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July 19, 2023 Shannon Marie Gehrmann, Authorized Agent Goddard School (The) 4136 Radio Drive Woodbury, MN 55129-3229 License Number: 1093592 (Child Care Center) Program Location: 4136 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129-3229
Dear Shannon Marie Gehrmann: On November 14, 2022, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration of a citation in the Correction Order (Attachment A) issued to you by the Department of Human Services on October 20, 2022. You requested reconsideration of citation #2. You did not request reconsideration of the remaining citations, and, as a result, those citations are final and not subject to review. SUMMARY OF CITATIONS AND RECONSIDERATION DETERMINATION:
Citation 2: Violation: The program’s policy for water bottle use did not include procedures that state each day the water bottle or cup is used, the child care center cleans and sanitizes the water bottle or cup using procedures that comply wit the Food Code under Minnesota Rules, chapter 4626. Request for Reconsideration. You indicated that the program sends water bottles home with families each night to wash and bring back to the program, and the program communicates the expectation that the water bottles will be washed every night. You indicated that due to limitations regarding staff and space, it is not feasible for the program to wash each child’s water bottle at school. You also indicated that you are concerned about parent complaints if the program has to stop allowing reusable water bottles. Applicable Law. Under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.14, subdivision 17, a licensed child care center may provide drinking water to a child in a reusable water bottle or reusable cup if the center develops and ensures implementation of a written policy that at a minimum includes the following procedures: 1) each day the water bottle or cup is used, the child care center cleans and sanitizes the water bottle or cup using procedures that comply with the Food Code under Minnesota Rules, chapter 4626; 2) a water bottle or cup is assigned to a specific child and labeled with the child’s first and last name; 3) water bottles and cups are stored in a manner that reduces the risk of a child using the wrong water bottle or cup; and 4) a water bottle or cup is used only for water. Reconsideration Determination. You acknowledged that the program sends water bottles home to be washed by families and indicated it is not feasible for the water bottles to be washed by the program. However, the statute requires that a child care center may provide drinking water in a reusable water bottle or reusable cup if the program implements specified procedures, including that each day the water bottle or cup is used, the child care center cleans and sanitizes the water bottle or cup. As a result, there is sufficient evidence to support the citation, and it is affirmed. Disposition: The Commissioner has reviewed the request for reconsideration and all the information submitted in response to the correction order. The Commissioner finds there is sufficient evidence to support citation #2, and it is affirmed. This is a final agency decision. The Commissioner appreciates your response and encourages you to continue to work cooperatively with your licensor to ensure the safety and well-being of the children you serve. Sincerely,
Frances Simon Standing, Attorney Legal Counsel’s Office Office of Inspector General
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