Zen Kids Care Everett

Training requirements

WAC 110-300-0106(12) · Serious

Staff person who was actively cooking did not have a current food worker permit.

Menus, milk, and food

WAC 110-300-0185(1) · Long Term

During on-site visit it was observed that there was insufficient food amounts being served to children. Dispute Description: This letter is submitted as a formal written rebuttal and request for review of the complaint finding alleging that our center did not serve sufficient food to children. We respectfully dispute this finding because it does not accurately reflect the center’s current practices, the immediate corrective action taken after the prior citation dated 11/18/2025, or the objective evidence available regarding food purchasing and meal service procedures. Immediately following the 11/18/2025 citation, the center implemented corrective action by increasing meal and snack portions, ensuring additional food remains available in the kitchen during meal service, and instructing classroom staff to request extra food whenever additional servings are needed. These measures were implemented promptly and have remained in place. In practice, there is routinely extra food available during and after meal service. Children are served first, and if more food is needed, staff are expected to request it from the kitchen. After children have completed their meals, leftover food may be offered to staff. In some cases, especially at the end of the week, staff may take remaining leftovers home rather than having food discarded. If food is not consumed or taken by the end of the day, it is discarded by closing staff. The consistent presence of leftover food strongly contradicts the allegation that food quantities are insufficient. In addition, the center’s financial records provide objective support that the issue identified in November 2025 was addressed immediately and meaningfully. Food expenditures increased as follows: November 2025: $2,402.12 December 2025: $3,732.96 January 2026: $4,043.51 February 2026: $3,560.72 (month not finalized) This significant increase in food spending after the 11/18/2025 citation reflects a substantial and sustained increase in food purchasing. While February spending is slightly lower than January, the center lost 11 children during January and February, and food purchasing is adjusted based on actual enrollment and attendance. Even so, February spending remains materially above the November 2025 level. To our knowledge, there has been no documented instance in which a child was denied additional food after expressing hunger. Our expectation to staff is clear: if a child or classroom needs more food, additional food is to be requested from the kitchen and provided. For these reasons, we respectfully request that licensing reconsider this finding in light of: 1. Immediate corrective action taken after the 11/18/2025 citation; 2. Ongoing procedures to ensure additional food is available and accessible; 3. The regular presence of leftover food after children’s meals; and 4. Objective financial documentation showing increased food expenditures after the prior citation. We remain committed to compliance and to ensuring that all children receive adequate and nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with licensing requirements. Thank you very much for your consideration, Polina Stoyanova Zrn Kids Care Owner This letter is submitted as a formal written rebuttal and request for review of the complaint finding alleging that our center did not serve sufficient food to children. We respectfully dispute this finding because it does not accurately reflect the center’s current practices, the immediate corrective action taken after the prior citation dated 11/18/2025, or the objective evidence available regarding food purchasing and meal service procedures. Immediately following the 11/18/2025 citation, the center implemented corrective action by increasing meal and snack portions, ensuring additional food remains available in the kitchen during meal service, and instructing classroom staff to request extra food whenever additional servings are needed. These measures were implemented promptly and have remained in place. In practice, there is routinely extra food available during and after meal service. Children are served first, and if more food is needed, staff are expected to request it from the kitchen. After children have completed their meals, leftover food may be offered to staff. In some cases, especially at the end of the week, staff may take remaining leftovers home rather than having food discarded. If food is not consumed or taken by the end of the day, it is discarded by closing staff. The consistent presence of leftover food strongly contradicts the allegation that food quantities are insufficient. In addition, the center’s financial records provide objective support that the issue identified in November 2025 was addressed immediately and meaningfully. Food expenditures increased as follows: November 2025: $2,402.12 December 2025: $3,732.96 January 2026: $4,043.51 February 2026: $3,560.72 (month not finalized) This significant increase in food spending after the 11/18/2025 citation reflects a substantial and sustained increase in food purchasing. While February spending is slightly lower than January, the center lost 11 children during January and February, and food purchasing is adjusted based on actual enrollment and attendance. Even so, February spending remains materially above the November 2025 level. To our knowledge, there has been no documented instance in which a child was denied additional food after expressing hunger. Our expectation to staff is clear: if a child or classroom needs more food, additional food is to be requested from the kitchen and provided. For these reasons, we respectfully request that licensing reconsider this finding in light of: 1. Immediate corrective action taken after the 11/18/2025 citation; 2. Ongoing procedures to ensure additional food is available and accessible; 3. The regular presence of leftover food after children’s meals; and 4. Objective financial documentation showing increased food expenditures after the prior citation. We remain committed to compliance and to ensuring that all children receive adequate and nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with licensing requirements. Thank you very much for your consideration, Polina Stoyanova Zrn Kids Care Owner

Food allergies and special dietary needs

WAC 110-300-0186(2) · Serious

medication missing for a minor reaction to a food allergy.

Medication

WAC 110-300-0215(3) · Serious

required authorization not on-site for allergy medication.

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record, but the state’s published report includes no citation detail.

The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record, but the state’s published report includes no citation detail.