tiles showing visible water stains from leaks. 2- Furniture and Equipment Wear: multiple pieces of furniture and equipment show visible signs of wear and tear, including: -Upholstered Sofa: The sofa has visible tears in the upholstery. -Table: The table has areas where the paint is scraped, indicating significant wear. -There was a damaged office chair in the child care space with noticeable tears or rips in the fabric. 3-There were potential hazards stored near the exit accessible to children. 4- Some cabinets in the kitchen area and one of the playrooms are in need of repair. Corrective action: The broken ceiling and leak was fix. Furniture and Equipment with wear and tear were discarded and replaced. All potential hazards materials were removed and place in locked closet. The cabinets and furniture were repaired or replaced.. Regulation: All play equipment, fences and structures must be free of entrapment hazards., The licensee must ensure that the physical facilities are safe, clean, in good repair and free from hazards and clutter. The licensee must monitor the environment daily to identify and remove or repair any hazards that may cause injury to children. Exits and evacuation routes must be kept clear of obstructions., Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Indoor Space. The indoor space must be clean, safely maintained, well-ventilated and well-lit, of sufficient size for the children served, and must encourage play and learning. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(02), 7.07(03) — Physical Facility - Indoors

The building inspection is expired. Corrective action: The building inspection certificate was renewed on 02/21/2025 and posted.. Regulation: Building Inspection. Every program that is not located in a residence and every program that has a licensed capacity of more than 10 children must provide a certificate of inspection from the Department of Public Safety or the local building inspector certifying that the facility complies with the State Building Code (780 CMR). The certificate must indicate the following:, Fire Inspection. Every program not located in a residence must submit evidence of compliance with applicable fire codes. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.10(08)(b)(02), 7.09(05) — Care of Children

The staff schedule was not posted. The staff schedule must be current and must be posted in an area visible to educators, parents and visitors. Corrective action: Staff schedule was updated and posted near the entrance for visible to everyone.. Regulation: the Licensee must keep the schedule current and posted in an area easily visible to educators, parents and visitors., All educators must possess the qualifications required for their positions in accordance with EEC regulations. Cited during: Monitoring 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

Multiple children files need annual update. Corrective action: All the children files were checked and the outdated forms were sent to parents to renew them.. 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).

7.12(07)(g) — Administration

The program did not have documented menus. Previous menus should be maintained in writing for one year. Corrective action: Program menus were provided to staff in order to document all foods and snacks. Staff was informed to maintained previous menus for one year.. Regulation: the licensee must keep previous menus on file for one year. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).