The Apple Tree Program LLC

2025

1. High riskStandard 7.1110/3/2025

   7.11(02)(j), 7.11(02)(l) — Health

   Review of Children's records found that one child did not have parent consent for the administration of medication required by an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP). Corrective action: The Director has since received the child's parent consent of administration of medication form and has copied and placed one with the medication and the other in the child's file.. 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
2. High riskStandard 7.0910/3/2025

   7.09(17)(d), 7.11(18)(d) — Administration

   According to Staff records checklist 2 Educators have First Aid certification that expired on 5/11/24. Corrective action: The Director has since scheduled recertifications of the First Aid and CPR for October 18th.. Regulation: First Aid Training. All educators must obtain within six months of employment, and must maintain thereafter current certification of training in basic first aid appropriate to the population served., First Aid Training. The licensee must document that each educator is certified in first aid within six months of employment. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
3. Medium riskStandard 7.0410/3/2025

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

   On the day of the visit the attendance records in two rooms did not accurately reflect the number of children present. Corrective action: The Director retrained the educators on the importance of keeping accurate attendance in the class rooms.. 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
4. High riskStandard 7.1010/3/2025

   7.10(05) — Care of Children

   Licensor observed two children in the snack area with an Assistant Group Leader. One of the children left the area and went out the back door to the back hallway, that leads to the back exit door. The child was unsupervised Supervision at the time. Corrective action: Maintaining safety at our center remains our highest priority. The Director has assessed the situation and addressed the group Leaders regarding the importance of proper supervision. Group Leaders have since been re-educated on supervision protocols to ensure the well-being of all children. Additionally, the child who accessed the back hallway leading to the exit door has been spoken to and reminded about the importance of staying with their group leader to maintain safety.. Regulation: Supervision of Children: In addition to interacting with children as required by 606 CMR 7.05, all licensees and educators must exercise appropriate supervision of the children in their care in order to ensure their health and safety at all times. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
5. High riskStandard 7.0410/3/2025

   7.04(18)(c)(05), 1.05(02)(a) — Administration

   On the day of the visit files were maintained in the reception office in a cabinet that was not locked to prevent unauthorized access. Corrective action: The Director has since locked the cabinet with key to prevent unauthorized access from the files.. Regulation: evidence of completed background record checks, as required by 606 CMR 1.05(2) and 606 CMR 14.00;, Each person employed by the licensee, who has the potential for unsupervised contact with children, shall have a background free of conduct which bears adversely upon his or her ability to provide for the safety and well-being of a child. The licensee shall determine, in accordance with OFC policy, whether an employee's or potential employee's conduct, criminal or otherwise, shall disqualify that person from employment in the program. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
6. High riskStandard 7.0810/3/2025

   7.08(07) — Administration

   Through interview it was learned that the Program has not done or offered parent conferences Corrective action: As of October 10th, the Director is sending out notices to parents indicating that parent conferences will begin on November 6th via, phone call, zoom and in person.. Regulation: Parent Conferences. The licensee must make educators available for individual conferences with parents at parental request. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
7. High riskStandard 7.0410/3/2025

   7.04(18)(c)(05), 1.05(02)(a) — Administration

   Review of the staff records checklist revealed that one Educator has a suitability expiration date of 10/6/25 which is now expired. Corrective action: The Director has since had the employee BRC'D on 10/09/2025.. Regulation: evidence of completed background record checks, as required by 606 CMR 1.05(2) and 606 CMR 14.00;, Each person employed by the licensee, who has the potential for unsupervised contact with children, shall have a background free of conduct which bears adversely upon his or her ability to provide for the safety and well-being of a child. The licensee shall determine, in accordance with OFC policy, whether an employee's or potential employee's conduct, criminal or otherwise, shall disqualify that person from employment in the program. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
8. High riskStandard 7.0610/3/2025

   7.06(03)(a) — Administration

   The program has not completed progress reports for school age children once per year as required by EEC. Corrective action: The Director has since printed out EEC School Age Progress reports to begin collecting the children's progress as of November 3rd. 2025. Regulation: Frequency Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
9. High riskStandard 7.0410/3/2025

   7.04(17)(k) — Administration

   Staff meeting documentation did not include start and end time of the meetings making it difficult to assess compliance. Corrective action: The Director now understands the importance of adding a start and end times to meeting documentations. As to maintain compliance going forward.. Regulation: Staff Meetings. In programs with four or more staff the licensee must develop and follow a written plan and must document regular staff meetings of at least two hours per month to consult with educators on program issues; program planning; policies and procedures; parent communication; implementation of the regulations; children’s behaviors and meeting the individual needs of children. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

   Corrected 10/10/2025
10. High riskStandard 7.117/18/2025

    7.11(01) — Administration

    The program had one assistant [redacted] working who has not completed the EEC Essentials 2.0. Corrective action: The Director/ Co-owner has assisted the [redacted] in getting into her account . The [redacted] is now current with her EEC Essentials.. Regulation: Training. All educators must be trained in the program’s emergency and evacuation procedures, in standard precautions and in medication administration procedures. Cited during: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
11. High riskStandard 7.127/18/2025

    7.12(07)(g) — Administration

    The program did not have or maintain a snack menu for the month of July as required by EEC. Corrective action: The Director/ Co-owner has since placed an up to date breakfast and snack menu in the cafeteria . The Director/ Co-owner understands the importance for the health and wellbeing of the children in maintaining a current breakfast and snack menu.. Regulation: the licensee must keep previous menus on file for one year. Cited during: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
12. Medium-High riskStandard 7.077/18/2025

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

    A staff person’s pocketbook was stored within reach of children on the day of the visit. Corrective action: The Director/Co-owner has since retrained the staff on the importance of keeping belongings away from the reach of children, and has designated a set location for the belongings of the staff out of the reach 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: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
13. Medium-High riskStandard 7.117/18/2025

    7.11(02)(c), 7.11(02)(e) — Health

    The medication for a child with a chronic medical condition was expired on the day of the visit. Corrective action: The Director /Co-owner has communicated with the child's parent; the medication has been swapped out. Furthermore, there has since been a calendar specifically for the medications indicating their expiration dates.. 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: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
14. Medium-High riskStandard 7.077/18/2025

    7.07(07)(d), 7.07(13)(g) — Health

    On the day of the visit there was a spray bottle of multi surface cleaner stored within reach of children. Corrective action: The Director/Co-owner has retrained staff on the importance of keeping all cleaners and chemicals out of the children's reach and has designated a specific location for the cleaners and chemicals out of the children's reach.. 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: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
15. Medium-High riskStandard 7.117/18/2025

    7.11(03) — Health

    The program did not have a complete IHCP for a child with a chronic medical condition. Corrective action: The Director/ Co-owner has since communicated with the child's parent and the IHCP has been completed.. 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: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
16. Medium riskStandard 7.077/18/2025

    7.07(16)(c)(06) — Physical Space (Indoor & Outdoor)

    The gate to the kitchen area where there is a toaster oven, air fryer, coffee maker and microwave was not secured allowing childen easy access to the areas. Corrective action: The Director/ Co-owner has since retrained all staff on the importance of maintaining the gate closed during the hours of operation. Furthermore, a reminder note has been placed on the gate to maintain close during operational hours.. Regulation: There must be a barrier between children’s activity space and the kitchen. Cited during: Provisional License 90-day Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 9/18/2025
17. High risk6/25/2025

    Complaint investigation

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

    Not corrected
18. Medium-High riskStandard 7.113/19/2025

    7.11(03) — Health

    Review of Children’s files revealed the program had at least 4 IHCP for children, with medical conditions, that were not completed. The IHCPs were missing information including the description of the medical condition, the symptoms, the names of staff trained to administer treatment, and the name and telephone number of the physicians. Corrective action: The Director has copied and resent the IHCPS to the families requiring additional information and is awaiting the forms from parents allowing 1 weeks' time.. 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
19. High riskStandard 7.043/19/2025

    7.04(17)(k) — Administration

    EEC Licensor requested documentation of Staff meetings on two occasions but the information was not provided. EEC Licensor was unable to assess compliance with regulations related to staff meetings. Corrective action: The Director has since conducted and documented the staff meeting. The Director has placed the meeting document secured in a binder.. Regulation: Staff Meetings. In programs with four or more staff the licensee must develop and follow a written plan and must document regular staff meetings of at least two hours per month to consult with educators on program issues; program planning; policies and procedures; parent communication; implementation of the regulations; children’s behaviors and meeting the individual needs of children. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
20. High riskStandard 7.113/19/2025

    7.11(10)(o), 7.11(10)(n), 7.11(10)(j), 7.11(10)(i), 7.11(10)(h) — Health

    On the day of the visit Educators failed to clean and sanitizing tables surfaces prior to serving children snack. Corrective action: The Director has since retrained staff of the severity of sanitizing and disinfecting table surfaces prior to serving children sack. The Director has also placed a cleaning checklist by the snack area to maintain sanitation. The Director will then make spot checks to further ensure the cleanliness of the snack area.. Regulation: All disinfectant solutions must be stored in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and in a secure place out of the reach of children., The disinfectant solution used to disinfect child care items, equipment and surfaces must be either a bleach solution prepared by the licensee in accordance with EEC guidelines or a commercially prepared disinfectant that has been registered as a sanitizing solution by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Registration by the EPA will be indicated on the product label. Commercially prepared solutions must be used in accordance with manufacturer’s directions., 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., Where applicable, the following items, equipment and surfaces must be washed and disinfected after each use:, All eating surfaces must be washed and disinfected before and after each use. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
21. High riskStandard 7.043/19/2025

    7.04(05)(a), 7.04(05)(b), 7.04(05)(c), 7.09(09) — Administration

    A review of staff records revealed that some filed did not include evidence of Reference checks, Documentation of interviews, evidence of PQR registration, and evidence of two doses of MMR vaccine. Corrective action: The Director has since received references and conducted reference checks and documented on reference checks and conducted interviews and documented on the interviews. Evidence of PQR has been added to the staff files as required. The staff with the missing MMR has been allowed 2 weeks to have their second proof of vaccination record sent in from their Dr.'s office.. Regulation: documentation that the employee has the qualifications required under 606 CMR 7.09, including, but not limited to, health records, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(11);, copies of licenses, certifications and registrations held, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle operator’s license (if the staff member transports children) and EEC educator qualification;, documentation of orientation, training and professional development, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(15)(d-f), 7.09(16)(c) and 7.09(17)(a), and 7.11(1), 7.09 (18)(d), and 7.09(19)(b),as applicable;, All educators must attend an orientation to early education and care approved by the Department. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
22. Medium-High riskStandard 7.123/19/2025

    7.12(07)(f), 7.12(07)(g) — Health

    The program did not have a weekly snack menus in place and there were not previous menus prepared. Corrective action: The Director has since placed the monthly menu in the snack area.. Regulation: the licensee must prepare and make available to parents on request written menus, including snacks, for each week;, the licensee must keep previous menus on file for one year. Cited during: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
23. Medium-High riskStandard 7.113/19/2025

    7.11(05)(d)(04) — Health

    The program did not have medication for a child listed on the allergy/medical Infomation posting as having a chronic medical conditon. Corrective action: The Director has since spoken with the parents regarding the medication and the parents are working to receive said medication that the child uses when he has a cold.. 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
24. High riskStandard 7.113/19/2025

    7.11(02)(j), 7.11(02)(l) — Health

    The program did not have parental consent for the administration of medications, required by an IHCP,for at least 3 children. Corrective action: The Director has since readministered the parental consents required by an IHCP to the parents of the three children. And is currently awaiting their return giving the parents 1 week of time as of 03/31/2025.. 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025
25. Medium-High riskStandard 7.113/19/2025

    7.11(07)(h) — Emergency Preparedness

    The program has been open since October 2024. The program has only completed one evacuation drill, which was conducted and documented on 2/18/25. EEC regulations require that evacuation drills to be conducted every months with all groups of children. Corrective action: The Director will have record of two Fire Drill Evacuations per month to ensure all groups of children are included in the Fire Drill Safety.. Regulation: 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: Provisional License Renewal Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Corrected 3/31/2025