Little Friends Child Care and Learning Center

2024

1. High riskStandard 7.0411/8/2024

   7.04(01), 7.04(17)(m)(07) — Administration

   The director was not present during the visit, and three educators did not know who was responsible for the administration of the program. Corrective action: Further development and communication of a clear contingency plan was discussed with individual staff members who were unclear, as well as a full staff discussion held at monthly staff meeting. This plan now includes more than one designated staff member in the event that the program director is unavailable as well as the secondary designated staff (as in the event of this visit). A clear leadership structure has been clearly established and is understood by all staff. This leadership structure has been verbalized in these ways but is also posted in the office with the staff schedule. Staff are aware that the director is always available via phone when away from the center.. Regulation: The licensee must ensure that the program is soundly administered by qualified persons designated with specific administrative and program responsibilities. The licensee may admit children only in accordance with the provisions of the license., Provisions for Temporary Absence of Administrator. The licensee shall inform all staff on duty as to who is responsible for administration of the program at any given time. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 11/20/2024
2. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0711/8/2024

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

   The fire inspection was expired. Corrective action: Belchertown Fire Department conducted inspection on 11/14/2024. No issues were found. Life Safety Inspection is posted appropriately.. 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).

   Corrected 11/20/2024
3. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0711/8/2024

   7.07(07)(d), 7.07(07)(e), 7.07(10), 7.07(13)(d) — Physical Facility - Outdoors

   During an inspection of the outdoor space behind the facility, it was observed that an area on the right side of the back of the building was not fenced in with a sturdy, permanently installed barrier at least four feet high. It was also observed that a hillly area in the outdoor space had a steep drop and it was not safe for children to play in that area. Corrective action: New barriers have been installed in both areas noted at the visit. Barriers are consistent with entrapment polices set forth by EEC.. 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., If the outdoor play space is located on a roof, it must be protected by a barrier at least seven feet high, which cannot be climbed by children., 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., All play equipment, fences and structures must be free of entrapment hazards. Cited during: Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 11/20/2024
4. Medium-High riskStandard 7.0711/8/2024

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

   Evacuation drills were not conducted monthly. Corrective action: Fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024 and will continue to be conducted each month.. 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).

   Corrected 11/20/2024
5. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1111/8/2024

   7.11(02)(c), 7.11(02)(e) — Health

   It was learned that Benadryl and an Epipen were expired for a child with chronic medical conditions. Corrective action: Both Medications have been replaced, expired medications returned to the family.. 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).

   Corrected 11/20/2024