Assignment task: Respond as If replying to what she wrote:
I. When, and under what terms, will inspections take place?
A. Inspections are conducted during operating hours, and up to 1 hour before or after operating hours. Inspections are always unannounced unless it is a pre-licensing inspection which is scheduled. Looking for Online Tutoring?
B. What will an inspection include?
Inspections include:
- Facility tour, inside and outside.
- Any areas that are accessible to children, and checking that all safety measures are taken to ensure that children do not have access to unsafe areas or items in storage. This is done by checking locks/latches/gates/ to ensure that they are structurally sound and inaccessible.
- Other areas checked are outdoor structures and playground toys and equipment to make sure they are safe and functioning properly.
- Checking files and records of facility functions and staff records that must be kept current.
- The LPA will check the child ratios to ensure that the number does not exceed the licensable number allow for a facility, and that the teacher/student ratios are appropriate.
C. What are my rights and responsibilities when a Licensed Program Analyst inspects my facility?
- The administrator has the right to know the reason for the inspection and to inspect the LPA's authorization ID to ensure that they are who they say they are.
- The administrators have the right to ask relevant questions of the LPA about the inspection process.
- If violations are cited, the administrators have the right to know what the violations are and what actions can be taken to correct the violations.
- Facilities also have the right to appeal violation citations that were made in error with appropriate evidence of the error.
D. What are the LPA's rights and responsibilities during an inspection?
- LPA's have the right to enter a facility without prior notice if they have their state authorizing ID with them.
- LPA's have the right to inspect all areas of the facility.
- LPA's have the right to interview staff and children in your employment and care.
E. How do I benefit from having my childcare operation inspected?
- The biggest benefit is to have your license to operate current and renewable.
- Proof of compliance with state laws and regulations.
- Assistance in identifying and remedying any potential violations.
F. Has your program ever been inspected? If yes, was your program given a citation? If yes what was the citation given for and how could your program avoid similar violations in the future?
- Yes, the program I worked for has been inspected several times in the past year. This is due to reports of abuse at the center and the center was given citations about this and other violations observed at the center.
- The program could have avoided the specific citation because there are cameras in the classrooms, and regular monitoring of the video feed would enable administrators to terminate the offending persons immediately before licensing was contacted.
- The other structural violations could have been identified and fixed by regular inspection of the facility