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August 19, 2026 Hala Al-Harthi, Authorized Agent Little Scholars Academy LLC 3733 Fox Tail Trl NW Prior Lake, MN 55372 RE: Request for Reconsideration of Correction Order License Number: 1119092 (CCC) Program Location: 550 Wilson Ave, Faribault, MN 55021 Dear Hala Al-Harthi: On January 15, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citation 3 in the Correction Order (enclosed) issued to you on January 15, 2026. You did not request review for Citations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and therefore, Citations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are not under the scope of review. After an independent review of the record, the Commissioner has determined that there is sufficient evidence to support the citation. Reconsideration Determination Citation 3: The program did not place all infants to sleep on their backs and did not have documentation from an infant's physician or advanced practice registered nurse directing an alternative sleeping position. While the DCYF Licensor was present in the classroom, the Licensor observed a staff person transition a sleeping infant from the staff persons arms to the crib directly placing the infant on his or her stomach in the crib to sleep. (Infants: Infant classroom) Applicable Law. When a license holder is placing an infant to sleep, the license holder must place the infant on the infant's back, unless the license holder has documentation from the infant's physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant directing an alternative sleeping position for the infant. The physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant directive must be on a form developed by the commissioner and must remain on file at the licensed location. An infant who independently rolls onto its stomach after being placed to sleep on its back may be allowed to remain sleeping on its stomach if the infant is at least six months of age or the license holder has a signed statement from the parent indicating that the infant regularly rolls over at home. Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.46, paragraph (a). Your Response. You stated that the infant was initially placed on their back, and the infant then immediately rolled over independently. You stated that video footage shows the infant teacher placing the infant on their back in the crib and immediately after being placed on their back, the infant independently rolled onto their stomach and the teacher patted the infant gently. You stated you were not able to submit the MP4 video format so you submitted screenshots. You submitted four photos taken from a video monitor placed high in the room. The staff person is observed over a crib placed in the corner of the room. In time stamped photo 11:03:14, the staff person is holding the child face up at the upper rim of the crib. The infant’s face is observable as the infant is in the staff person’s arms. In time-stamped photo 11:03:15, the staff person appears to be lowering the child toward the mattress face up in the crib. In time-stamped photo 11:03:17, the staff person is bent over the crib and the child’s shadow is seen, but the position of the child is undiscernible. A second photo with the same time stamp was submitted, but can be distinguished from the other photo (the hand on an infant in light colored clothing on the floor is in a different location). The staff person is in the same position over the crib, but the position of the child in the crib is still not perceptible. The submitted photos show the licensor’s body located across the room facing into the room and within sight of the crib. The licensor observed a staff person transition a sleeping infant from the staff person’s arms to the crib directly placing the infant on his or her stomach in the crib to sleep. The licensor personally observed and documented the occurrence. The licensor noted that the infant did not independently roll over to his/her stomach, but the staff person rolled the child directly from his/her arms onto the stomach to sleep and proceeded to assist the infant in falling back asleep after the transition by patting the infant on the bottom. The agency submitted a photo of the child sleeping on his/her stomach. Reconsideration Determination. The statute requires that the provider must place the infant on the infant's back to sleep. The licensor observed a staff placing an infant on his or her stomach in the crib to sleep. The licensor’s account was personally observed and credible. The screenshots did not refute the licensor’s observation. Therefore Citation 3 is affirmed. Disposition The Commissioner has reviewed the relevant laws and all the information you submitted in response to the Correction Order. Citations 3 is affirmed. You did not request review for Citations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and therefore, Citations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are not under the scope of review. 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,
Dorothy Gause, Attorney Legal Counsel’s Office Office of Inspector General
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