Birch Tree Academy - Bothell

Complaints the state found valid

• Received Apr 30, 2026Valid complaint, 1 rule citedresolved Jul 25, 2026

  • “Allegation that staff failed to review and follow allergy information before serving food to a child with a known food allergy.”

    The state’s description of the complaint

  • Food allergies and special dietary needsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “Licensor conducted staff interviews, reviewed documentation, and reviewed video footage regarding the incident involving a child with a known seafood allergy. Information obtained during complaint inspection confirmed the center was aware of the child's seafood allergy prior to the incident. The child was was served fish during lunch service. One staff member reported asking another staff member whether any children had allergies and was told there were none. Another staff reported focusing on vegetarian meal substiutions. Video footage reviewed showed staff referencing information posted on a classroom cabinet prior to serving lunch. Licensor reviewed the child's records and confirmed the center did not have an Individual Care PLan on file for the child at the time of the incident. The center obtained an ICP after the incident occured. The center failed to obtain and maintain an ICP for a child with a know food allergy. Allegation is Valid.”

      WAC 110-300-0186(1)

• Received Oct 17, 2025Valid complaintresolved Nov 13, 2025

  The state’s report (PDF)
• Received Apr 10, 2023Valid complaintresolved Nov 14, 2023

  The state’s report (PDF)

Licensing inspections

• Oct 6, 20265 citations

  • Safety requirementsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “In toddler rooms, window blind chains were observed to no longer be tensioned to the wall. The program reports that a repair company is scheduled to fix this item on Monday.”

      WAC 110-300-0165(2)(b)

  • MedicationSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “In a preschool room, sunscreen was observed to be accessible to children on a low rolling cart.”

      WAC 110-300-0215(3)(c)

  • Training requirementsShort Term. Fix within 10 business days. Rechecked within 15.

    • “It was observed that AV, MV, and KV had expired safe sleep training.”

      WAC 110-300-0106(8)

  • Safety requirementsShort Term. Fix within 10 business days. Rechecked within 15.

    • “In a preschool room, a large shelving unit was observed to no longer be secured to the wall.”

      WAC 110-300-0165(3)(f)

  • Diaper changing areas, privacy, and disposalShort Term. Fix within 10 business days. Rechecked within 15.

    • “In two toddler rooms, the diapering pad was no longer moisture resistant.”

      WAC 110-300-0221(1)(a)

• Dec 3, 20257 citations

  • Training requirementsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that VV and AM did not have current food handler's cards.”

      WAC 110-300-0106(12)

  • Safety requirementsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed in two rooms that the window blind cords were broken off from their tensioners.”

      WAC 110-300-0165(2)(b)

  • Emergency preparation and exitingSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “In a PreK room, chairs were stacked to block the emergency exit.”

      WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c)

  • Food allergies and special dietary needsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that allergy plans did not always list approved substitute foods.”

      WAC 110-300-0186(1)

  • MedicationSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that the medication authorization for diaper creams and other non-medical items were not specific and were not always re-authorized annually.”

      WAC 110-300-0215(3)

  • Storage of hazardous and maintenance suppliesSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “In a PreK bathroom, a plunger was observed.”

      WAC 110-300-0260(5)

  • Immunizations and exempt childrenLong Term. The state’s lowest risk level. Fix within 20 business days, no recheck.

    • “It was observed that one child's immunization was dated more than 12 months ago.”

      WAC 110-300-0210(1)(2)

• Jan 22, 20253 citations

  • Safety requirementsSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that many classrooms had blind cords that were broken off from the tensioner, or were loose from the blind and hanging down.”

      WAC 110-300-0165(2)(b)

  • MedicationSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that an EpiPen was not stored with the prescription label. It was observed that diaper creams were accessible to children on a low shelf. This was moved during the visit”

      WAC 110-300-0215(3)(a)(i), WAC 110-300-0215(3)(c)

  • Storage of hazardous and maintenance suppliesSerious. Fix within 5 business days. The licensor rechecks within 10.

    • “It was observed that a vacuum was accessible to children in a bathroom.”

      WAC 110-300-0260(5)

• Nov 30, 20231 citation

  • Safety requirementsShort Term. Fix within 10 business days. Rechecked within 15.

    • “small shelf located on top of cabinet, in the Narwhal classroom, that is not securely anchored to prevent a fall risk.”

      WAC 110-300-0165(3)(f)

• Jun 6, 2023Nothing cited