Avondale Presbyterian Children's Center

The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. While monitoring the program’s Outdoor Learning Environments it was observed on both playgrounds that overgrown foliage was present including bushes with prickly leaves protruding through the fence. It was also observed on the Preschool Playground that multiple metal, closure pins with rounded tops used to secure the borders surrounding the climbing structure in place were beginning to raise and protrude from these fixtures.

Violation pending provider response

Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that one (1) child with an enrollment date of September 2023 did not have a current permission to transport off-premises form on file.

Violation pending provider response

Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. Emergency medication was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that one child requiring an inhaler had the required medication present but the medication was not stored in its original container, nor had the original container present onsite.

Violation pending provider response

Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space #6, the Toddler Classroom, medication was monitored including both diaper cream and sunscreen. It was observed that there seven (7) medications present that had incomplete permission to administer forms on file.

Violation pending provider response

Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that one (1) child with an enrollment date of September 2025 had an application on file that did not include the name of at least one individual to whom the center may release the child in the event of an emergency as authorized by the person that completes the application.

Violation pending provider response

Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that one (1) child with an enrollment date of September 2023 did not have an acknowledgement of their emergency medical information being reviewed annually or as changes occur.

Violation pending provider response

Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that one (1) child with an enrollment date of September 2024 did not have a complete medical assessment on file including information completed by a licensed medical professional.

Violation pending provider response

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The closet in Space 7 was unlocked and batteries were stored inside accessible to children.

Violation corrected during visit

Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. One (1) child's albuterol did not have the prescription attached.

Violation corrected during visit

Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) employee who returned to work in February 2026 and had been separated from employment since 2024 did not have a current medical report on file for review.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2026

On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One (1) employee who returned to work in February 2026 and had been separated from employment since 2024 did not have a current TB test result on file for review.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2026

Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One (1) employee, M.S., had an expired qualification letter on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2026

The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One (1) employee hired 12/16/25 and one employee hired 12/11/25 did not complete maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2026

A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. On 3/25/26 camera footage showed a teacher on the preschool playground stand and approach a child as the child walked away. The teacher pulled the child’s arm at the wrist and pulled her to a small picnic table where the teacher was observed holding the child’s upper arms as she sat in front of the child. The child appeared to try to walk away and was pulled back by the teacher. The teacher lifted the child by her arms and carried her by her waist. The child was horizontal to the ground and was heard crying as the teacher removed her from the play area and sat her on the steps leading to the building.

Violation corrected during visit

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The closet was unlocked in Space 7. There were hazardous products stored on the floor and on a shelf to include aerosol sprays and Absorba crystals. A teacher's purse was stored on the floor outside of the closet.

Violation corrected during visit

All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One (1) teacher hired 12/6/24 did not have First Aid training.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2025

Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not conducted in December 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/25/2025

All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One (1) employee hired 12/6/24 did not complete First Aid training.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/25/2025

All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One (1) employee hired 12/6/24 did not complete CPR training.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/25/2025

The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. The medical action plan (MAP) for a child in Space 2 expired 2023. A child's MAP in Space 3 expired 2023. Two (2) MAP's in Space 7 expired March 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/25/2025

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two (2) children in Space 5 had blankets covering their heads during rest time.

Violation corrected during visit

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A closet that stored cleaning supplies was observed open in a hallway providing access to children.

Violation corrected during visit

Child was handled roughly. A teacher redirected a child's behavior by lifting the child by one (1) arm resulting in nursemaid elbow.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/8/2025

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A child was observed leaving Space 2 and entering the bathroom across the hall unsupervised and unaccompanied by a teacher.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/8/2024

Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The vinyl window sills were observed pulling away from the casing exposing sharp edges accessible to children as well as sharp metal downspouts without plastic extenders were accessible to children.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/8/2024

Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Electrical outlets in Spaces 3 and 5 were observed without safety plugs.

Violation corrected during visit

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A closet in Space 5 was observed unlocked and Glade aerosol was observed stored inside the closet. Petroleum Aquafor and Vaseline tubs were observed stored unlocked and above 5 feet. Additional warnings were observed on each label.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/8/2024

Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The medication authorization for a child in Space 7 indicated 12.5 mg of Benadryl and the medical action plan indicated 7.5 ml of Benadryl. The authorization and the MAP did not provide the same information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/15/2024

Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) employees medical report had an altered date listed for date of service and one (1) new employee did not have a medical report on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/15/2024

On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. The date of service was altered on the form presented by one (1) employee.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/15/2024

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.Two (2) employees did not complete the required number of hours of orientation within the first two weeks of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/15/2024

Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A teacher's cup of iced Dunkin Donuts coffee was observed in Space 2.

Violation corrected during visit

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place drill was not conducted every three (3) months. The last drill was conducted May 8, 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/8/2024

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Staff did not supervise a one year old child when the child was able to exit a playground and walk into a busy road.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/3/2024

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Staff did not ensure a safe environment when a gate was shut but the latch was not secured which allowed a one year old child to exit the playground gate and walk into a busy road unaccompanied.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/3/2024

There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 3/11/2025

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of organic potting soil with "keep out of reach of children" listed on the packaging was observed on the ground on the preschool playground. The handrail for stairs used by children was observed rusty and with peeling paint.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/31/2023

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A bottle of Benadryl was observed stored in a ziploc bag hanging above five feet in Space 5.

Violation corrected during visit

Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. Auvi-Q was not in the original container and the prescription was not attached in Space 5.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/31/2023

All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A teacher hired 6/19/23 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of hire.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/31/2023

All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. An employee hired 6/19/23 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/31/2023

Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Five (5) children's signed discipline policy did not have the date enrollment listed on the form.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/31/2023