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September 2, 2026 Tiffany Ahlers, Authorized Agent Jefferson Childrens Center 4096 Stebner Rd Hermantown, MN 55811 License Number: 1076388 (Child Care Ctr) Program Location: 4096 Stebner Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811-1730 Dear Tiffany Ahlers On May 15, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citation 2 in the Correction Order issued to you on April 30, 2026. You did not request review for Citations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Citations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not under the scope of review. Reconsideration Determination Citation 2 Violation. Meals did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA. Applicable Law. Each meal must provide one-third of the child's daily nutritional needs as specified by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, in Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 226.20. The license holder must provide or ensure the availability of: A. a snack for a child in attendance for more than two hours, but fewer than five hours; B. one meal and two snacks or two meals and one snack for a child in attendance five to ten hours unless four or more of these hours are spent in sleep; C. a minimum of two meals and two snacks for a child in attendance more than ten hours unless four or more of these hours are spent in sleep; and D. program staff who are seated with the children during meal and snack times. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0145, subpart 4. Meal components. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each meal served in the Program must contain, at a minimum, the indicated components: (1) Fluid milk. Fluid milk must be served as a beverage or on cereal, or a combination of both. Lactose-free and reduced-lactose milk that meet the fat content and flavor specifications for each age group may also be offered. (i) Children 1 year old. Unflavored whole milk must be served. (ii) Children 2 through 5 years old. Whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free (skim) milk. Milk must be unflavored. (iii) Children 6 years old and older. Whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat (1 percent), or fat-free (skim) milk may be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations, subtitle B, Chapter II, subchapter A, subpart E, section 226.20, Your Response. You stated that you received clarification from the child’s parent that the milk provided is pasteurized non-GMO whole milk. You also provided a picture of the label. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor noted that child (C2) brought raw, non-pasteurized milk in a thermos from home during a conversation with staff person (SP9). Raw, non-pasteurized milk is not allowed under the USDA guidelines. On the day of the site visit, you could not show that C2’s milk was pasteurized, and not (emphasis added) raw milk. You did not comply with the required meal components when C2 brought raw, non-pasteurized milk from home. 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 Citations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Citations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not under the scope of review. This is a final agency decision. Previously Ordered Corrective Action. In the original Correction Order issued, 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 1, paragraph (a). If you have not done so already, please immediately comply with the previously ordered corrective actions for all uncontested and affirmed violations and respond in the Provider Hub immediately. 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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