Growing Grounds Creative Arts Academy

Based on interview on 5/18/2026 at 3 p.m., S1 failed to have 8 of 8 children's records containing a Child's Information Form. Children records were not available upon request. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will keep all records on center's premises to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on interview on 5/18/2026 at 3 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation of written authorization signed and dated by the parent to secure emergency medical treatment. Children records were not available upon request. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will keep all records on center's premises to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on interview(s) and observation on 5/18/2026 at 11:35 a.m., Although there is an appointed Staff-in-Charge, S2 who is given the authority to respond to emergencies, inspections, and parental concerns failed to have access to all required documentation requested by the Specialist. Corrective Action: Effective 5/18/2026, S1 stated she will provide a desktop for the staff in charge to access all required documentation. 1907-F.1.-5. – Prohibited Items --Not Met Prohibited items: 1. infant walkers; 2. toy chests, storage bins and other equipment with attached lids; 3. latex…

1711.A.&B.&D: Based on observations on 5/18/2026 at 11:30 a.m., child to staff ratio failed to be met for the following group of children: 19 children, ages 8 months-to-4-years-old, with 2 staff. S2 joined the group on the playground to satisfy ratio requirements. S1 failed to have a minimum of 2 child care staff present at the center when more than four children are present. At 6:40 a.m., S3 was supervising 6 children ages 1 to 4 years old. S2 arrived at 7:50 a.m. to satisfy ratio. Corrective Action: Effective 5/18/2026, S1 stated she will notify parents in group message of staffing shortage…

Based on observation on 5/18/2026 at 12:35 p.m., S1 failed to ensure children were under supervision at all times asthe Specialist observed C1, 4-years-old, alone in a classroom . S1 entered into the classroom at 12:36 p.m. to supervise C1. Corrective Action: Effective 5/18/2026, S1 stated she will encourage staff to position themselves in a manner to see all children and update each other when transitioning from one task to another to ensure compliance with this regulation.

1723.A.&B.: Based on interview on 5/18/2026 at 2:45 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation that all staff on the premises and accessible to the children have current certification in infant and child CPR through training approved by the department. 4 of 4 staff. Staff records were not available upon request. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will keep records on campus to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on interview on 5/18/2026 at 2:45 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation that all staff on the premises and accessible to the children have current certification in pediatric first aid through training approved by the department for 4 of 4 staff. Staff records were not available upon request. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will keep records on campus to ensure compliance with this regulation.

C.: Based on interview on 5/18/2026 at 2:45 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation of training in medication administration for at least two staff members. Staff records were not available upon request. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will keep records on campus to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 5/18/2026 at 2:45 p.m., S1 failed to have S4's CCCBC-based determination of eligibility available on the center's CCCBC roster at all times for inspection upon request by the department. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will update the center's CCCBC roster to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 5/18/2026 at 2:45 p.m., S1 failed to have S3's CCCBC-based determination of eligibility was not conducted for S3. 1 of 4 staff at least once during a five-year period. S3's CCCBC expired 3/13/2026. Corrective Action: Effective 5/19/2026, S1 stated she will check the CCCBC portal on a more regular basis (weekly) to ensure compliance with this regulation. 1103-A-F – Critical Incidents and Required Notification --Not Met An early learning center shall make immediate notification to emergency personnel, law enforcement as applicable, and other appropriate…

Based on observation on 5/18/2026 at 11:53 a.m., center equipment used by children failed to be in good repair. A little tikes ride on car did not have a steering wheel and was utilized by children on the playground. Corrective Action: Effective 5/18/2026, S1 stated she will remove the ride on car from the playground to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation on 5/18/2026 at 12:40 p.m., S1 failed to ensure plastic bags were inaccessible to children. The Specialist observed a plastic bag not in use laying on an open shelf accessible to children, in the children's bathroom. This was corrected prior to Specialist exiting the center. Corrective Action: Effective 5/18/2026, S1 stated she will encourage staff to remove all plastic bags to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 11:15 a.m., the center's daily attendance record for children failed to include the time of departure and the first and last name of the person to whom the child was released. The Specialist reviewed records from 1/28/2026 until present, and verified the following: the departure time failed to be documented 27 times and the name of the person to whom the child was released failed to be documented 20 times. Corrective Action: Effective 2/24/2026, S2 have S3 to review attendance and remind parents of the attendance requirements to ensure compliance with this…

Based on record review/interview at approximately 12:00 p.m., S2 failed to include time of visual check documenting that the entire center and play yard is checked after the last child departs each day to ensure that no child is left unattended at the center. The Specialist reviewed the end-of-Day visual check of the center from 1/28/2025 to present and observed that the time failed to be documented 2/9/2026 - 2/13/2026. Corrective Action: Effective 2/24/2026, S2 will have S3 to also review End-of-Day checks to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation at 11:00 a.m., the outdoor area was not free of hazards. The Specialist observed a water hose on the playground. The water hose was removed during inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 2/24/2026, S2 will check playground during morning walkthrough to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 11:45 a.m., S2 failed to have a complete evacuation pack that included a list of emergency contact information and emergency medical authorization for all enrolled children, and an emergency pick up form. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 2/24/2026, S2 will print copies and add to the evacuation pack to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 10:00 a.m., S1 failed to maintain a daily attendance record for children from 01/02/2026 to present to include the arrival time, 12 times, the departure time, 35 times, and the first and last name of the person to whom the children were released to 2 times. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 01/28/2026, S1 stated she will send a GroupMe update to all enrolled parents emphasizing the importance of daily attendance and S3 will review attendance prior to closing center daily, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

C.: Based on observation and record review at 11:00 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the required orientation was completed for the following staff within seven and thirty calendar day of the first day working and prior to assuming sole responsibility for any children. S3 first day working on 8/18/2025 and S7 on 10/29/2025. ¨ Center-specific orientation not completed within seven calendar days for S7; ¨ DCFS online Mandated Reporter Training not completed within seven calendar days for S3 and S7; ¨ LDE Key Training Module 1 not completed within seven calendar days for S3 and S7; ¨ LDE…

1727B.: Based on record review/Interview at 09:30 a.m., S1 failed to ensure 4 of 4 staff, S1, S2, S3, and S7, completed the online child abuse and neglect Mandated Reporter Training provided by DCFS annually in 2025. Corrective Action: Effective 01/28/2026, S1 stated she will create a calendar with expiration dates, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to obtain a ACCCBC-based determination of eligibility for child care purposes from the department or document the paid, adult staff member not counted in child to staff ratio, who accompanied each visitor and independent contractor, while present or performing services in the center on 01/13/2026, 01/15/2026, 01/16/2026, 01/21/2026, and 01/27/2026. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 01/28/2026, S1 stated a tag or label system will ensure all visitors and independent contractors check in on the…

Based on observation at 9:00 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the outdoor play space was enclosed in a manner that protects children from traffic hazards, prevents children from leaving the premises without proper supervision, and prevents contact with animals or unauthorized persons as the fence gate does not securely latch when closed. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 01/28/2026, S1 stated she created a facebook post inquiring of contractors to properly secure the fence and all enrolled children playtime will consist of indoor play until the…

Based on record review at 10:40 a.m., S1 failed to have a complete evacuation pack that included a list of emergency contact information and emergency medical authorization for all enrolled children, and an emergency pick up form. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 01/28/2026, S1 stated S2 will make a copy of all enrolled children mastercards and a blank pick up form by 02/02/206, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review and interview at 12 p.m., S1 failed to ensure that the entire center and play yard were checked after the last child departed to ensure that no child was left unattended at the center from 11/3/2025-11/7/2025, 11/10/2025-11/1/42025, 11/17/2025-11/21/2025, 11/24/2025-11/26/2025, 12/1/2025-12/5/2025, and 12/8/2025-12/11/2025. The Specialist verified that the center was open and children were present on these dates. This could not be corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated will have printed monthly end of the day check…

Based on record review and interview at 10 a.m., S1 failed to maintain a current commercial liability insurance for the operation of the center to ensure medical coverage for children in the event of accident or injury. The center's policy expired on 11/14/2025. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will renew the policy no later that 12/19/2025. S1 complete all renewals prior to the last date of the policy expiration to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 1 p.m., S1 failed to maintain a daily attendance record for children from 11/3/2025 to 12/11/2025 to include the arrival time, 21 times, the departure time, 52 times, and the first and last name of the person to whom the children were released to 14 times. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will conduct a daily attendance review no later than the center's cutoff time at 10 a.m. An end of the day review will be done, prior to leaving the center. A weekly review will be conducted on Friday,…

Based on record review and interview at 12 p.m., S1 failed to maintain documentation of a daily attendance that included an arrival time, one time, and the departure time, ten times, from 10/15/2025 to 11/7/2025, and 11/18/2025 to 12/11/2025. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she update the record for all staff to have their own slog sheet to record their attendance, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review and interview at 12 p.m., S1 failed to maintain documentation of daily attendance records for staff and owners on site or in electronic form for two years as S1 did not have the records from 10/1/2025 to 10/14/2025 and 11/10/2025 to 11/17/2025 when requested for review. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will file all attendance records in an attendance binder for staff and children. S1 will scan the record into a Google-Drive to complete payroll off-site and leave the originals in the center…

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 12 p.m., S1 failed to maintain an application or staff information form for S3, S6, and S7 to include their name, date of birth, home address and phone number, training, work experience, educational background, hire date, and first day onsite working with children. S6 and S7's staff information form was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will have all staff complete the staff information form prior to their first day working. The staff information form will be scanned into a Google-Drive…

Based on record review at 10 a.m., S1 failed to maintain a state or federal government issued photo identification for S6 and S7. This was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will scan a copy of the staff photo identification into a Google-Drive prior to their first day working and a printed copy will be added to a staff binder. A record review will be completed quarterly to ensure all documentation is complete, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

C.: Based on observation and record review at 9 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the required orientation was completed for the following staff within seven and thirty calendar day of the first day working and prior to assuming sole responsibility for any children. S3 first day working on 8/18/2025, S5 on 4/28/2025, S6 on 10/8/2025, and S7 on 10/29/2025. ¨ Center-specific orientation not completed within seven calendar days for S6 and S7; ¨ DCFS online Mandated Reporter Training not completed within seven calendar days for S3, S5, S6, and S7; ¨ LDE Key Training Module 1 not completed within…

C.: Based on record review at 10 a.m., S1 failed to ensure 4 of 4 center staff , S1, S2, S3, and S5, obtained a minimum of 12 clock hours of training annually in topics found in §1719(A) and (B). S1 completed seven hours, S2 completed three hours, S3 completed zero hours, and S5 completed one hour. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will have all staff she will schedule staff trainings to be completed monthly. All certificates will be scanned into a Google-Drive and added to a staff binder. A record review will be…

1723.A.&B.: Based on observation and record review at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to maintain documentation that 1 of 2 staff, S2, on the premises and accessible to the children had a current certification in Infant, Child, and CPR through training approved by the department. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will schedule trainings to be completed one month prior to the expiration and will request training certificates to be received within a week of training completion. All certificates will be scanned into a Google-Drive and added…

Based on observation and record review at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to maintain documentation that 1 of 2 staff, S2, on the premises and accessible to the children had a current certification in Pediatric First Aid through training approved by the department. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will schedule trainings to be completed one month prior to the expiration and will request training certificates to be received within a week of training completion. All certificates will be scanned into a Google-Drive and added to a…

Based on record review and interview at 12 p.m., S1 failed to ensure 3 of 3 staff, S3 (Date of Hire: 8/18/2025), S6 (Date of Hire: 10/8/2025), and S7 (10/29/2025) obtained a current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 calendar days from the date of hire and prior to assuming sole responsibility for 18 children, aged infant to 4-years-old. According to the staff attendance S5 (Date of Hire: 4/28/2025) was present in the center on 10/30/2025 and 10/31/2025 and has not obtained a certification in pediatric first aid and CPR. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1…

Based on record review and interview on at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation of S6 and S7's CCCBC-based Determination of Eligibility on the center's CCCBC roster at all times. This was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will add all new staff to the CCCBC roster prior to their first day working. She will conduct a weekly review to ensure all staff are listed, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to obtain a ACCCBC-based determination of eligibility for child care purposes from the department or document the paid, adult staff member not counted in child to staff ratio, who accompanied each visitor and independent contractor, while present or performing services in the center on 10/13/2025-10/17/2025, 10/21/2025, 10/29/2025, 11/3/2025-11/4/2025, 11/10/2025, 11/12/2025, 11/14/2025, 11/20/2025, 12/2/2025, 12/9/2025, and 12/111/2025. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated a…

Based on observation at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the indoor area was free of hazards. The eating area and classroom 4 were missing wall outlet safety covers and there were multiple spray cans and a container of screws and nails in classroom 4. All hazards were removed and corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will conduct a daily walk-through of the center to ensure to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the outdoor play space was enclosed in a manner that protects children from traffic hazards, prevents children from leaving the premises without proper supervision, and prevents contact with animals or unauthorized persons as the fence gate does not securely latch when closed. This was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will add the gate properly closing to the daily checklist. If it is not working properly, she will notify S1 so that maintenance can be completed to the gate,…

Based on record review at 10 a.m., S1 failed to have a complete evacuation pack that included a list of emergency contact information and emergency medical authorization for all enrolled children, and an emergency pick up form. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 12/12/2025, S1 stated she will create a binder with the children's mastercards and will place in the emergency pack no later than 12/19/2025. S1 will add to a checklist for all newly enrolled children's mastercards to be added to the pack to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 10:35 a.m., S1 failed to ensure that the entire center and play yard were checked after the last child departed to ensure that no child was left unattended at the center on 5/22/2025, 5/23/2025, 5/28/2025, and 8/16/2025. The Specialist verified that the center was open and children were present on these dates. This could not be corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated she will review this regulation with all closing staff. End-of-day documentation will be added to the morning checklist for review to…

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 1:15 p.m., S1 failed to ensure the Time Out policy, as part of the center's Behavior Management Policy, clearly states that time out shall not be used for children under age two. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will update the policy documentation and parent handbook, and provide to the parents, no later than the close of business on 9/5/2025, to ensure compliance of this regulation.

Based on record review and interview on 8/28/2025, at 8:45 a.m., although S2 was present in S1's absence, S1 failed to provide S2 with the authority to have access to all required information requested by the Specialist during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she purchased a filing cabinet and will actively use a licensing binder for all required documentation. S1 will train S2 on how to respond to all licensing requests in her absence, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure there was a minimum of 2 child care staff present at an early learning center when more than 4 children were present. S2 was the only staff present with 5 children from 6:56 a.m. until S4's arrival at 7:19 a.m. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will hire an additional staff person to open the center and ensure the child-to-staff ratio is met at arrival, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 12 p.m., S1 failed to have an application or staff information form for S3 and S4, to include their name, date of birth, home address and phone number, training, work experience, educational background, hire date, and first day onsite working with children. S3's Information form was corrected on 9/3/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will create and utilize a new hire packet and checklist that will include all documentation for a staff record, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

C.: Based on observation and record review on 8/28/2025, at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure there was documentation that S3 and S4 received the center-specific orientation, the DCFS Online Mandated Reporter Training, and the LDE Key Training Module 1-3, prior to having sole responsibility for any children. S3's first day present was 8/18/2025, and assumed sole responsibility for 5 children, aged 7 months to 1-year-old; and S4's first day present was undetermined, and assumed sole responsibility for 3 children, aged 2 to 4 years old. S5's first day present was 5/8/2025, and there was no…

Based on observation and record review on 8/28/2025, at 9:25 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 1 of 4 staff, S5, and on 9/3/2025, at 1:30 p.m., 1 of 3 staff, S2, on the premises and accessible to the children had a current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. This was not corrected during the inspection. S1 scheduled a training on 9/9/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will schedule all staff together to complete the training 30 days prior to the expiration date, to ensure compliance with…

Based on observation and record review on 8/28/2025, at 9:25 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 1 of 4 staff, S5, and on 9/3/2025, at 1:30 p.m., 1 of 3 staff, S2, on the premises and accessible to the children had a current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. This was not corrected during the inspection. S1 scheduled a training on 9/9/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will schedule all staff together to complete the training 30 days prior to the expiration date, to ensure compliance with…

Based on observation and record review on 8/28/2025, at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure 2 of 4 staff, S3 (Date of Hire: 8/18/2025), and S4 (Date of Hire: Unknown) had a current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 calendar days from the date of hire, and prior to assuming sole responsibility for any children. S3 provided sole responsibility for 5 children, aged 7 months to 1 year old, and S4 provided sole responsibility for 3 children, aged 2 to 4 years old. This was not corrected during the inspection. S1 scheduled a training on 9/9/2025. Corrective Action:…

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation of S3's CCCBC-based Determination of Eligibility on the center's CCCBC roster at all times. This was corrected on 9/3/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will create and utilize a new hire packet and checklist that will include staff on the center's CCCBC roster, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation on 8/28/2025, 8:45 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the indoor area was free of hazards. The wall outlet in the eating area was missing a safety cover, and there were multiple spray paint cans and fluorescent lighting tubes in a box, propped against the wall in an unlocked classroom, and accessible to 3 children, aged 2 to 4 years old. S2 corrected by adding a safety cover to the wall outlet and placing a shelf as a barrier to accessing the unlocked door to the classroom. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will remove the hazards from the…

Based on observation on 9/3/2025, at 1:30 p.m., S2 failed to ensure cribs were free of soft or loose bedding, including blankets. The Specialist observed C1 and C6 covered with blankets while asleep in their cribs. S2 removed the blankets prior to the Specialist leaving the classroom. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will make a list of prohibited items and practices for the infant classroom staff to follow, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation and interview on 8/28/2025, at 9 a.m., S2 failed to place C1, 7 months old, on her back for sleeping. The Specialist observed C1 asleep on her stomach. S2 stated she placed C1 on her stomach in the crib. This was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will make a list of prohibited items and practices for the infant classroom staff to follow, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation on 9/3/2025, at 5:08 p.m., S3 allowed a bib to be worn by C6, 11-months-old, while asleep. S3 removed the bib during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will make a list of prohibited items and practices for the infant classroom staff to follow, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on observation on 8/28/2025, at 8:40 a.m., S2 and S3 allowed a pacifier to be attached to C1, a 7-month-old. This was corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will make a list of prohibited items and practices for the infant classroom staff to follow, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 12 p.m., S1 failed to post C5's allergies and special diets of no yeast, sesame seed/sunflower seed oils, and milk in the food preparation. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will review all children's information forms at the time of their enrollment and add to the dietary and allergy list in the kitchen area, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 1 p.m., S1 failed to have a written multi-hazard emergency and evacuation plan to protect children in the event of emergencies available for review by the Specialist. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will review all requirements and update the center's emergency and evacuation plan no later than 9/26/2025, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 9 a.m., S1 failed to have a completed evacuation pack that included a list of emergency contact information and emergency medical authorization for all enrolled children, and an emergency pick up form. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S1 stated that she will make copies of the children's master cards and required medical information and include them in the emergency pack. All newly enrolled children's forms will be added to the pack, to ensure compliance with this regulation.

Based on record review on 8/28/2025, at 12 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation that tornado drills were conducted at least once per month during March, April, May, and June 2025, and available for review. This was not corrected during the inspection. Corrective Action: Effective 9/3/2025, S2 stated that she will schedule the tornado drills and label them on the end-of-day calendar to ensure they are completed during these months at various times, to ensure compliance with this regulation.