|
May 2, 2024 Stephanie Thooft, Authorized Agent Lakes Area Enrichment Center 260 State Highway 55 N. Glenwood, MN 56334 License Number: 1035820 (Child Care Center) Program Location: 260 State Highway 55 N, Glenwood, MN 56334-1956
Dear Stephanie Thooft: On April 11, 2024 the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration of the citation in the Correction Order (Attachment A) issued to you by the Department of Human Services on April 10, 2024. SUMMARY OF CITATION AND RECONSIDERATION DETERMINATION:
Citation 1: Violation: The program was not operating within the terms of the license. Specifically, a licensing visit to complete a change of program location was completed on March 28, 2024. The license holder was informed by the DHS licensor onsite that the program could not operate in the new location until documentation of all items needing further action was completed and approved by the licensor. On April 1, 2024, documentation was submitted for some of the items that needed to be corrected, but not all corrected items were submitted for review. It was determined through a conversation on April 2, 2024, that children were attending the program as of April 1, 2024. Request for Reconsideration. You indicate in your request for reconsideration that during the licensing inspection of the new space on March 28, 2024, you were not specifically advised that all items needed to be corrected prior to children being present. You indicate you understood that you were able to open the center on April 1, 2024, so long as items were being addressed. You also indicate you were not provided with a written list of items that needed to be fixed. Applicable Law. Under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.04, subdivision 7a, paragraph (a), a license holder must notify the commissioner, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, and obtain the commissioner’s approval before making any change that would alter the license information. Reconsideration Determination. You acknowledge in your reconsideration request that you did not correct all items prior to children attending the program. Information provided by the licensor indicates you were advised several times during the visit on March 28, 2024, that the new location could not open until required documentation was submitted and approved. Records also show an email was sent to the program on March 28, 2024, with instructions about items that needed to be corrected. You did not submit documentation to show proof of the correction until April 1, 2024, when children were already present at the program, and you acknowledged during a conversation with the licensor on April 2, 2024, that the program had opened on April 1, 2024. As such, 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 the citation, 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
|
