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February 20, 2026 Channon Richardson, Authorized Agent University Nursery School 6204 Lavaque Rd Duluth, MN 55803 License Number: 802580 (Child Care Ctr) Program Location: 916 E 3rd St Ste 1, Duluth, MN 55805-2196 Dear Channon Richardson: On June 12, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citation 2 in the Correction Order (enclosed) issued to you on June 10, 2025. You did not request review for Citation 1, and therefore, Citation 1 is not under the scope of review. 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 DHS licensor reviewed personnel records and determined that the license holder did not submit a completed background study for 1 of 8 (SP2) individuals (director, staff persons, substitutes, or unsupervised volunteers) before the individual began working in a position allowing direct contact with children receiving services from the program. The staff person began working in a position allowing direct contact with children on February 18, 2015. However, after the background study expired on September 5, 2024, the license holder did not submit a background study request for the staff person until September 9, 2024. Applicable Law. The commissioner shall conduct a background study for a current employee of the license holder who will have direct contact with children served by the program. A background study for a child care program must be repeated within five years from the most recent study. The background study must include submission of fingerprints for national criminal history record check via the electronic system known as NETStudy before having direct contact with children. Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.04, subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (h). Your Response. You acknowledged that you have the responsibility to resubmit background study requests for a current employee when his/her background study has expired. You confirmed that SP2’s background study had expired after you received emails from the Background Study Division (BGS) indicating that the notification system for expiring background studies was not functioning. You stated that SP2 unknowingly worked and had direct contact with children at the program on Thursday September 6, 2025, one day after SP2’s study expired. You stated that SP2 submitted a new background study on September 9, 2025, and SP2 did not work until September 10, 2025. Reconsideration Determination. The licensor noted that SP2’s background study expired on September 5, 2025. However, SP2 worked and had direct contact with children at your program on September 6, 2025, on day after his/her study expired. You must submit a completed background study for SP2 before SP2 had direct contact with children at your program on September 6, 2025. SP2 had direct contact with children without submitting a completed background study. Citation 2 is affirmed. Disposition The Commissioner has reviewed the relevant laws and all the information you submitted in response to the Correction Order. Citation 2 is affirmed. You did not request review for Citation 1, therefore Citation1 is not under the scope of review. This is a final agency decision. Previously Ordered Corrective Action. In the original Correction Order issued to you on June 10, 2025, 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
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