Methodist Children’s Learning Center

Critical Incidents and Required Notification

“1103.A.&C.&D.: Based on record review and interviews at 12 p.m., S5 failed to notify the legal guardian immediately of the following incident: On 9/29/2026, at 3:28 p.m., S3 inappropriately lifted C1, 3-year-old, from the floor by pulling her right wrist and then again by her left shoulder. S3 also grabbed C1 by the left wrist and drug her on her stomach across the gym floor. The legal guardian of C1 was notified at 4:49 p.m.”

Rule 1103-A-E. From a complaint.

Daily Attendance Records - Visitors

“1507.E.: Based on record review and interviews at 10:30 a.m., the daily attendance record failed to accurately reflect when a visitor was on the child care premises. The Specialist reviewed the attendance record and determined O2 failed to be signed in as present on 10/2/2026.”

Rule 1507.E. From a complaint.

Behavior Management Policy

Rule 1509.A.8.a.&b. From a complaint.

Behavior Management Policy - Time Out

“1509.A.8.c.: Based on record review at 11:15 a.m., S3 (DOH: 9/20/2026) used a prohibited method of Time Out as the length of time in time out exceeded 1 minute per year of age of the child. On 9/29/2026, S3 placed C1 (3-year-old) in time out from 15:30:18 p.m. until 15:34:47 p.m. S3 was terminated on 9/29/2026.”

Rule 1509.A.8.c. From a complaint.

Child to Staff Ratio

“1711.A.&B.&D.&E.: Based on record review and interviews at 1:30 p.m., S1 failed to meet the required child to staff ratio for children of the following ages: on 9/1/2026, 16 children (ages 2-years-old to 4-years-old) with 1 staff (S10) time unknown. The required ratio for children of this age is 12 children per 1 staff person. This was corrected at approximately 11:00 a.m. date and time unknown, 8 infants with 1 staff (S15). This was corrected when S11 and S12 returned to the classroom, time unknown.”

Rule 1711.A.&B.&D.&E. From a complaint.

End-of-Day Check

“1901.C.: Based on record review at 2:12 p.m., S2 failed to document that the entire center and play yard is checked after the last child departs to ensure that no child is left unattended at the center. The Specialist reviewed the End-of-Day check from 9/1/2026, until present, and observed the time of the visual check and the signature of the staff conducting the visual check failed to be documented on 9/8/2026, 9/21/2026, and 10/01/2026. This was unable to be corrected.”

Rule 1901.C. From a complaint.

Critical Incidents and Required Notification

“1103.A.&C.&D.: Based on record review and interviews at 12 p.m., S1 failed to notify the parents immediately of the following incident: on 8/25/2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., S3 continually yelled at C1 - C5 (1-year-olds) to get off the table. S3 then pulled C1 - C5 from the table by their arms. The parent of C5 was notified immediately and the parents of C1 - C4 were notified between 5:14 p.m. and 5:26 p.m.”

Rule 1103-A-E.

Behavior Management Policy

“1509.A.8.a.&b.: Based on interviews at 12:30 p.m., although the center has a behavior management policy in place, S1 failed to ensure the policy was implemented as C1 - C5, 1-year-olds, were subjected to prohibited methods of discipline by S3 (DOH 5/7/2025). Per staff interviews, on 8/25/2026 at 3:30 p.m., S3 yelled at C1 - C5 to get off the table and removed them from the table by pulling their arms. S3 was terminated 8/25/2026. The children are still enrolled.”

Rule 1509.A.8.a.&b.

Supervision

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Critical Incidents and Required Notification

Rule 1103-A-E.

Supervision

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Restrooms - Supervision

“1713.G.: Based on record review and interviews at 12:15 p.m., on 7/14/2026, staff permitted a child under age five to go and return from the restroom without staff. The Specialist reviewed the center’s video footage from 7/10/2026, and observed S5 allowed C12 (2-year-old) to go and return from the restroom independently without staff present.”

Rule 1713.G.

Proper Lifting of a Child

“1911.I.&J.: Based on record review at 12:30 p.m. on 7/14/2026, S16 (DOH: 11/10/2025) failed to use proper lifting techniques as she lifted C14, 2-year-old. The Specialist reviewed the center’s video footage from 7/10/2026, and observed S16 carry C14 by his right wrist and his left shoulder for approximately 10 feet.”

Rule 1911.I.&J.

Electronic Devices Policy

“1509.A.9. Based on observation at 10:25 a.m., although the center has an electronic device policy that prohibits children under age 2 from having access to electronic devices, the policy failed to be followed. The Specialist observed 6 children, ages 1-year-old, watching Ms. Rachel, a children’s program, on a tablet in S10’s classroom. This was corrected prior to the Specialist exiting the center.”

Rule 1509.A.9.

Supervision

“1713.A.B.C.: Based on record review and interviews at 11:30 a.m., S5 and S6 failed to supervise children at all times. On 6/2/2026, at 10:01:07 a.m., S5 and S6 exited the enlcosed outdoor area used to transition the children from the gym to the center, leaving C1, one-year-old, behind. C1 remained alone in the enclosed outdoor area from 10:01:07 a.m., until 10:04:07 a.m., when she was found by S6.”

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Behavior Management Policy

“1509.A.8.b.: Based on interviews at 12 p.m., although the center has a behavior management policy in place, S9 (DOH: 7/31/2025) and S10 (4/04/2024) used a prohibited method of discipline, verbal abuse. Per staff interviews, S9 and S10 have been observed telling children, dates/times unknown, to “shut up”.”

Rule 1509.A.8.a.&b. From a complaint.

Daily Attendance Records - Visitors

“1507.E.: Based on record review and interviews at 10:30 a.m., the daily attendance record failed to accurately reflect when a visitor was on the child care premises. The Specialist reviewed the attendance record and determined O1 failed to be signed in as present on 1/28/2026, and O2 failed to be signed in as present on 1/29/2026.”

Rule 1507.E. From a complaint.

Independent Contractors Records

“1717.A.: Based on record review at 10:15 a.m., S2 failed to have documentation on file for O1 (independent contractor) that included the person’s name, address, phone number, a list of duties performed while at the center. S2 failed to have documentation of a CCCBC-based determination of eligibility from the department or documentation of the adult staff member not otherwise counted in child to staff ratios that accompanied O1 while present at the center on 1/28/2026.”

Rule 1717.A. From a complaint.

Non-vehicular Excursions - Parental Authorization

“2109.A.: Based on record review at 11 a.m., S2 failed to obtain written parental authorization for a non-vehicular excursion to participate in activities in the fellowship hall for C1 (4-years-old), C2 (5-years-old), and C3 (2-years-old) on 1/27/2026.”

Rule 2109.A. From a complaint.

Critical Incidents and Required Notifications

“1103.A.B.3.: Based on record review on at 12:30 p.m., S1 failed to notify the parents immediately of the following critical incident: On 10/17/2025, C2 (3-year-old) left the restroom and returned to the classroom at 9:37:26 a.m., and C1 (3-year-old) left the restroom and returned to the classroom at 9:37:33 a.m. C1 and C2 remained unsupervised until S19 returned to the classroom at 9:40:06 a.m. O3 was notified of the incident at 10:47 a.m. on 10/17/2025. O2 was notified of the incident at 10:48 a.m. on 10/17/2025.”

Rule 1103.A.-C.

Supervision

“1713.A.&B.: Based on record review at 12:30 p.m., children failed to under supervision at all times. The Specialist reviewed the video footage, and observed the following: S19 exited the classroom to the restroom with C1, C2, and C3 (all 3-year-olds) at 9:35:35 a.m. C2 returned to the classroom independently at 9:37:26 a.m. C1 returned to the classroom independently at 9:37:33 a.m. C1 and C2 remained unsupervised in the classroom until S19 returned at 9:40:06 a.m. S19 received a two-day suspension.”

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Restrooms - Supervision

“1713.G.2.: Based on record review at 11:30 a.m., S19 allowed children to return from the restroom independently without staff. The Specialist reviewed the video footage, and observed the following: S19 exited the classroom to the restroom with C1, C2, and C3 (all 3-years-old) at 9:35:35 a.m. C2 returned the classroom independently at 9:37:26 a.m. C1 returned the classroom independently at 9:37:33 a.m. C1 and C2 remained unsupervised in the classroom until S19 returned with C3 at 9:40:06 a.m.”

Rule 1713.G.

Critical Incidents and Required Notifications

Rule 1103.A.-C.

Supervision

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Supervision Participation

“1713.E.: Based on interviews on 10/15/2025, at 11:15 a.m., on 9/10/2025, S13 and S18 failed to devote their time to supervising and participating with the children in their activities during play time in the gym. Per interviews, it was determined S13 was on her cell phone for personal use while supervising 6 children, ages 2-years-old. It was determined S18 was on her cell phone for personal use while supervising 5 children, ages 1-year-old. Both staff received disciplinary action on 9/10/2025. S18 was terminated 10/8/2025.”

Rule 1713.E.&F.

Items That Can be Harmful to Children

“1901.J.K.: Based on observation at 9:45 a.m., items that can be harmful to children, such as cleaning supplies and chemicals, failed to be kept in a locked cabinet or other secure place that ensures they are inaccessible to children. The Specialist observed 2 spray bottles of bleach water and one can of Febreeze accessible to 6 children, age 3-years-old, in the classroom of S11 and S12. This was corrected prior to the Specialist exiting the center.”

Rule 1901.J.&K.

Staff Personal Belongings

“1901.P.: Based on observation at 9:40 a.m., the personal belongings of S11 and S12, failed to be inaccessible to children. The Specialist observed 3 Sonic cups, 2 McDonalds cups (with a beverage inside), a bag of Wendy’s fast food, and 2 Stanely cups accessible to 6 children, ages 3-years-old. This was corrected prior to the Specialist exiting the center.”

Rule 1901.P.

Critical Incidents and Required Notifications

“1103.A. B. Based on record review on 5/8/2025, at 10:15 a.m., S1 failed to immediately notify O1 of the following critical incident: On 5/5/2025, at 3:51 p.m., S14 alleged C1, 4-year-old, was touched inappropriately by C2, 4-year-old, while on the play yard. S1 notified O1 of the incident on 5/5/2025, at 5:23 p.m. The Specialist was able to validate the allegation.”

Rule 1103.A.-C.

Supervision

“1713.A.B.C. Based on record review/interviews on 5/8/2025, at 11:30 a.m., S15 and S20 failed to supervise C1, 4-year-old, and C2, 4-year-old, on the playground at all times. C1 and C2 were unsupervised from 3:51:52 p.m. until 3:52:18 p.m., as they played beside a planter box on the play yard, which obstructed the view of the children.”

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Restrooms - Supervision

“1713.G. Based on record review/interviews at 1:00 p.m., S17 failed to maintain a close proximity to a child in the restroom to assure immediate intervention to safeguard the child from harm. The Specialist reviewed camera footage from 5/7/2025, at 11:14 a.m., and observed S17 allowed C3 (2-year-old) to go to the restroom independently without staff. C3 remained in the restroom until 11:19 a.m. S17 entered the restroom briefly at 11:17 a.m., but did not return until 11:19 a.m.”

Rule 1713.G.

Health Services - Parental Notification

“T1915.B.C. Based on record review/interviews on 5/8/2025, at 11:35 a.m., S1 failed to have to documentation that O2 was notified of the C2’s unusual behavior for the following incident: On 5/5/2025, at 3:51 p.m., C2 was alleged to have touched C1 inappropriately while on the play yard.”

Rule 1915.B.&C.

Monitoring policy for provisionally employed staff members

“1509.A.12.a.-d. Based on record review/interview at 10:30 a.m., there failed to be a monitoring policy for provisionally employed staff with incomplete CCCBC-based determination of eligibility for child care purposes.”

Rule 1509.A.12.a.-d.

Provisional Status for Child Care Purposes

“1811-D.2.3.: Based on record review at 10:30 a.m., S2 failed to designate a monitor for a provisionally-employed staff member, S10, while present at the center. According to center records, S10 (DOH: 2/17/2025) was present at the center and performing duties from 2/19/2025 - 2/21/2025 , with a provisionally-employed status without being monitored. S10 received a CCCBC-based determination of eligibility on 2/24/2025.”

Rule 1804.A.&B.

Critical Incidents and Required Notifications

Rule 1103.A.-C.

Daily Attendance Records - Children

“1507.A. Based on record review at 11 a.m., the daily attendance log for children failed to include the time of departure of each child and the first and last name of the person to whom the child was released. The Specialist reviewed the daily attendance record for 1/02/2025, and verified the time of departure was missing 5 times and the first and last name of the person to whom the child was released was missing 5 times.”

Rule 1507.A.

Child to Staff Ratio

“1711.A.B.D.E. Based on record review/interview at 10 a.m., S1 failed to meet the required child to staff ratio for children of the following ages at 3:07:17 p.m. on 1/02/2025: 19 children, ages 2-years-old through 4-years-old, with 1 staff, S13. The required ratio for children of this age is 12 children per 1 staff person. An additional staff member was needed to meet the child to staff ratio. The issue was corrected when S15 returned to the play yard at 3:12:12 p.m.”

Rule 1711.A.&B.&D.&E.

Supervision

“1713.A.B.C. Based on record review/interview at 10:05 a.m., children failed to be under supervision at all times. The Specialist reviewed video footage from 1/02/2025, and observed S15 left C1 (4-year-old) alone and unsupervised in the stair well upstairs at 3:03:51 p.m. C1 then went down the stairs, out the east door into the fellowship hall and made her way to the gym, realizing her class was not there. C1 was found outside screaming at the east door at 3:09:05 p.m.”

Rule 1713.A.&B.&C.

Orientation Training

“1719.B. Based on record review at 9:30 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 1 of 19 staff, S13, received orientation within seven days of the first day present at the center and prior to having sole responsibility for any children. S13, Date of Hire: 11/26/2024, failed to complete the DCFS Mandatory Reporter Training within seven days of being present and providing sole responsibility of children. S13 completed the training 12/31/2024.”

Rule 1719.A.-C.

Required Staffing - Director/ Director Designee

“Based on record review, interview, and observation at 12:27 p.m., S2 failed to have a qualified Director who is an on-site full time staff person at the center during the day time hours of operation (prior to 9:00 p.m.) and responsible for planning, managing, and controlling the center’s daily activities, as well as responding to parental concerns and ensuring that minimum licensing requirements are met. No director has been present at the center since 11/16/2023.”

Rule 1707.A.1.&2.

Child to Staff Ratio

“Based on observation at 8:15 a.m., S2 failed to meet the required child to staff ratio for children. Specialist observed 10 children, age 1-year-old, with S13. The required ratio for children of this age is 7 children per 1 staff person. An additional staff member arrived to the room at 8:17 a.m. which corrected the issue.”

Rule 1711.A.&B.&D.&E.