Playful Minds Learning Center @Chicopee

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, 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, 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, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified Cited during: Complaint Investigation. 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, 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, 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, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect Cited during: Complaint Investigation. 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, 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, 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, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, No death, serious injury, or child abuse identified, Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect Cited during: Complaint Investigation. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

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

Review of the Documents library review that the program’s evidence of fire inspection expired on 2/14/25. Corrective action: There was fire inspection completed in January but the new certificate was not received. Fire department has been contacted and a certificate is being forwarded. Certificate will be uploaded when received.. 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: Renewal - Monitoring 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, 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, 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).

7.11(10)(c), 7.11(10)(d), 7.11(10)(f), 7.11(10)(g), 7.11(10)(h), 7.11(10)(i), 7.11(10)(j), 7.11(10)(m), 7.11(10)(l) — Health

It was observed that several educators did not wash their hands before putting on gloves and used the same gloves while touching several objects in the classrooms, including while setting up the children's mats. Corrective action: Program director addressed to all staff the importance of health and safety in and out of the classroom including the use of gloves and sanitation. Program director expressed the importance of handwashing continuously through the day. Gloves should serve one single use and purpose.. Regulation: The licensee must ensure that educators and children wash their hands with liquid soap and running water, using friction, in accordance with DPH guidelines. Hands must be dried with individual or disposable towels or automatic hand blow-dryers. The use of common towels is prohibited. Educators and children must wash their hands at least at the following times:, In addition, educators must wash their hands:, The licensee must ensure that equipment, materials, items or surfaces (including floors, walls and clothing used for dramatic play) are washed with soap and water and disinfected as needed to maintain a sanitary environment., All floors used by children must be swept and/or vacuumed daily., All eating surfaces must be washed and disinfected before and after each use., Where applicable, the following items, equipment and surfaces must be washed and disinfected after each use:, Toys mouthed by children must be set aside and stored after each use and may not be used by another child until they are washed and disinfected., The following must be washed and disinfected at least weekly:, The following items must be monitored for cleanliness and washed and disinfected at least daily: Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(10)(e) — Health

An educator in Room [Redacted] reported that she was not aware of which sink was used for handwashing after diapering and toileting and which sink was used for food preparation. In other rooms, it was not clear which sink was used for food prep and which sink was used for handwashing after diapering and toileting as the changing tables were not located next to a sink. Corrective action: Program director and Regional Director went around to classrooms and labeled all sinks for the use of handwashing and meal prep.. Regulation: Facilities used for hand washing after diapering or toileting must be separate from facilities and areas used for food preparation and food service. Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(12) — Health

The diapering procedure was not posted in at least two classrooms. Corrective action: Diapering procedures have been posted in all of the classrooms.. Regulation: Diapering and Toileting. In programs serving children who are under two years and nine months of age and/or not toilet trained, the educator must ensure that: Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.04(17)(p)(04) — Emergency Preparedness

Evacuation procedures were not posted next to each exit in most classrooms. Corrective action: Program Director adjusted the evacuation plans to be more specific to each classroom. Evacuation plans were reviewed with staff. Evacuation plans have been laminated and posted by all classroom doors.. Regulation: next to each exit, emergency and evacuation procedures. Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.11(07)(i) — Emergency Preparedness

It was learned that Rooms 2 and 11 had one evacuation crib for seven children in each room and the program administrators reported there was not a specific plan to evacuate infants. Corrective action: Program Director adjusted the evacuation plans to be more specific with infant classrooms. Evacuation plans were reviewed with staff.. Regulation: Programs that use cribs for evacuation must assure that such cribs are safe for the intended purpose, easily movable and small enough to fit through exit doors to the outside. Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.07(06) — Physical Facility - Outdoors

It was observed that there were several areas on the walls in Room 11 with chipped paint, and other classrooms were missing trim along the baseboards. Corrective action: Program had a work order placed for the walls to be patched and painted. Work order was completed and the walls no longer have peeling and chipping paint.. Regulation: Chipping and Peeling Paint. The licensee must maintain the interior and exterior of the program in good repair, free of chipping, flaking, or peeling paint or broken plaster. Cited during: Follow-up 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

It was observed that the brooms, mops, a plunger and other cleaning supplies were within children's reach and not stored in the closets in several rooms. In the infant and toddler rooms, the gates were not secured. In Room 2, the diaper changing table was used for storage. In Room 4, the closet was not locked. In Rooms 3 and 10, there were broken covers on trash cans. In Rooms 3 and 4, the room arrangement was not appropriate, and a table was too close to the door in Room 4. In Room 7, an educator stacked chairs while children were eating and transitioning to rest time. Corrective action: Cleaning supplies are now stored classroom closets. Gates in classrooms have been removed. Program director spoke with staff about the sole purpose of the changing tables. Trashcans were ordered and replaced with new trashcans. Program director is working with coaches on room arrangement in toddler rooms. Program director spoke with all teaching teams about the stacking of chairs and the safety of the children.. 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: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.12(07)(b) — Mealtime, Food, Food Preparation

It was observed that some of the educators did not wash their hands before putting on gloves to serve food to children and they used the same gloves to do other tasks in the classroom. Corrective action: Program director addressed to all staff the importance of health and safety in and out of the classroom including the use of gloves and sanitation. Program director expressed the importance of handwashing continuously through the day. Gloves should serve one single use and purpose.. Regulation: the licensee must ensure that snacks and meals are prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner; Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.06(01)(c)(03) — Equipments and Materials

It was observed that several rooms did not have sufficient age appropriate materials and equipment and in Preschool Room 6, many of the materials were appropriate for toddlers, including board books and cardboard blocks. In Rooms 2 and 11, there were no enough cribs for seven children in each room. Corrective action: The program has purchased the addition cribs required for the center. The cribs have been delivered, built and placed in the classrooms. Materials checklist was given to classroom teaching teams and program director walked through with staff about what materials can be utilized in the classrooms. Materials have been adjusted and ordered for Preschool Room 6. Materials include additional blocks, age appropriate diverse people figures, more books and additional cars and trucks etc. and the removal of the cardboard blocks.. Regulation: materials and equipment are visible and readily accessible to the children in care and are arranged to promote independent access by children; Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.06(01)(a)(01), 7.06(01)(b)(03), 7.07(16)(c)(05), 7.06(01)(b)(14), 7.04(07)(a)(08), 7.06(01)(b)(09) — Curriculum and Activities

During the visit, there was no evidence of curriculum, walls were bare, and a lack of materials on the shelves in several classrooms. Corrective action: Materials checklist was given to classroom teaching teams and program director walked through with staff about what materials can be utilized in the classrooms. Program purchased more bulletin boards for teachers to utilize for the purpose of presenting child's art work. Regulation: be developmentally and linguistically appropriate;, opportunities for children to participate in a variety of creative activities, such as art, music, literature, dramatic play and science, encouraging exploration, experimentation and discovery;, Indoor play areas must be clearly defined by spatial arrangement reflecting the variety of creative activities required by 606 CMR 7.06(1)(b)3., in programs serving infants and toddlers, opportunities for infants and toddlers to move freely and achieve mastery of their bodies through self-initiated movement, including multiple opportunities to practice emerging skills in coordination, movement, balance, and perceptual-motor integration., written parental consent for older school age children to leave the program for any reason, including consent for the specific activity, time, and method of transportation, and acknowledgement of parental responsibility for the child once s/he leaves the program;, opportunities that foster the development of independence and responsibility in children by encouraging decision-making, choices and independent time, as appropriate and with parent’s consent, as required by 606 CMR 7.04(7)(a)8; Cited during: Follow-up Visit. 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

It was learned that several children were transitioning from one classroom to another, and the classrooms did not maintain accurate attendance in a clear manner. Corrective action: Program director made adjustments to the attendance sheets. Program director add in an extra row per child and extra space for children entering the room. Attendance sheets are used and turned in daily in place of weekly.. 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: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.05(05), 7.05(06), 7.05(08) — Care of Children

It was observed that the educators were not engaging in positive interactions with children, including during lunch time when they were not sitting at the tables while children were eating, and some of the educators were not communicating appropriately with children. Corrective action: Program director discussed the importance of sitting with all children during meal times. Program director will assist teaching teams in acknowledging what task can wait and what task need priority attention. Program director will provide continuous training surrounding meal time engagement with the children.. Regulation: Educators must provide guidance to children in a positive and consistent way based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of children by:, Educators must have a method of communicating effectively with each child., The following practices are strictly prohibited: Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

7.10(05)(d), 7.10(05)(f) — Care of Children

It was observed that the educators were not sitting at tables and supervising children while children were eating lunch in several classrooms. It was also observed that a child was crying on the playground and educators were not supervising or interacting with children on the playground. Corrective action: Program director discussed the importance of sitting with all children during meal times. Program director will assist teaching teams in acknowledging what task can wait and what task need priority attention. Program director will provide continuous training surrounding meal time engagement with the children. Program Director has created and implemented classroom board with Children ID cards. Teachers will have the children ID cards in hand and are responsible to move around the playground engaging with children and assure supervision of all children in care.. Regulation: Educators must be positioned to maximize their ability to see and/or hear children in their care., Educators must not engage in any other activities or tasks that could unnecessarily divert their attention from supervising the children. Cited during: Follow-up Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).