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October 13, 2026 ISSUED VIA PROVIDER HUB Judy Werkheiser, Authorized Agent KinderCare Learning Center 15755 Rockford Road Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 License Number: 830686 (Rule 3) ORDER OF CONDITIONAL LICENSE Dear Judy Werkheiser, The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is placing your license to provide childcare services at KinderCare Learning Center, 15755 Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN 55446, on conditional status for two years, beginning October 23, 2026. This means you must meet certain conditions to maintain your license, detailed below. This order is based on your noncompliance with child care licensing requirements. Details of our findings are also provided below. Our next steps and your options are also detailed. REASON FOR THE CONDITIONAL LICENSE On August 11, 2026, DCYF licensor conducted a re-inspection visit at your facility located at 15755 Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN 55446. As a result of this licensing visit, the DCYF licensor determined that your program failed to comply with the laws and rules that apply to licensed child care centers, citing fifteen violations. DCYF has considered the nature, chronicity, and severity of these violations, as well as the health, safety, and rights of children by the program. Nature and Severity: On August 11, 2026, the DCYF licensor determined that your program failed to comply with the laws and rules that apply to licensed child care centers, citing fifteen violations. Thirteen of the fifteen violations are repeat violations for which you were previously cited. In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated that you corrected all the violations. However, it was determined that thirteen of those citations were not corrected and were again determined to be out of compliance, suggesting an unwillingness and/or inability to comply with licensing rules and statutes. Numerous violations related to the health and safety of children were found, including failure to comply with: o Background study requirements o Staff qualifications and training requirements o Health and Safety requirements o Equipment and Supplies requirements o Physical environment requirements o Hazards requirements o Children files requirements o Policies and administrative record requirements Chronicity: In the past three years, your program demonstrated a history of noncompliance with licensing rules and statutes. The information below summarizes this history: o October 13, 2026 - Conditional License (this order): 15 Violations (13 repeat) o June 12, 2026 Correction Order: 17 violations (9 repeat) o December 10, 2025 Correction Order: 17 Violations (10 repeat) o September 29, 2025 – Correction Order: 1 Violation o January 7, 2025- Order to Pay A Fine: $400 Background Study Fine o October 30, 2024 - Correction Order: 16 Violations (8 repeat) o January 18, 2024 – Correction Order : 16 Violations (1 repeat) o June 3, 2022- Correction Order 1 violation Due to the serious and chronic nature of these violations, and the conditions in the program, which impact the health and safety of children in your care, your license to provide child care services is placed on a conditional status. Licensing Violations DCYF determined that your program failed to follow licensing rules and statutes, as described below. BACKGROUND STUDIES 1. Violation: The program did not have their NetStudy 2.0 roster up to date. One individual listed as a controlling individual was not affiliated with the program as required. Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.04, subdivision 4a, paragraph (b) Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following order(s): · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, ”The NetStudy 2.0 is up to date with the current roster.” STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING 2. Violation: The program did not comply with requirements for an allergy-related Individual Child Care Program Plan (ICCPP); documentation was not available to show that staff persons reviewed an allergy-related ICCPP. There was no documentation available to show that 1 of 2 (SP2) staff persons had reviewed an allergy-related ICCPP for a child. Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.66, subdivision 1, paragraph (b) Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated October 30, 2024 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “We have all the staff sign ICCPP for the child with an allergy on 6/8/26.” PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 3. Violation: The program did not comply with cleanliness requirements; the indoor space was not clean. · One of the circle tables was visibly dirty and stained with dried paint covering most of the table. · Two hand-washing sinks and a mirror were visibly dirty due to lack of cleaning. · Gloves and facial tissue that appeared soiled were on a desk used by children. A large rug was visibly dirty and stained. · The laminate flooring next to one of the children's tables was visibly dirty with dried green paint. (School Age: School Age classroom) As defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0005, subpart 9, clean means ”free from dirt or other contaminants that can be detected by sight, smell, or touch.” Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 · A Correction Order dated October 30, 2024 · A Correction Order dated January 18, 2024 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “During the staff meeting on June 9, we reviewed cleaning procedures, and each classroom has a weekly cleaning checklist to be completed.” 4. Violation: Areas used by the children were not in good repair. · There were holes in the diaper changing table cabinet doors. · The laminate exterior on the base of the diaper change table was peeling. (Toddler classroom) · A rectangular piece of metal paneling was loose and exposing a raw edge. Although this piece of paneling had tape on it, the tape did not adequately repair the area. (Discovery Preschool A: Toddler/Preschool classroom) · The plastic framing around the window was cracked and broken in numerous places, creating sharp edges. (Preschool A classroom) Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart 20 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “The diaper changing area was fixed on 7/15/26 along the wooden trim around the window.” 5. Violation: Electrical outlets were not tamper-proof or shielded. Two outlets near the sensory table were unshielded. (School Age classroom) Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0155, subpart 11 6. Violation: Outside doors and windows used for ventilation were not screened. One window screen was torn across the entire bottom, creating a large hole. (Preschool A classroom) Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0155, subpart 17 HAZARDS 7. Violation: The DCYF licensor observed that hazardous objects were accessible to children. · A bag with loose drawstrings was stored on a child's cubby hook, posing a hazard to children. (Discovery Preschool B) · A spray bottle containing cleaning agents was hanging on the half wall at a height accessible to children. (Discovery Preschool B) · A spray bottle containing cleaning chemicals was stored on a low shelf accessible to children. (Preschool A classroom) · A cabinet containing a staff person's belongings was unlocked and accessible to children. (Preschool A classroom) · Hand sanitizer was stored on a shelf at a height accessible to children. (School Age classroom) Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.54, subdivision 2, paragraph (e) and Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart 17 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 · A Correction Order dated October 30, 2024 · A Correction Order dated January 18, 2024 REPORTING 8. Violation: The program did not comply with the reporting requirements for abuse and neglect; staff persons were not aware of the reporting requirements for abuse and neglect. A staff person stated they would report suspected abuse or neglect to management. Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0130, subpart 1 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “We had a staff meeting on reporting abuse and neglect on 6/8/26, and there are postings around the building to help staff know who to call to report abuse and neglect.” EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 9. Violation: Equipment and furniture were not in good repair. · The dramatic play unit was missing four knobs. · The dramatic play units were missing doors and shelving. · The top of the black bookshelf was broken, exposing particle board. (School Age classroom) Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart 19 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in a Correction Order dated June 12, 2026.C CHILDREN’S FILES 10. Violation: Each child's record did not contain all required information: · 1 of 2 (C1) children's files reviewed did not contain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the child's source of regular medical and dental care and source of emergency medical and dental care; and · 1 of 1 (C3) children's files reviewed did not contain written authorization for the center to act in an emergency or when the parent cannot be reached or is delayed. · There was no source of dental care documented in the child's record. (C1) Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “Each child file is up to date with the current information.” 11. Violation: 1 of 1 (C3) children's files reviewed did not contain documentation of a current physical examination received within 30 days of enrollment. Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125, item G; and part 9503.0140, subpart 3 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in a Correction Order dated June 12, 2026. In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “We have the children’s health care summary update.” 12. Violation: 1 of 1 (C3) children's files reviewed did not contain a current immunization record, a signed notarized statement of parental objection to the immunization, or a medical exemption. Citation: Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125, item G; and part 9503.0140, subpart 5 13. Violation: The program did not develop an Individual Child Care Program Plan for 1 of 1 (C2) children's files reviewed with a known allergy. Although an ICCPP for the child's food allergies was documented, an additional ICCPP was required for the child's medication allergy. (C2) Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.66, subdivision 1, paragraph (a) Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in the following orders: · A Correction Order dated June 12, 2026 · A Correction Order dated December 16, 2025 In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “We created a new ICCPP for all the child’s allergies” POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS 14. Violation: The risk reduction plan did not include specific policies and procedures to ensure adequate supervision of children at all times, with particular emphasis on supervision of preschool children when using an individual, private restroom within the classroom with the door closed. Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.54, subdivision 2, paragraph (f) Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in a Correction Order dated June 12, 2026. In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “The building risk plan was updated on 6/18/2026.” 15. Violation: The license holder did not have a written emergency plan that included: · Accommodations for a child with a disability or a chronic medical condition; · Procedure for storing a child's medically necessary medicine that facilitates easy removal during an evacuation or relocation; and · Accommodations for infants and toddlers. Citation: Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.66, subdivision 3 Repeat Licensing Violation: The license holder was cited for a similar violation in a Correction Order dated June 12, 2026. In your response to the Correction Order dated June 26, 2026, you stated, “Building emergency plan was updated on 6/18/2026.” Immediate corrective action required You must immediately correct the violations cited above. Submit documentation to your licensor within 30 days from when you received this order explaining how you have corrected the violations. If you fail to demonstrate substantial compliance with child care center requirements or with the terms of your conditional license that are provided below, DCYF may take an additional licensing action, including revocation, against your license. Additionally, DCYF will not approve a request to increase services from the date of this order until the time your conditional license expires. CONDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS In addition to the child care licensing rules and statutes, you are required to comply with the following terms: 1. Within 15 days from receipt of this order, you must provide written notification of the conditional status of your license to all parents/legal guardians. Prior to providing the written notification to all parents/legal guardians, you must submit the written notice to your DCYF licensor for approval. The notification must specify the length of time of the conditional status of your license, the reasons your license was made conditional, and must include either a copy of the Order of Conditional License or an offer to provide a copy of the order upon request. 2. On a daily basis while your license is on a conditional status, you must complete daily maintenance, cleanliness, and hazard checks of the facility, equipment, and outdoor play areas, and maintain documentation onsite to show that the checks have been completed. This documentation must be made immediately available to the Commissioner during onsite inspection and otherwise requested. 3. You must develop a system that includes using a checklist to ensure you have a record onsite for every child enrolled in your program and each record maintains all required information as specified under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125 and Minnesota Statutes, section 142B. 66, subdivision 1, paragraph (a). Within 30 days from receipt of this order, you must submit a copy of the checklist you will use to ensure each child has a record and contains all required documentation. On an ongoing basis while your license is on conditional status, you must complete the checklist for each child enrolled in your program and maintain a copy of the completed checklist in each child’s file. YOUR RIGHT TO REQUEST RECONSIDERATION You have the right to request reconsideration of this order and the cited violations. Your request must: · Be in writing · Clearly state that you are requesting reconsideration of the conditional license · List each citation you are challenging and identify what is inaccurate or incomplete about the information in the order · Supply information that is accurate or more complete · State why you believe your license should not be on a conditional status · Be made before the deadlines provided below If you choose to request reconsideration of this order, you must use the Provider Hub (https://providerhub.DCYF.mn.gov/) to submit your request. The timeline to request reconsideration began when this order was issued in the Provider Hub. Your request for reconsideration must be submitted in the Provider Hub within 10 calendar days from the date of issue. If you do not meet this deadline, you lose your right to request reconsideration. Conditional license stayed pending reconsideration If you request reconsideration within the timeframes described above, the terms of the conditional license will not take effect until a decision is issued by DCYF. If the conditional license is affirmed on reconsideration, the terms would take effect on the date of the reconsideration decision, and run for two years from that date. You continue to be required to comply with all child care center laws and rules. Posting of this licensing action You are required to place this Order of Conditional License in a place that is clearly noticeable to the people receiving services and all visitors to the facility for two years, even if you appeal. Legal authority for this licensing action · This action is taken under Minnesota Statutes, 142B.16, subdivision 1. · Child Care Centers are required to follow Minnesota Rules 9503.0005 to 9503.0170; and Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 142B, 245C, and 260E · The timeline to request reconsideration of the order is provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.16, subdivision 4. · The requirement to post this order in a clearly visible location is required under Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.16, subdivision 5. · If a license holder files a timely reconsideration request, the terms of the conditional license are stayed pending a decision by DCYF under Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.16, subdivision 4. · Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.16, subdivision 3 states that DCYF may impose additional licensing actions against a license holder that does not correct the violations cited in a conditional license order. Questions If you have any further questions regarding this matter, you may contact Donna Gainor, Supervisor, at 651-431-6529. Sincerely,
Kimberly Sommers, Unit Assistant Manager Licensing Division Office of Inspector General
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