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March 14, 2025 Jennifer Connors, Authorized Agent Growing Tree Montessori, LLC 11691 288th Avenue Waseca, MN 56093 License Number: 1106423 (Child Care Center) Program Location: 900 4th Street SW, Waseca, MN 56093-2556
Dear Jennifer Connors: On February 5, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration of citation 1 in the Correction Order issued to you by the Department of Human Services on January 22, 2025. You did not challenge the remaining citations, and those citations are therefore final and not within the scope of this review. SUMMARY OF CITATION AND RECONSIDERATION DETERMINATION:
Citation 1: Violation: Staff distribution requirements were not maintained. Specifically, at the time of the licensing visit, 27 children were present in the preschool classroom with one teacher and two aide-qualified staff persons. To meet distribution requirements, a minimum of one teacher, one assistant teacher, and one aide-qualified staff person was required. Also, nine infants were present with one assistant teacher and two aide-qualified staff persons. To meet distribution requirements, a minimum of one teacher, one assistant teacher, and one aide-qualified staff person was required. Request for Reconsideration. You indicate in your reconsideration request that you submitted variance requests for three staff persons through the HUB, and you indicate you believe staff distribution requirements would have been upheld if the variance documents had been received. Applicable Law. Under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, subpart 2, the license holder must ensure that the specified requirements for staff distribution are met and a written staff distribution record is kept in the administrative record. Reconsideration Determination. Records show your variance request was related to a teacher qualified staff person for the preschool classroom. However, the citation was issued because a staff person that met the requirements for an assistant teacher was not present at the time of the visit as required. With regard to the infant classroom, no variance requests were submitted, and the citation was issued because a staff person that met the requirements for an assistant teacher was not present at the time of the visit as required. 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. Previously Ordered Corrective Action: In the Correction Order issued on January 22, 2025, you were ordered to correct the violations cited and submit documentation of such action to your licensor. A request for reconsideration does not stay any provisions or requirements of the correction order. Minnesota Statutes, 245A.06, subdivision 2(a). If you have not done so already, please immediately comply with the previously ordered corrective actions for all uncontested and affirmed violations. 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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