NATURE'S COVE EARLY LEARNING CENTER INC

Access To Materials Potentially Harmful To Children (251.06(2)(d))

During a licensing visit, a bottle of sanitizer spray and a bottle of disinfectant spray were observed sitting on a low shelf in the Pine Room. Both bottles were within reach of children. In the Chestnut room, a bug spray labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was found in an unlocked drawer, next to the handwashing sink, in reach of children. Rule 251.06(2)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Medication - Storage (251.07(6)(f)3.)

Rule states "Medication shall be store so that it is not accessible to the children." Contrary to rule, five different medications were found either in children's bins on the floor outside the classrooms, or in 'pockets' of wall storage. Rule 251.07(6)(f)3. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Current Authorizations For Medications On Premises (251.07(6)(f)6.)

Five medications found on the premises, didn't have current authorization forms from parents, for use. Rule 251.07(6)(f)6. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Assistant Child Care Teacher - Supervision (251.05(3)(g)1.)

During this licensing visit, an assistant qualified teacher was supervising the Elm classroom by herself. Rule states "An assistant child care teacher shall work under the supervision of a child care (Lead) teacher with a group of children." Rule 251.05(3)(g)1. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Assistant Child Care Teacher - Qualifications (251.05(3)(g)2.)

During a staff file review, it was noted that an individual identified as an Assistant Child Care Teacher has not completed a course required to qualify her for the position. Rule states in pertinent part that an Assistant child care teacher must 'satisfactorily complete one non-credit department-approved course in early childhood education within 6 months after assuming the position.' The assistant has been employed for one year at this time. Rule 251.05(3)(g)2. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Continuing Education - Documentation Of 12 Month Period (251.05(4)(c)9.)

During a staff file review, three employees were missing documentation of continuing education for the year 2025. Rule 251.05(4)(c)9. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Access To Materials Potentially Harmful To Children (251.06(2)(d))

A can of Febreeze air freshener spray was observed sitting on the bathroom sink in the Aspen room, within reach of children. Rule states in pertinent part 'Materials harmful to children including cleaning supplies, bleaches, or other hazardous, toxic or poisonous articles shall be stored in areas inaccessible to children'. Rule 251.06(2)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Exits & Passageways - Unobstructed, Minimum Width (251.06(4)(d))

A child safety gate was observed at the bottom of the staircase leading from the Pine room down to the Elm room. Because there is a lit exit sign at the door of the Pine room, leading down to a lit exit sign at the exit doorway of the Elm room, this is considered an exit passageway and may not be obstructed by a child safety gate or any other object(s). Rule 251.06(4)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Current Authorizations For Medications On Premises (251.07(6)(f)6.)

Seven different medications belonging to six different children were found on the premises. None of the medications had parent medical authorizations on file, and none were being utilized for current medical conditions. Rule states "No medication intended for use by a child in care of the center may be kept at the center without a current medication administration authorization from the parent." Rule 251.07(6)(f)6. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Exits & Passageways - Unobstructed, Minimum Width (251.06(4)(d))

Rule states "Exits and exit passageways shall have a minimum clear width of 3 feet and be unobstructed by furniture or other objects". However, during a monitoring visit, locks were observed at the top of the inner doors of the the Cedar, Chestnut, Oak, Aspen and Pine classrooms. Locking the classroom doors creates an obstruction, especially if needing to exit during an emergency. The exit door from the 2nd floor of the Pine room was partially blocked by toys, as was the staircase leading down to the first floor. Rule 251.06(4)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Naps Or Rest Periods - Awake Children (251.07(4)(b))

Rule states "Child care workers shall permit a child who does not sleep after 30 minutes and a child who awakens to get up and to have quiet time through the use of equipment or activities which will not disturb other children". Contrary to rule, in the Aspen Room, a posted schedule read that children were to remain on their beds for up to 2 hours past the start of rest time, which was scheduled at 12:00 pm. Rule 251.07(4)(b) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Mealtime - Staff With Children (251.07(5)(b)1.)

Rule states "Staff shall sit at the table with the children during mealtime". On 10/9/2025, staff were supervising children at the tables but were not sitting with them. Rule 251.07(5)(b)1. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Access To Materials Potentially Harmful To Children (251.06(2)(d))

During a monitoring visit, a container of bleach, bottle of glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and spray air freshener, were found in a cabinet under the bathroom sink, in the Elm classroom. The cabinet was unlocked, allowing the chemicals to be accessible to children. Rule 251.06(2)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Exits & Passageways - Unobstructed, Minimum Width (251.06(4)(d))

The door to the Cedar room has a lock located at the top of the door. Because of it's location, access into or out of the room could be difficult in an emergency, if a responder was unable to reach the lock. This is considered an obstruction of an exit passageway. The staircase leading to the Pine room was also obstructed by two pairs of snow paints, two winter coats, and two pairs of shoes, which had been left on the bottom 2 - 3 steps. This staircase is an exit passageway. Rule 251.06(4)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Cleanliness Of Furnishings, Toys, Equipment (251.07(3)(i))

In the Cedar room, a few dolls were observed to be stained/dirty along with a Minnie Mouse Couch, and an (approx. 2' x 3') fabric pillow bin which was very dirty and stained all along the top edges, and going down approximately 3 inches. Rule 251.07(3)(i) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).