Smart Kids Early Learning Center 2

1240-04-01-.16 Physical Facilities

Based on the recent fire inspection, there is "concrete cracking (on the awning) that may cause it to fall and create injuries at the front door." — Visit: Complaint Investigation,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The owner has contacted the property manager, and several vendors are scheduled to assess the damage beginning July 3. Once the assessments are complete and the scope of work has been determined, repairs to the awning will be scheduled and completed as promptly as possible. To prevent this from occurring in the future, the owner will conduct biweekly facility walkthroughs to ensure the center remains safe, well-maintained, and compliant with operational standards. These inspections will allow her to proactively identify, address, and resolve maintenance, safety, or operational concerns before they become larger issues.

1240-04-01-.05 Ownership, Organization, and Administration

The Put On Notice Letter from the critical violation given on June 15, 2026, was not posted. Technical assistance was provided for this same rule on Oct. 20, 2025. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The office manager was immediately notified. The office manager printed and brought the notice to be signed and posted. The agency will ensure that all notices received from TDHS are reviewed by the office manager upon receipt and posted immediately when required. The director will notify the office manager when a notice is received, and the office manager will monitor the Provider Portal regularly for new notices and announcements.

1240-04-01-.11 Supervision

LC observed 1 educator and 9 children, ages 27 months to 4 years old, present in the preschool room. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): One of the children was moved to another classroom for the day to address the child-to-adult ratio concern. The director is currently working to address staffing issues to ensure this is not an ongoing problem. To prevent this violation from happening again, staff will continue to follow active supervision and attendance procedures, including completing child counts every 10–15 minutes and comparing counts to face-to-name attendance records. The Director will review classroom enrollment, ages, and ratios to determine if any children should be permanently assigned to a different classroom to maintain compliance while staffing concerns are being addressed. Children will not be routinely moved between classrooms solely to address ratio concerns. Any classroom changes will be made following proper procedures and documentation requirements. Additional coaching and retraining will be provided as needed.

1240-04-01-.06 Staff

The director/owner was unaware of an educator's write-up of corporal punishment of two children from back in November/December 2025. Additionally, management did not ensure proper training for a new staff member whose CPR and First Aid training was due 90 days after being hired in August of 2025. — Visit: Safety Plan Served,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The Director immediately met with management and staff to review reporting requirements and agency policies. Staff were instructed to immediately report all incidents, concerns, and policy violations. Effective immediately, the Director will review and sign off on all employee write-ups, disciplinary actions, and incident reports to ensure proper oversight and documentation. To prevent this from happening in the future, the agency will require the Director's review and approval of all write-ups and incident reports, provide ongoing staff training on reporting requirements and prohibited discipline practices, and conduct regular audits of personnel and compliance documentation to ensure all incidents are properly reported and addressed.

1240-04-01-.15 Program Language and Literacy Development

An educator used corporal punishment in November 2025 and also in December 2025 and received displinary action yet proper notification to parents, DHS, and DCS did not occur as required. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The office manager stated that a professional corrective action plan will be followed and administered to the educator by May 26, 2026. Their prevention plan is an in-house retraining on May 26, 2026 to ensure that inappropriate discipline practices, including corporal punishment, do not recur. The following prevention measures will be implemented immediately: 1)All staff members will participate in mandatory professional development training regarding: Positive behavior intervention strategies Conscious discipline techniques Age-appropriate classroom management Conflict resolution and de-escalation Tennessee DHS discipline and supervision regulations Training documentation and certificates will be maintained in personnel files. 2. Review of Center Discipline Policies 3. Increased Classroom Monitoring Administration will conduct: Random classroom observations Ongoing supervision and coaching Monthly classroom management check-ins Documentation of compliance and improvement efforts 4. Coaching and Administrative Support 5. Strengthened Communication Procedures 6. Focus on Child Safety & Emotional Well-Being 6. Focus on Child Safety & Emotional Well-Being

1240-04-01-.10 Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect

In Dec. 2025, one educator was written up for corporal punishment (ear pulling) on two different children. No educators or members of management notified DCS and DHS. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): Staff will review and sign updated discipline and mandated reporting policies on May 26, 2026, which include training on Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition, Appropriate Positive Discipline Techniques, Prohibited Discipline Practices, Tennessee DHS Licensing Regulations, Incident Reporting Procedures, Classroom De-escalation Strategies, Professional Conduct & Child Protection. The office manager also stated the following: The Administration will: Review all reporting procedures and timelines. Establish mandatory incident-reporting protocols. Conduct monthly compliance audits. Ensure all staff understand reporting responsibilities. Maintain documentation of all disciplinary and reportable incidents. Provide leadership accountability training for supervisors and administrators. Monitoring & Follow-Up Plan The center will: Conduct unannounced classroom observations. Monitor discipline practices across all classrooms. Perform quarterly staff retraining refreshers. Review all incident reports during administrative meetings. Increase supervisory walkthroughs and staff support. Center Prevention Plan: To prevent future occurrences, the center will: Reinforce a zero-tolerance policy for corporal punishment. Require annual mandated reporter certification for all staff. Post reporting procedures in administrative offices. Review child guidance policies during onboarding and annually thereafter. Strengthen communication between educators and administration regarding incidents and concerns. Conduct annual policy acknowledgment sign-offs.

1240-04-01-.11 Supervision

LC Salko and LC Rud observed an infant asleep in a bouncer with a blanket. Once placed in the crib, blankets were hung around the edge of the crib. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The office manager stated that the educators will receive immediate corrective action and will receive training on May 26, 2026. Administration will conduct unannounced observations during nap and sleep times, monitor crib setup and infant sleep environments daily, and provide coaching and documented feedback. The office manager stated their Center Prevention Plan is: To prevent future occurrences, the center will: Conduct center-wide Safe Sleep refresher training. Review Tennessee licensing safe sleep requirements during staff meetings. Post Safe Sleep reminders in all infant classrooms. Complete daily crib safety inspections. Increase administrative walkthroughs during nap times. Require all infant staff to sign the acknowledgment of Safe Sleep policies annually.

1240-04-01-.11 Supervision

Two infants, ages 12 months and 7 months, were in high chairs with bottles unattended and unstrapped to the high chair. The educator walked away from the infants multiple times as well. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The educator immediately removed infants from high chairs. To prevent this from happening in the future, the agency will use the following Center Prevention Plan: Review infant supervision procedures during staff meetings. Conduct refresher training for all infant/toddler educators. Post classroom reminders regarding: Active supervision Highchair safety Feeding procedures Increase administrative walkthroughs during feeding times. Reinforce emergency response and choking prevention procedures.

1240-04-01-.09 Incident Reporting

An educator was written up for pulling two different children's ears, and no incident report was filed or given to the parent. Also, DHS was not notified of the serious incident, nor was DCS. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The office manager wrote up the following plan - Immediate Corrective Actions (Training will be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, 2026). Effective immediately, the following actions will occur: Corporal punishment and any form of physical discipline are strictly prohibited. All staff must immediately report suspected abuse, inappropriate discipline, or serious incidents to administration. Incident reports must be completed the same day and provided to parents/guardians. Administration must immediately notify DHS and DCS when required by licensing and mandated reporter laws. Staff and management must review and sign updated policies regarding: Positive discipline, Incident reporting. Parent notification. Mandated reporting responsibilities. Any future violations involving physical discipline or failure to report may result in immediate termination. Required Staff & Management Training All staff and management are required to complete training within a to be determined number of days: Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition, Positive Guidance & Redirection Techniques, Prohibited Discipline Practices, Incident Documentation Procedures, Parent Communication Requirements, Tennessee DHS Licensing Regulations DCS Reporting Expectations, Professional Conduct & Child Protection Certificates of completion must be submitted and maintained in personnel files. Management Corrective Measures Administration will: Review all incident-reporting procedures and timelines. Implement mandatory same-day parent notification procedures. Establish a written serious incident reporting protocol. Conduct monthly compliance audits of incident documentation. Require supervisory review of all behavioral incidents. Provide leadership accountability training for administrators and supervisors. Monitoring & Follow-Up Plan The center will: Conduct unannounced classroom observations. Monitor staff interactions and discipline practices. Review incident reports weekly for compliance. Conduct quarterly refresher trainings. Increase administrative walkthroughs and classroom support. Maintain documentation of all corrective actions and follow-up coaching. Failure to comply with center policies and licensing regulations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, termination, and notification to licensing authorities. Center Prevention Plan To prevent future occurrences, the center will: Reinforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding corporal punishment. Require annual mandated reporter certification for all employees. Review discipline and reporting procedures during onboarding and annually thereafter. Post reporting procedures in administrative offices. Strengthen communication expectations between staff and administration. Conduct ongoing training regarding child safety, documentation, and compliance expectations.

1240-04-01-.12 Health and Safety

One educator who has been hired since August 2025 still does not have first aid/CPR training. — Visit: Safety Plan Monitoring,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The employee was removed from active work schedule until proof of certification is submitted. The CPR/first aid training is due by June 19, 2026. To prevent this from happening in the future, the agency will implement the following Center Prevention Plan: Develop a training compliance tracking system. Review required certifications during onboarding. Conduct quarterly licensing compliance reviews. Provide staff with advance notice of expiring certifications. Maintain a centralized certification tracking log.

1240-04-01-.06 Staff

Some educators were missing annual and CCDBG training. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): Smart Kids Early Learning Center will implement a structured Staff Training Completion Plan immediately to ensure all employees meet annual DHS training requirements between September of the current year and October of the following year. The following actions were taken: Training Audit Conducted: All staff records were reviewed to identify incomplete training hours. Individual Training Plans (ITPs): Each staff member received a written plan outlining remaining courses, deadlines, and verification steps. Monthly Training Schedule: In-house and online sessions were scheduled monthly to ensure opportunities for completion. Approved Provider Partnerships: The center partnered with TECTA, CCR&R, and TN-KEY for DHS-approved courses. Progress Tracking: A monthly tracking sheet was created to monitor completion and file certificates. Quarterly Check-ins: Administrative and Director teams meet quarterly to review progress and assist any staff who are behind. Accountability Measures: Staff who fail to meet deadlines will receive written notice and may be removed from the classroom until compliance is achieved. Smart Kids Early Learning Center will implement the following ongoing measures to ensure all staff complete required training hours every year and prevent future lapses in compliance: Establish Annual Training Calendar: A training calendar will be created each August, listing all required topics and completion deadlines for the upcoming year. Monthly Reminders and Check-Ins: Staff will receive email and posted reminders each month about upcoming training sessions and required hours. Mandatory Orientation and Refresher Sessions: All new hires and returning staff will attend a training orientation at the start of employment and receive a mid-year refresher to review DHS requirements. Integrated Tracking System: The Administrative Assistant will maintain an electronic training log and file copies of certificates immediately upon completion. Quarterly Director Review. The Director and Assistant Director will meet quarterly to review completion rates and identify any staff needing support before falling behind. Link Training to Annual Evaluation: Completion of all training hours will be tied to annual staff performance reviews to reinforce accountability and professional growth. Immediate Corrective Follow-Up: Any future missed training deadlines will result in immediate written notification and an action plan specific to that employee within 10 business days.

1240-04-01-.10 Duty to Report Child Abuse and Neglect

Some educators were missing the annual Abuse and Neglect Training. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): When staff members failed to update their Abuse and Neglect Training, a reminder was immediately sent, requiring completion within two (2) days of the infraction. The incident was documented in each employee's personnel record within the center's database. Additionally, all employees were reminded of the mandatory training requirements necessary to maintain active employment with Smart Kids Early Learning Center and to remain in compliance with state childcare regulations. To prevent future occurrences of staff failing to update their Abuse and Neglect Training, Smart Kids Early Learning Center will implement the following preventive measures: Training Expiration Tracking System: The Administrative Assistant will maintain a digital log with each staff member's training completion and expiration dates. Automated reminders will be sent 30 days before any training is due for renewal. Monthly Compliance Checks: A monthly review of staff training files will be conducted to ensure all mandatory trainings, including Abuse and Neglect, are up to date. Posted Training Calendar: A yearly training calendar will be posted in the staff lounge and emailed to all employees, highlighting required renewal dates. Mandatory Compliance Meetings: Directors will review training completion during monthly staff meetings to ensure accountability and provide guidance when deadlines approach. Employment Policy Reinforcement: Staff will be reminded that maintaining current training is a condition of employment and failure to comply will result in written documentation and possible suspension until completion. Director Oversight: The Owner/Director and Assistant Director will verify all Abuse and Neglect Training certificates during quarterly compliance audits to ensure ongoing adherence to state requirements.

1240-04-01-.07 Criminal Background Check and State Registry/Records Review Procedures

An educator was working without a background clearance Okay to Work Letter. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): When it was discovered that an employee was present at the work site without the required background clearance, the individual was immediately sent home. To prevent future incidents of employees being present at the work site without state clearance, Smart Kids Early Learning Center will take the following preventive measures: Strict Hiring Protocol Enforcement: No employee will be allowed to begin work or enter the classroom until full background clearance and fingerprint results are received and verified by the Director or Office Manager. Pre-Employment Checklist: A clearance verification checklist will be completed and signed by the Administrative Assistant and Director before any new employee's first day of work. Verification Binder and Digital Log: A binder and electronic log will be maintained with copies of each employee's clearance confirmation email and approval date for easy access during audits. Staff Training on Compliance Procedures: During orientation, all staff will be trained on DHS background check policies and the consequences of being on-site without clearance. Weekly HR Review: The Office Manager will review all active and pending employee files weekly to ensure no staff members are scheduled before clearance approval is received.

1240-04-01-.14 Equipment for Children

Based on the most recent Environmental Inspection, cubbies in the preschool room and book shelf in toddler 2 room were not secured. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The cubbies and bookshelf were secured. Going forward, the agency implemented the following: 1. Regular Safety Inspections. Create a monthly safety checklist that includes checking anchors, screws, and brackets for looseness. Inspect for any signs of wear, damage, or instability. Document each inspection so you can show compliance if licensing visits. 2. Strategic Furniture Placement. Keep heavy furniture away from high-traffic play areas. 3. Staff Training. Train staff on safe setup procedures before rearranging rooms. Remind them to never leave unsecured furniture after a room change—anchoring must happen the same day. 5. Childproofing Measures. Use corner guards on low shelves. Keep climbing temptations low—don't display toys or books high up where children might try to scale shelves.

1240-04-01-.16 Physical Facilities

Deficiencies were found on the Environmental Inspection. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): All items on the list were corrected and approved by the health inspector. Pool as thrown away and out of sight of staff and children. Toilet was also corrected by a paid Maintenace worker as of 8/1/2025. When completing daily center and outside checks, the educators will document if items needed to be corrected and provide updates to Ms. Cassandra Denton in order to maintain a safe and clean environment inside and outside the building.

1240-04-01-.11 Supervision

Three children were not signed into the agency at all. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): As of August 9, 2025, the agency will only have parents sign children in and out on paper form, and no longer use BrightWheel. Going forward, the agency will ensure that parents are informed of the importance of signing their child in and out during orientation and on the child's first day. The sign-in/sign-out forms will be kept in the child's classroom so staff can monitor and verify that parents complete the process daily on each form.

1240-04-01-.12 Health and Safety

Based on the most recent Environmental Inspection on August 1, 2025, Toddler 2 room had no handsoap at the changing table basin. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): Hand soap was placed at the changing basin. Going forward, the agency will check weekly around the entire daycare and check for hand soap at the changing table and at all handwashing sinks, to ensure that sanitation is being followed, assign the duty to one staff member and maybe a backup staff member in case of their absence, and remind staff to make sure all soap is in the area.

1240-04-01-.08 Record Keeping

Classrooms did not have an accurate attendance list of children present. — Visit: Follow-up visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The agency will hold a staff meeting to review the importance of attendance records and the state requirement for children to be signed in and out, and stress this is the only accurate record in case of an emergency and must be completed daily, either before or after breakfast. If a child arrives late, ensure they are signed in immediately during roll call (Daily Attendance Form completed daily). The agency will also conduct onsite attendance checks, written and verbal, to ensure that both attendance checks are accurate and up to date daily.

1240-04-01-.22 Specific Requirements for Child Care Centers

Three out of four classrooms were out of ratio — Visit: Complaint Investigation,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following action(s): The agency will place an educator in the classroom to meet the state-required ratio. The agency is making Staffing Plan Adjustments- a revised staffing schedule will ensure all classrooms meet required child-to-staff ratios at all times, including during breaks and shift transitions. A float staff member will be assigned daily to provide coverage when needed. Training - All staff, including substitutes, will undergo refresher training on State-mandated child-to-staff ratio requirements to ensure proper classroom supervision and headcounts. Director Annette Long will lead mandatory quarterly training on ratio compliance. Monitoring & Accountability—Agency will implement daily ratio tracking sheets for each classroom, to be signed off by the lead teacher and reviewed by the Director twice daily. Unannounced internal classroom audits will be conducted weekly to verify compliance. Policy Update - The center's staffing and supervision policy has been updated to reflect new ratio-check procedures and emergency coverage protocols. All employees will sign an acknowledgment form to confirm understanding of ratio policies.

1240-04-01-.16 Physical Facilities

Black mold was found in the infant room. — Visit: QRIS Monitoring visit,Technical Assistance — Action taken: The agency corrected the violation with the following actions: Mold on the infant room wall was corrected as of 3/10/2024 by Handman (Mr. Terry Lee) @ 4 PM, and the owner, Cassandra Denton, checked after completion. Kendra Watson and management will check monthly, keeping all walls and bathroom walls clean from mold.