TRINITY MERRILL LUTHERAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Prohibited Actions - Verbal (251.07(2)(e)2.)

Per staff interview, staff threatened to withhold show and tell from children in the Sonshine Classroom for misbehaving. Rule 251.07(2)(e)2. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Report - Prohibited Actions (251.04(3)(jm))

A self-reported incident occurred on 03/31/26 when a child was slapped on both hands by Staff A just before 8:00am. The incident was not reported to the department with 24 hours of the occurrence. A self-reported incident occurred in late February to early March when Staff A was observed grabbing a child's arm and dragging them to the table to sit down. The incident was not reported to the department with 24 hours of the occurrence. Rule 251.04(3)(jm) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Parent Notification - Inappropriate Child Guidance (251.04(4)(a)2.e.)

On 03/31/26 a child was slapped on both hands by Staff A in the Sonshine Room just before 8:00am. Parents did not receive immediate notification and were not notified until the afternoon of 04/01/26. In late February to early March a child was grabbed by the arm and drug to the table to sit down by Staff A in the Sonshine Room. Parents were not notified. Rule 251.04(4)(a)2.e. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Prohibited Actions - Corporal Punishment (251.07(2)(e)1.)

A self-reported incident occurred on 03/31/26, when Staff A in the Sonshine Room was observed slapping a child on their hands. A self-reported incident occurred in late February to early March when Staff A in the Sonshine Room was observed grabbing a child's arm and dragging them to sit down at the table. Rule 251.07(2)(e)1. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Properly Clothed Children (251.07(6)(g)4.)

On 04/01/26 a child was not dressed appropriately to ensure body warmth and comfort while playing outside in capris. Rule 251.07(6)(g)4. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Prohibited Actions - Verbal (251.07(2)(e)2.)

Per staff interview, Staff A in the Sonshine Classroom threatened to take away children's blankets or stuffed animals for not laying down nice. Review of the audio recording confirmed that Staff A threatened to not allow children to play in certain areas if they do not clean up. Staff A used a demeaning tone when saying things like, "Put glue on it. Put it on the paper - Put it on. Put it on. Oh my goodness put it on. Seriously kid wake up," or "Put away the food. Put away the food. It's really a simple task." Rule 251.07(2)(e)2. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Special Diets - Medical Condition (251.07(5)(a)9.)

One medication in the Caterpillar Classroom was labeled as a dietary supplement and written instruction from a doctor was not on file. Rule 251.07(5)(a)9. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

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

Per staff interview, children in the Sonshine Classroom are not allowed to get off their sleeping bags after 30 minutes of rest. Rule 251.07(4)(b) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

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

The exit door in the cafeteria was locked and required more than a one-hand and one-motion to open it. Rule 251.06(4)(d) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Mixed-Age Group - Staff-To-Child Ratio (251.055(2)(c))

Per staff interview, the Tiny Tigers Classroom was out of ratio one morning the week of March 2nd. Rule 251.055(2)(c) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Parent Notification - Injury, Consumption Of Allergen, Incorrect Medication (251.04(4)(a)2.c.)

Per interview, staff in the Tiny Tiger Classrooms do not immediately notify parents of all head injuries. Rule 251.04(4)(a)2.c. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

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

Per staff interview, children are made to lay down for up to one hour during naptime before being allowed to get off their sleeping bags in the Sonshine Classroom. Rule 251.07(4)(b) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Storage Areas Under Stairs (251.06(4)(h))

The closet under the stairs in the Big Bears Classroom was used for storage. The closet contained a disarray of cots, bedding, clothing, toys, and furniture. Rule 251.06(4)(h) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Infant & Toddler - Diaper Changing Surface Disinfection (251.09(4)(a)3.)

The downstairs diaper changing surface was visibly dirty and dirt and debris was under the mat. Rule 251.09(4)(a)3. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Washing Child's Hands & Face (251.07(6)(i)1.)

Per staff interview and observation, children under the age of 1 year old are having their hands washed with wipes that do not contain soap. Rule 251.07(6)(i)1. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

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

In the Sonshine Classroom the parent authorization to administer for two medications expired on 05/01/25 and 08/10/25. One medication expired in March 2025. Rule 251.07(6)(f)6. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Prohibited Actions - Withholding / Forcing Food Or Sleep (251.07(2)(e)4.)

A self-reported incident occurred on 09/22/25, when Staff A withheld food from a child at lunch time because the child would not sit down. The child sat down and Staff A did not give the child food and started cleaning up the food from other children when the child stated, "Staff A, may I please eat?" Staff A gave the child food, continued to clean up lunch, and then took the child's plate before they could finish eating. Per staff interview, this also occurred on 09/15/25 and another staff had to serve the same child food when Staff A refused to give them food. Rule 251.07(2)(e)4. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Food Storage - Cold Storage Thermometers (251.06(9)(d)1.c.)

The refrigerator in the cafeteria did not contain a thermometer. Rule 251.06(9)(d)1.c. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Staff Record - Days & Hours Worked (251.05(2)(a)6.)

One staff did not sign out in the Sonshine and Big Bears Classrooms. The Sonshine and Big Bears Classroom had combined for the day and the attendance record did not accurately reflect the location of the staff while in staff-to-child ratio. Rule 251.05(2)(a)6. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Current, Accurate Daily Attendance Record (251.04(6)(b))

The Sonshine and Big Bears Classrooms had combined for the day and the daily attendance did not accurately reflect the location of the children assigned to the Big Bears Classroom. Rule 251.04(6)(b) (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Child Record - Physical Exam - Under 2 (251.04(6)(a)8.a.)

Child 5 did not have record of a health report on a file. Rule 251.04(6)(a)8.a. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Child Record - Immunization History (251.04(6)(a)6m.)

Child 5 did not have record of immunizations or a waiver on file. Rule 251.04(6)(a)6m. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Staff Record - Completed Background Check (251.05(2)(a)2.)

Fingerprints not completed for the following individuals: Individual 001 Rule 251.05(2)(a)2. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Policy Submitted & Implemented - Health Care (251.04(2)(h)5.)

The biting policies are not being implemented. The center stated policies were updated; however, parents were not notified and did not receive copies for review and acknowledgment. Rule 251.04(2)(h)5. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).

Time Out - Not Removed From Classroom (251.07(2)(c)5.)

A child was removed for their classroom and placed in a different classroom as a result of biting. Rule 251.07(2)(c)5. (View official inspection document). Source: Wisconsin DCF Child Care Finder (childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov).