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August 29, 2025 Veronique Liebmann, Authorized Agent The French Academie 10845 Lexington Dr. Eden Prairie, MN 55344 License Number: 1004396 (Child Care Ctr) Program Location: 12301 Whitewater Dr Ste 190, Minnetonka, MN 55343-9452 Dear Veronique Liebmann: The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citation 2 in the Correction Order (enclosed) issued to you on March 11, 2025. You did not request reconsideration of Citation 1. Therefore, Citation 1 is not within the scope of review and is final. On June 18, 2025, licensing functions for child care centers, family child care programs, and child foster care programs, and maltreatment investigations involving child care centers, have been transferred from Minnesota Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General (DHS), to the new Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), as directed by state law. While this matter began under DHS, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.039, subdivision 2, DCYF is now the responsible agency. Reconsideration Determination Citation 2 Violation. The program did not have documentation on site to show that 1 of 2 (SP2) staff persons met the education requirements of the teacher job classification for which the staff person was employed (SP2). Applicable Law. Teachers must have the required education and experience requirements for the teacher job classification. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0032, subpart 1. An individual may qualify as a teacher is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in any field and education of 18 quarter credits. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0032, subpart 2; The license holder must ensure that a personnel record for each staff person is maintained at the center and that the personnel record for each staff person contains the staff person's documentation indicating that the staff person meets the requirements of the staff person's job position and the education and experience requirements. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0120, item B. In pertinent part, and part 9503.0120, item B. Your Response. You stated: 1. My Preschool Classroom Meets Teacher Qualification Requirements The cited violation pertains to [SP2], whom I had initially submitted as a teacher. However, my preschool class already meets DHS teacher qualification requirements with my other staff member. Given this, [SP2] does not need to qualify as a teacher and can instead be classified as an aide, making the citation unnecessary. 2. [SP2's] Credentials and the Variance Option SP2 holds a recognized teaching degree from the French Ministry of Education, which is the equivalent qualification for teaching in France. While I understand that DHS requires 18 college credits for teacher qualification, I was informed that a variance could be requested for this requirement. If a variance is a recognized solution, I do not believe this should be considered a violation. 3. Impact of Publicly Posted Violations Given that violations are made public, I find it unfair and damaging to have my program listed for a qualification issue that has no impact on compliance, staffing ratios, or the safety and wellbeing of children. This misrepresentation could mislead families and harm the reputation of my center despite my commitment to high-quality early childhood education. Reconsideration Determination. SP2 did not have the required education and experience requirements for his/her position of lead teacher of the preschool classroom. A teacher must have the required education and experience requirements commensurate to their respective job classification. The teacher’s education and experience must be documented in their personnel records. In this case, SP2 was classified as a teacher in his/her Summary of Personnel Information and self-identified as a teacher during the site visit. The program’s records for SP2, including his/her transcript, did not meet the required college credits to qualify SP2 as a teacher. As such, SP2’s personnel record did not provide substantiating documents to show that SP2 met the required education and experience requirements. Citation 2 is affirmed. You stated your interest in requesting a variance. While a variance will not retroactively resolve this violation, you may request a variance for SP2 to work as a teacher. Please contact your licensor for guidance on requesting a variance. You stated your concerns with the impact of publicly posted violations. DCYF appreciates your concerns, however, federal law requires DCYF to post monitoring and inspection reports, including areas of non-compliance. In this case, there was non-compliance of the specific rule identified in the citation. Disposition The Commissioner has reviewed the relevant laws and all the information you submitted in response to the Correction Order. Citation 2 is affirmed. This is a final agency decision. Previously Ordered Corrective Action. In the original Correction Order, you were ordered to correct the violation(s) 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, 142B.16, subdivision 2,paragraph (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,
Hlee Vang, Attorney Legal Counsel’s Office Office of Inspector General Afsheen Foroozan, Attorney Legal Counsel’s Office Office of Inspector General
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