Vestal Early Head Start

High risk Infant areas must be free of objects that could cause choking.

State rule 746.2401(6) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Basic Requirements for Infants - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers"

Inspector's note: An infant was observed sleeping with a bib on in a crib. *Note: this was corrected at inspection when the bib was removed

Corrected Oct 23, 2026, verified by the state Oct 28, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

High risk The state prohibits certain punishments of children, such as hitting, grabbing, shaming, withholding food or rest, or locking a child in a room.

State rule 746.2805(3) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Prohibited Punishments - Grabbing and Pulling"

Inspector's note: Based on information gathered during this investigation, a caregiver used inappropriate discipline by grabbing a child by the arm.

Corrected Oct 9, 2026, verified by the state Oct 9, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

High risk The operation must report to the state any situation that places children at risk.

State rule 746.305(a)(6) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Report Situation Placing Children at Risk"

Inspector's note: Based on information gathered during this investigation, the operation failed to report to Child Care Regulation within 48 hours of becoming aware of an incident in which a caregiver was accused of using inappropriate discipline.

Corrected Oct 9, 2026, verified by the state Oct 9, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium-high risk Discipline must follow the state's rules for positive discipline and guidance.

State rule 746.2803(4) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Discipline - Positive Methods of Discipline and Guidance"

Inspector's note: Based on the information gathered, the caregiver did not use positive discipline methods with a child. The video confirmed that the caregiver was standing over the child in a position of authority, directly in the child?s face. She did not redirect the child?s behavior positively.

Corrected Oct 9, 2026, verified by the state Oct 9, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

High risk The state prohibits certain punishments of children, such as hitting, grabbing, shaming, withholding food or rest, or locking a child in a room.

State rule 746.2805(5) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Prohibited Punishments - Humiliating, Rejecting, Yelling"

Inspector's note: It was determined in an investigation that a caregiver was using a prohibited form of discipline when she was observed and heard yelling at children.

Corrected Sep 10, 2026, verified by the state Sep 21, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium-high risk Discipline must follow the state's rules for positive discipline and guidance.

State rule 746.2803(4) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Discipline - Positive Methods of Discipline and Guidance"

Inspector's note: It was determined in an investigation that positive methods of discipline were not used by a caregiver. In a video, children appeared to be intimidated by the caregiver, as one child covered his eyes when the caregiver entered the room and put his head down after the caregiver talked to him.

Corrected Sep 10, 2026, verified by the state Sep 21, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium risk Caregivers must complete 24 hours of annual training, and it must be documented.

State rule 746.1309(a) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required"

Inspector's note: The total of required 24 hours for 2024-2025 was unavailable for review for one staff.

Corrected Oct 22, 2025, verified by the state Oct 15, 2025. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium risk The director must complete 30 hours of annual training.

State rule 746.1311(a) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required"

Inspector's note: The total required 30 hours of training for 2023-2024 was unavailable for review.

Corrected Oct 22, 2025, verified by the state Oct 15, 2025. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).