Kindercare Learning Ctrs 1304

Violations by category

• Cleanliness & sanitation 5
• Illness & medication 1
• Supervision & ratios 3
• Discipline & child guidance 6
• Safety & premises 5
• Staff background & training 13
• Records & paperwork 5
• Other 8

Year by year

Enforcement actions

• Dec 3, 2024 — Orders Letter

  251.04(2)(m) (Health, Safety & Welfare Of Children ) on 11/18/2024 : On November 7, 2024, the center used materials that were unsafe for one-year children when they placed raw spiral noodles in a sensory bin and a one-year-old child choked on one of the noodles, requiring medical attention.

• Jul 25, 2024 — Forfeiture
• Jul 25, 2024 — Orders Letter

A warning letter is not an enforcement action under Wisconsin law and carries no appeal rights. Orders and forfeitures are enforcement actions and can be appealed.

Inspection visits

1. Sep 8, 2026 Licensing visit · 726 rules checked, 5 not met
   • Records & paperwork

     One child, #11 did not have a file at the center - her first day was today 9/8/26 - see checklist.

     DCF 251.04(6)(a) — Child Record - Maintenance & Availability

   • Staff background & training

     Staff member #A, did not have their education qualifications in their file after 6 months of employment - see checklist.

     DCF 251.05(3)(g)2. — Assistant Child Care Teacher - Qualifications

   • Safety & premises

     A fire drill was not practiced in August of 2026

     DCF 251.06(3)(b)2. — Emergencies - Practice Written Plans

   • Other

     One child, #11, did not have her intake on file on her first day of attendance. This was corrected on the visit date.

     DCF 251.09(1)(am) — Infant & Toddler - Intake Information

   • Staff background & training

     One staff member, #A, was working in the infant room and did not have his infant and toddler course within 6 months of hire.

     DCF 251.09(1)(e) — Infant & Toddler - Provider Training

   DCF visit report

2. Jul 7, 2026 Licensing visit · 66 rules checked, 7 not met 1 serious
   • Records & paperwork Serious

     Based on complaint investigation, and through a record review of the center's child tracking method/CSR'S for 6/22/26, 6/23/26, and 6/24/26, it was determined the CSR's failed to be filled out accurately. The CSR's failed to have documentation of name to face tracking and name to face transitions during the arrival/departure of the classroom and arrival/ departure of the playground and at regularly scheduled intervals (minimum of every 30 minutes).

     DCF 251.055(1)(f) — Child Tracking Procedure

   • Cleanliness & sanitation

     Based on complaint investigation, and observation of the center on 7/7/26 it was determined the center failed to be well drained, free from litter, clean and in good repair. Within the kitchen the 3 sinks do not drain properly when draining water. They clog if not drained one sink at a time. There is a shelf within the kitchen that is broken and is being held up by a bucket. The overall cleanliness of the center is an issue with the floors having debris/black marks. Shelving units within classrooms that store children's toys have black marks, dust, grime and debris.

     DCF 251.06(2)(gm) — Premises - Well Drained, Clean, In Good Repair

   • Cleanliness & sanitation

     Based on complaint investigation and observation of the kitchen on 7/7/26 the kitchen utensils and food contact surfaces used for preparation, storage or serving of food failed to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use. The shelf that holds containers filled with fresh fruit failed to be clean, it had brown marks over the entire shelving units. The kitchen floor was extremely dirty with food crumbs/debris, and had black marks, and single use utensils on the floor.

     DCF 251.06(9)(b)1. — Kitchen Utensils & Surfaces - Clean & Sanitize

   • Supervision & ratios

     Based on a complaint investigation and observation of the kitchen food that was prepared earlier but not served failed to be dated, refrigerated promptly, and used within 36 or frozen immediately. The licensing specialist observed leftover prepared food, not served with lunch around 11am in an open bowl sitting on the kitchen counter during the entire duration of the visit at 1:00 pm.

     DCF 251.06(9)(f)3. — Food - Leftover Prepared Food

   • Supervision & ratios

     Based on a complaint investigation and observation of the kitchen the Staff Member completing meal prep failed to have an effective hair restraint such as hair net or caps while preparing meals.

     DCF 251.06(9)(g)1.b. — Meal Preparation Staff - Clothing, Hair Restraints

   • Cleanliness & sanitation

     Based on a complaint investigation it was determined through staff interviews and observation of the center on 7/7/26 , that the center is not following their own cleaning policies and procedures. The Licensing Specialist observed clutter/items stacked on the changing tables and the diaper sinks were not clean. The Licensing Specialist observed black marks, dust and grime stuck on changing tables, floors and toy shelves.

     DCF 251.07(3)(i) — Cleanliness Of Furnishings, Toys, Equipment

   • Cleanliness & sanitation

     Based on a complaint investigation, and observation of the classrooms children's hands and faces failed to be washed with soap and warm running water after being soiled. Children had nasal discharge running down their faces within the infant classroom, and older children who ate spaghetti for lunch still had spaghetti all over their faces when laying down on their cots for nap.

     DCF 251.07(6)(i)1. — Washing Child's Hands & Face

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

3. May 14, 2026 Licensing visit · 1 rules checked, 1 not met
   • Supervision & ratios

     While reviewing attendance records; it was determined on 04/28/2026 the PM Preschool room was over ratio. One staff member was in the room with twelve children equaling a total numerical weight of 1.122.

     DCF 251.055(2)(c) — Mixed-Age Group - Staff-To-Child Ratio

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

4. Apr 28, 2026 Licensing visit · 622 rules checked, 4 not met 2 serious
   • Safety & premises Serious

     Center failed to ensure 9 inches of energy absorbing material under the play equipment. On 04/28/2026, it was observed that most areas had little to no mulch.

     DCF 251.06(11)(b)5. — Outdoor Play Space - Energy-Absorbing Surfaces

   • Safety & premises

     The center failed to ensure that openings within the enclosure did not exceed 4 inches. On 04/28/2026, it was observed to have a 6 inch gap in bottom areas of the fence.

     DCF 251.06(11)(b)7. — Outdoor Play Space - Enclosure

   • Safety & premises Serious

     On 04/28/2026, flaking paint was observed on the walls and along the perimeter of the toddler classroom.

     DCF 251.06(2)(i) — Deteriorating Paint

   • Safety & premises

     On 04/28/2026, a child under the age of 1 was observed sleeping with a blanket in Infant Room A.

     DCF 251.09(1)(L) — Infant & Toddler - Soft Materials In Cribs

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

5. Feb 20, 2026 Licensing visit · 1 rules checked, 1 not met 1 serious
   • Staff background & training Serious

     Fingerprints not completed for the following individuals: Individual 001

     DCF 251.05(2)(a)2. — Staff Record - Completed Background Check

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

6. Oct 27, 2025 Licensing visit
   • Records & paperwork

     one child, #2, out of 8 records checked did not have a current (once every 6 months) physical in his file - see checklist.

     DCF 251.04(6)(a)8.a. — Child Record - Physical Exam - Under 2

   • Other

     One child in the 1 year old room did not have a current (updated once every 3 months) intake on hand.

     DCF 251.09(1)(c) — Infant & Toddler - Documenting Changes In Development

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

7. Sep 19, 2025 Licensing visit · 1 rules checked, 1 not met 1 serious
   • Records & paperwork Serious

     The facility did not report to the department within 24 hours of an injury to a child that occurred on 9/17/25. The facility self-reported this incident on 9/19/25.

     DCF 251.04(3)(a) — Report - Incident Or Accident

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

8. May 7, 2025 Licensing visit · 726 rules checked, 6 not met 1 serious
   • Staff background & training

     Three staff members did not have a current child abuse and neglect training in their files. They all expired in 2024 - see checklist.

     DCF 251.05(3)(cm) — Child Abuse & Neglect - Biennial Training

   • Staff background & training Serious

     One staff member did not have her qualifications in her file after 6 months of being hired - see checklist.

     DCF 251.05(3)(f)3. — Child Care Teacher - Entry-Level Training

   • Other

     5 outlets were not covered. 1 in 2 yr room, 1 in 2.5 yr room and 3 in preschool room Corrected during visit

     DCF 251.06(2)(b) — Electrical Or Hot Surface Protection

   • Cleanliness & sanitation

     The sink in the 3-5 year room was not draining properly. There was standing water in the sink.

     DCF 251.06(2)(gm) — Premises - Well Drained, Clean, In Good Repair

   • Illness & medication

     There was an entry in the Toddler B room and one in the 2.5 year old room that were not singed by the staff member who wrote the report.

     DCF 251.07(6)(dm)2. — Medical Log - Pages & Entries

   • Other

     The Toddler A room had 3 intake forms that were not updated once every 3 months and the Toddler B room had 2 intakes that were not updated once every 3 months.

     DCF 251.09(1)(c) — Infant & Toddler - Documenting Changes In Development

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

9. Dec 3, 2024 Licensing visit · 726 rules checked, 3 not met
   • Staff background & training

     Two staff members did not have abusive head trauma training prior to working with children - see checklist.

     DCF 251.05(3)(b) — Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training

   • Staff background & training

     One staff member did not have a current CPR certificate in her file - see checklist from 7/18/24.

     DCF 251.05(3)(c) — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training

   • Other

     1 intake was missing in the toddler B room and 1 intake had pages missing in the toddler A room.

     DCF 251.09(1)(c) — Infant & Toddler - Documenting Changes In Development

   DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

10. Nov 18, 2024 Licensing visit · 2 rules checked, 2 not met 1 serious
    • Other

      On November 7, 2024, the center used materials that were unsafe for one-year children when they placed raw spiral noodles in a sensory bin and a one-year-old child choked on one of the noodles, requiring medical attention.

      DCF 251.04(2)(m) — Health, Safety & Welfare Of Children

    • Records & paperwork Serious

      The facility did not report an incident that occurred on 11/7/24, where a one-year-old child choked on a raw noodle and needed medical attention, within 24 hours. The incident was reported to the department on 11/11/24.

      DCF 251.04(3)(a) — Report - Incident Or Accident

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

11. Jul 18, 2024 Licensing visit · 724 rules checked, 4 not met 1 serious

    The DCF Finder's main page now lists this visit as "No Violations found". Its own visit report below still cites these rules. DCF's list drops violations after about two years.

    • Staff background & training

      One Staff Member Did Not Have A Physical In Her File 30 Days After Employment - See Checklist.

      DCF 251.05(2)(a)3.a. — Staff Record - Physical Examination

    • Staff background & training

      One Staff Member Did Not Have Cpr Training Completed Within 3 Months Of Hire - See Checklist.

      DCF 251.05(3)(c) — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training

    • Staff background & training Serious

      Two Staff Members Did Not Have Their Orientation Completed Within Their First Week Of Hire - See Checklist,

      DCF 251.05(4)(a) — Staff Orientation - Develop, Implement, Document

    • Other

      One Child In The Infant Room Did Not Have An Updated (Once Every 3 Months) Intake Form On File.

      DCF 251.09(1)(c) — Infant & Toddler - Documenting Changes In Development

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

12. May 20, 2024 Licensing visit · 1 rules checked, 1 not met 1 serious

    The DCF Finder's main page now lists this visit as "No Violations found". Its own visit report below still cites these rules. DCF's list drops violations after about two years.

    • Staff background & training Serious

      Fingerprints Not Completed For The Following Individuals: Individual 001

      DCF 251.05(2)(a)2. — Staff Record - Completed Background Check

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

13. May 13, 2024 Licensing visit · 5 rules checked, 5 not met 3 serious

    The DCF Finder's main page now lists this visit as "No Violations found". Its own visit report below still cites these rules. DCF's list drops violations after about two years.

    • Discipline & child guidance

      The Facility Management Did Not Report That A Child Care Worker Was Using Prohibited Actions With The Child Care Children.

      DCF 251.04(3)(jm) — Report - Prohibited Actions

    • Discipline & child guidance Serious

      The Facility Staff Did Not Immediately Report Incidents Of Suspected Abuse, Including An Incident That Occurred On May 6, 2024, By A Child Care Worker, To Child Protective Services Or Local Law Enforcement.

      DCF 251.04(8)(a) — Mandated Reporting - Child Abuse & Neglect

    • Discipline & child guidance

      A Child Care Worker Placed A 3-Year-Old Child On A Time Out For Longer Than 3 Minutes When They Were Out On The Play Yard.

      DCF 251.07(2)(c)3. — Time Out - Time

    • Discipline & child guidance Serious

      On May 6, 2024, A Child Care Worker Restricted A 3-Year-Old Child's Mobility When The Worker Tightly Swaddled The Child "Cocoon Style" In A Blanket, Placed The Child On The Cot With The Worker's Knee On The Child's Back And Put The Blanket Over The Child's Head And Held It There To Stop The Child From Crying During Nap Time.

      DCF 251.07(2)(e)3. — Prohibited Actions - Physical Restraint, Restriction, Enclosure

    • Discipline & child guidance Serious

      On May 6, 2024, A Child Care Worker Was Upset With A Child That Woke Up Crying During Nap Time. The Worker Used Prohibited Actions With The Child: Withholding The Child's Pillow, Pushing The Child's Head Down Onto The Cot, Aggressively Whispering At The Child To Get The Child To Quiet Down And Go Back To Sleep. Other Co-Workers Reported They Have Witnessed Excessive Force Being Used Such As Grabbing A Child's Arm And Leaving A Red Mark (After Grabbing Too Many Paper Towels), Pushing Children Into The Table And Angerly Hollering At The Children.

      DCF 251.07(2)(e)5. — Prohibited Actions - Cruel, Aversive, Frightening, Humiliating Actions

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

14. Mar 15, 2024 Licensing visit · 1 rules checked, 1 not met 1 serious

    The DCF Finder's main page now lists this visit as "No Violations found". Its own visit report below still cites these rules. DCF's list drops violations after about two years.

    • Discipline & child guidance Serious

      A Staff Member Admitted To Slapping A Child's Hand In The Month Of February 2024.

      DCF 251.07(2)(e)1. — Prohibited Actions - Corporal Punishment

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)

15. Feb 7, 2024 Licensing visit · 725 rules checked, 3 not met

    The DCF Finder's main page now lists this visit as "No Violations found". Its own visit report below still cites these rules. DCF's list drops violations after about two years.

    • Staff background & training

      Three Staff Members Did Not Have An Approved Physical Form On File - See Checklist.

      DCF 251.05(2)(a)3.a. — Staff Record - Physical Examination

    • Staff background & training

      All 4 Staff Files Checked Did Not Have Cpr Cards In Their Files - See Checklist.

      DCF 251.05(3)(c) — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training

    • Other

      One Staff Member Did Not Have Her High School Diploma In Her File - See Checklist.

      DCF 251.05(3)(f)2.b. — Child Care Teacher - High School Or Equivalent

    DCF visit report · Correction plan (PDF)