She buzzed through rooms like a boot-camp drill instructor stopping at changing tables, potties, book shelves, baby swings. She noted a broken water fountain and trash can without a lid on a standard form, which she balanced on the file. She asked workers questions. It was a friendly exchange, and workers took care of what they could on the spot. The visit also ended with a copy of the inspection report in director Leona Jacobs' hands to serve as a map for fixes before Malloy's next visit.
Most parents are only vaguely aware of such inspections.
Most don't know how often their centers or family-home providers are inspected. Few look at the reports that result from inspections, instead they trust providers to follow up on mandated changes. The law does not require day-care providers to post inspection results. It requires licensed day-care centers to be inspected three times a year. Licensed family child care homes are inspected twice a year.