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August 18, 2026 Susan TenEyck-Stafki, Authorized Agent Childrens Corner 2300 College Way PO Box 696 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 License Number: 1057341 (Child Care Center) Program Location: 320 6th Ave SW, Perham, MN 56573-1508 Dear Susan TenEyck-Stafki: On January 5, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citations 1 and 2 in the Correction Order issued to you on December 30, 2025. Reconsideration Determination Citation 1: The DCYF licensor observed that hazardous objects were accessible to children. · A box of rubber gloves were stored on top of the preschool coat cubbies. (Preschool: Preschool classroom) · A container of hand sanitizer was stored on top of the preschool coat cubby. (Preschool: Preschool classroom) Your Request for Reconsideration. You stated, “the items listed were on top of the cubbies in the toddler coat room and therefore not accessible to children as they would not be able to reach them. Also, the building lead removed the items immediately and the licensor indicated that there would not be a citation because it was fixed on the spot.” Applicable Law. The License Holder must develop a risk reduction plan that prohibits the accessibility of hazardous items to children. Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.54, subdivision 2, paragraph (e). Hazardous objects including but not limited to sharp objects, medicines, plastic bags and poisonous plants, chemicals, including household supplies, must be stored out of reach of children. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart 17. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor observed two instances of hazardous objects that were accessible to children. First, a box of rubber gloves were stored on top of the preschool coat cubbies accessible to children. You must have and enforce a risk reduction plan that prohibits the accessibility of hazardous items to children. The rubber gloves must be stored out of reach of children. Citation 1 is affirmed regarding the rubber gloves being stored on the top of the preschool coat cubbies accessible to children. Second, a container of hand sanitizer was stored on top of the preschool coat cubby. You must have and enforce a risk reduction plan that prohibits the accessibility of hazardous items to children. The hand sanitizer must be stored out of reach of children. Citation 1 is affirmed regarding the hand sanitizer being stored on the top of the preschool coat cubby accessible to children. The Licensor did not state that your program would not receive a citation for this violation. The Licensor stated that the Correction Order would reflect that the violation was corrected immediately. Citation 2: The required crib safety inspections were not completed on a monthly basis. Crib safety inspections were not completed in October, November and December 2024. (Older Infants: Infant classroom and Young Infants: Infant classroom) Your Request for Reconsideration. You stated, “This infant room was not open during these months due to low enrollment. All cribs were checked before we opened this room for infants to attend.” Applicable Law. Crib safety standards and inspection. (a) On at least a monthly basis, the license holder shall perform safety inspections of every crib or portable crib of rigid construction including full-size and non-full-size cribs used by or that is accessible to any child in care, and must document the following: (1) no mattress supports can be easily dislodged from any point of the crib; (2) no screws, bolts, or hardware are loose or not secured, and there is no use of wood screws in components that are designed to be assembled and disassembled by the crib owner; (3) no sharp edges, points, or rough surfaces are present; (4) no wood surfaces are rough, splintered, split, or cracked; and (5) no unacceptable gaps between the mattress and any sides of the crib are present as follows: (i) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the non-full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than one-half inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater than one inch at any point; and (ii) when the noncompressed mattress is centered in the full-size crib, at any of the adjustable mattress support positions, the gap between the perimeter of the mattress and the perimeter of the crib cannot be greater than 11/16 inch at any point. When the mattress is placed against the perimeter of the crib, the resulting gap cannot be greater than 1-3/8 inch at any point. (b) Upon discovery of any unsafe condition identified by the license holder during the safety inspection required under paragraph (a) or subdivision 3, paragraph (e), the license holder shall immediately remove the crib from use and ensure that the crib is not accessible to children in care, and as soon as practicable, but not more than two business days after the inspection, remove the crib from the area where child care services are routinely provided for necessary repairs or to destroy the crib. (c) Documentation of the inspections and actions taken with unsafe cribs required in paragraphs (a) and (b), and subdivision 3, paragraph (e), shall be maintained on site by the license holder and made available to parents of children in care and the commissioner. Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.45, subdivision 4. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor observed that crib inspections were not completed in October, November and December 2024 in the Older Infants classroom and Young Infants classroom. You are required to conduct and document monthly crib safety inspections. Citation 2 is affirmed. Disposition The Commissioner has reviewed the relevant laws and all the information you submitted in response to the Correction Order. Citations 1 and 2 are 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
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