Program: AL 93.575 and 93.596 – CCDF Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions Corrective Action Plan: DHHS will continue to communicate with State Fire Marshall (SFM), Nebraska Department Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Agency, and delegated authorities regarding expectations and timeframes for ...
Program: AL 93.575 and 93.596 – CCDF Cluster – Special Tests and Provisions Corrective Action Plan: DHHS will continue to communicate with State Fire Marshall (SFM), Nebraska Department Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Agency, and delegated authorities regarding expectations and timeframes for fire and sanitation inspections. DHHS is establishing quarterly meetings with SFM, DWEE, and delegated authorities to review overdue routine inspections, address issues, and collaborate on best practices. Quarterly meetings have been established with DWEE as of January 2025. DHHS will work with SFM and local delegates to establish regular meetings. As part of the regular meetings, DHHS will address overdue fire and sanitation inspections individually to establish reason for delay of the required inspections. DHHS Child Care Inspection Specialists conduct inspections that occur annually at a minimum and which address regulatory requirements that address a healthy and safe child care environment. If serious fire and sanitation concerns are observed at any inspection that may endanger the health and safety of children in care, DHHS will work with the appropriate authority to request an immediate inspection. SFM, DWEE, or delegated authorities always respond timely to these immediate requests. DHHS referral and follow-up procedures will be reviewed with staff and reemphasized. Due to turnover and retirement of three Child Care Licensing Supervisors, five Child Care Inspection Specialists, and two Administrative Specialist over the last two years, fire and sanitation referral procedures and follow-ups were assigned to now departed staff whose referral and follow-up records are unavailable. DHHS will continue to explore contractual options with SFM, DWEE, and delegated authorities for fire and sanitation inspections. DHHS will continue to explore statutory, regulatory and/or contract options to place more accountability on the licensee and referred agencies for maintaining current fire and sanitation approvals. DHHS will continue to implement policies and procedures for file reviews by Child Care Licensing Supervisors (CCLS). The Program Manager will reestablish file reviews that were not done consistently due to turnover in which all three Child Care Licensing Supervisors (CCLS) retired or left in the last 24 months. DHHS will continue to complete the statutory child care inspection requirements. Contact: Lindsy Braddock; Matthew Hayden Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2026