Nature'S Way Child Care
Inspection history
Source: Ohio Department of Children and YouthRecords held from Sep 12, 2023 onward. Earlier visits may exist in the agency’s own files.
Ohio publishes its inspection findings only as scanned report images. The findings shown here were transcribed from those scans; the archived original report linked on each visit is the authoritative record. Findings the inspector handled as technical assistance are not violations and are not listed.
| Date | Kind | Outcome as recorded | Violations | Official record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2026 | Annual | Fully Compliant | 0 | Official report · PDF |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Complaint | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 2 | Official report · PDF |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Annual | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Partially Addressed | 12 | Official report · PDF |
| Jul 2, 2024 | Annual | Partially Compliant · Non-Compliance - Fully Addressed | 8 | Official report · PDF |
Violations
Text reproduced verbatim · Ohio Department of Children and YouthNearly every licensed provider accumulates some. A missing signature and an unlocked medicine cabinet are both “violations”, and they are not the same thing. Look at the class, the pattern over time and how quickly it was corrected — not the count alone.
Class is our grouping of the state’s own weights, reviewed per state. The agency’s own label is always shown beside it.
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“During the inspection, it was determined that Child Care Staff Members who were used in the staff/child ratio were engaged in other duties such as noted in number(s) 4 below and, therefore, were unable to provide appropriate care and supervision to the children: 1. Cooking; 2. Cleaning that interferes with supervision; 3. Paperwork; 4, Talking/texting on the phone; 5. Engaging in a conversation with a parent for an extended period of time; 6. Other [ ]. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that an owner, owner's representative, administrator, employee or child care staff member, listed on the Employee Record Chart, was not eligible to be employed as noted in number(s) 1 below: 1. The individual had a JFS 01176 ""Program Notification of Background Check Review for Child Care" on file stating the individual was not eligible for employment and the program allowed the individual to remain employed. 2. The JFS 01178 ""Request for Review of Background Check Decision for Child Care"" had been submitted for the individual and the program allowed the individual to be on-site during the review by ODJFS. The individual must be immediately released from the program. Rule 5180:2-12-03 requires the program to notify parents when a serious risk non-compliance is cited. The notification must inform parents of the serious risk non-compliance and include the Department of Children and Youth website and location of further information regarding the determination. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement the individual is no longer employed or a copy of the updated JFS 01176, and a copy of the written parent notification, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“During the inspection, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for fire inspection as noted in number(s) 1 below: 1. The program did not have documentation on file for a fire inspection without any uncorrected violations within 12 months from the date of the last fire inspection and the request for the new inspection was not made at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the previous fire inspection. 2. The documentation for the most recent fire inspection contained violations that had not been corrected, 3. The [ ] space was being used and had not been approved by the fire department or the state fire marshal’s office for child care. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes an updated fire inspection without any uncorrected violations, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“Children in care shall be protected from any items and conditions which threaten their health, safety, and well-being. During the inspection, it was determined that at least one area of the program or at least one piece of equipment had chipping or peeling paint. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that the program was not providing a clean and healthy environment, furniture, materials and equipment as required by Appendix A, as noted in number(s) 17 below: 1. Item(s) soiled with blood or bodily fluids were not cleaned/sanitized immediately. 2. Blankets/sheets were not cleaned weekly, when soiled, or before use by another child. 3. Children's individual blankets and belongings were stored in an unsanitary manner. 4. Bottles, bottle caps, nipples and other equipment used for bottle feeding were not cleaned and sanitized in a dishwasher or by washing, rinsing, and boiling for one minute. 5. Carpets were not vacuumed weekly or cleaned when soiled. 6. Changing table/pad was not sanitized after each use or cleaned when visibly soiled. 7. Reusable cloths were not being washed daily or when visibly soiled. 8. Cots/Pads/Mats were not cleaned and sanitized before assigning to a different child, when used by a sick child, when soiled or at least every three months. 9. Cribs were not cleaned and sanitized monthly, or when soiled, or before use by another child. 10. Diaper Receptables were not cleaned and sanitized daily or more frequently as needed to eliminate odor. 11. Dishes/Cups/Silverware were not cleaned and sanitized after each use. 12. Water Containers were not labeled with the child's name, or were not cleaned and sanitized before use again on another day. 13. Dividers were not cleaned when visibly soiled. 14. Dress up clothes and hats (dramatic play) were not cleaned monthly or when soiled. 15. Floors were not cleaned weekly or when soiled. 16. The food prep area, including sinks, were not cleaned before and after preparing food (including bottle preparation) or between preparing raw or cooked food. 17. Potty seat insert was laying on the bathroom floor. 18. Food tables, highchair trays were not cleaned before and after each use. 19. Tables used for play were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily. 20. Toilet bowls were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized weekly. 21. Toilet seat(s), handle(s) and hand washing sink(s) were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily. 22. Mouthed toys were not cleaned and sanitized after each child’s use. 23. Toys, other than those mouthed by children, were not cleaned monthly or when visibly soiled. 24, Washable furniture, including fabrics on infant equipment, were not cleaned weekly or when soiled. 25. Upholstered furniture was not steam cleaned when soiled. 26. Slip covers were not washed at least every six months or when soiled. 27. Wastebaskets/rinse buckets, including lids, were not being emptied daily or cleaned and sanitized when visibly soiled. 28. The manufacturer's directions for the cleaning product were not followed. 29. The solution used for sanitizing was not a commercial product registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer. 30. Other [ ]. Furniture, materials and equipment must be maintained according to the cleaning and sanitizing schedule in Appendix A to this rule. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that handwashing requirements were not followed as listed in number 12 below, as required in rule. 1. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands upon arrival for the day. 2. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands prior to departure. 3. At least one staff did not wash their hands upon entry into a classroom. 4. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after toileting or assisting a child with toileting. 5. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after each diaper change or pull-up change. 6. At least one staff did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids or cleaning up spills or objects contaminated with bodily fluids. 7. At least one child did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids. 8. At least one child did not wash their hands after returning inside after outdoor play. 9. At least one staff did not wash their hands after cleaning or sanitizing or using any chemical products. 10. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after handling pets, pet cages or other pet objects that have come in contact with the pet. 11. At least one staff did not wash their hands before eating, serving or preparing food or bottles or feeding a child. 12. At least one child did not wash their hands before eating or assisting with food preparation. 13. At least one staff did not wash their hands before and after completing a medical procedure or administering medication. 14. At least one child did not wash their hands after water activities. 15. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands when visibly soiled (must use soap and water). 16. Other [ ]. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that child care staff member(s) did not meet the requirements for completing the online orientation training as noted in number 1 below: 1. The training was not completed within 30 days of starting employment at the program as a child care staff member. 2. Documentation of completing the training after December 31, 2016 was not on file. 3. Completion of the training was not verified in the OPR. 4. A child care staff member had sole responsibility of children and had not completed the online orientation. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in number(s) 2, 3 below: 1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire. 2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired. 5. The first aid training was expired. 6. The CPR training was expired. Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined the program did not have at least one child care staff member present/scheduled to be present during all hours of operation with currently valid documentation for the training(s) listed in number 12 below: 1. First Aid — child care staff members scheduled during the hours of [ ] and [ ] had expired training 2. First Aid — child care staff members scheduled during the hours of [ ] and [ ] did not have verification of completion of First Aid 3. First Aid — trained child care staff member was not present in each building used by the program. 4. CPR - child care staff members scheduled during the hours of [ ] and [ ] had expired training 5. CPR — child care staff scheduled during the hours of [ ] and[ ] had did not have verification of completion of CPR 6. CPR - trained child care staff member was not present in each building used by children 7. CPR — training taken by staff was not appropriate for all ages and developmental levels of the children in care 8. CPR - audiovisual or electronic media training taken by staff did not include an in-person component of the training 9. Communicable Disease — child care staff members scheduled during the hours of [ ] and[ ] had expired training 10. Communicable Disease — child care staff scheduled during the hours of [ ] and[ ] had not taken Communicable Disease training 11. Communicable Disease — trained child care staff member was not present in each building used by the program 12. Child Abuse — child care staff members scheduled during the hours of 6:45am - 8:00am had expired training 13. Child Abuse — child care staff scheduled during the hours of [ ] and [ ] had not taken Child Abuse training 14. Child Abuse — trained child care staff was not in each building used by the program Refer to the Employee Record Chart for specific details. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes verification of complete coverage for any training listed, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member did not meet the annual professional development requirement as noted in number 1 below: 1. The child care staff member(s) had not completed at least six hours of professional development. 2. Documentation did not demonstrate the person who provided the training met the trainer qualifications as stated in the rule. 3. Training topic did not meet the requirements listed in appendix A of this rule. 4. Documentation of training did not meet the requirements of this rule. 5. The substitute(s) had been used more than ninety days annually between July first and June thirtieth and had not completed at least six hours of professional development 6. Other [ ]. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined employment records in the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) were not created or maintained as noted in number 5, 6 below: 1. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member (including substitutes) had not created a profile. 2. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not created an employment record for the program on or before their first day of employment. 3. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not updated changes to positions or roles within five calendar days of the change. 4. The administrator had not assigned at least one employee or child care staff member to the program's organization dashboard. 5. At least one individual's schedule was not current. 6. At least one individual's position or role did not include an applicable group assignment. 7. At least one individual's employment had not been end dated. 8. Other: [ ] Submit the program's corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number 1 below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee; 2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employee’s first day of employment; 3. Date of examination was missing; 4, Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing; 5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); 6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that verification of a high school education for the child care staff member(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart, did not meet the requirements as listed in number 1 below: 1. Verification of completion of a high school education was not on file. 2. Documentation was incomplete or not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a career- technical program. 3. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is also enrolled in a college credit program in child development or early childhood education. 4. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) training program. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the education verification, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of 25% of the children's records, it was determined that completed medical statements were not on file, as required, for children listed on the JFS Children's Record Review For Child Care as indicated in number 7 below: 1. No medical was on file for at least one child 2. Medical(s) on file was not updated every 13 months 3. Medical(s) were missing child's name and date of birth 4. Medical(s) were missing the date of the medical examination 5. The date of the exam was more than 13 months prior to the date the form was signed. 6. Medical(s) were missing a statement that the child has been examined and is in suitable condition for participation in group care 7. Medical(s) were missing the signature, business address and telephone number of the physician, physician's assistant(PA), advance practice nurse (APN) or certified nurse practitioner (CNP) who examined the child 8. Medical(s) were missing a record of immunizations the child has had specifying month, day and year 9, Medical(s) were missing a statement from the physician, PA, APN, or CNP that the child has been immunized or is in the process of being immunized against the diseases required by division 5104.014 of the Revised Code and found in appendix A to this rule 10. Medical(s) were missing a statement from the child’s parent or guardian that he or she has declined to have the child immunized against the disease for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions 11. Other [ ] Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
Ohio Department of Children and Youth publishes these findings only as a scanned report. The text below was transcribed from that scan — the archived original is authoritative.
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were not protected from item(s) or condition(s) which may threaten their health, safety, or well-being as noted in number(s) 22 below: 1. Surge protectors/outlets did not have childproof receptacle covers. 2. Open pull cords that are not closed loop. 3. Toys or other items small enough to be swallowed were present in the space where infants and/or toddlers were in care. 4, Electrical/extension cords attached to an object that would not likely result in a severe injury if pulled. 5. Stacked chairs. 6. Employee(s) purse(s). 7. Diaper bags. 8. Television not securely anchored. 9. Small or lightweight pieces of shelving units are not securely anchored to the wall. 10. Smoke detector needing batteries replaced. 11. An area rug did not have a nonskid backing. 12. An area rug presented a tripping hazard. 13. A floor surface that was unsafe in that [ ]. 14. No platform was provided for the sink or toilet in the [ ] classroom. 15. The platform provided for the sink or toilet in the [ ] classroom was not sturdy. 16. The platform provided for the sink or toilet in the [ ] classroom posed a safety hazard in that [ ]. 17. Telephone cords. 18. Staff member stepped over a barrier/gate while holding a child. 19. Emergency exits were blocked by the following classroom furniture: [ ]. 20. A mercury thermometer was being used to take a child’s temperature. 21. Methods of ventilation used did not provide protection from rodents, insects, or other hazards. 22, Fan not securely anchored. Provide staff training. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“Children in care shall be protected from any items and conditions which threaten their health, safety, and well-being. During the inspection, it was determined that at least one area of the program or at least one piece of equipment had chipping or peeling paint. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that sheets, mattresses and/or mattress covers did not meet the rule requirement as noted in number(s) 2 below: 1. At least one crib did not have a sheet. 2. At least one sheet was too large. 3. At least one sheet was too small. 4. At least one sheet was torn. 5. The mattress was not at least one and one-half inches thick. 6. The mattress was not firm. 7. There was space between the mattress and the sides and end panels of the crib which exceeded one and one- half inches. 8. The mattress cover was not waterproof. 9. The mattress cover was torn. 10. Other: [ ]. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member did not meet the annual professional development requirement as noted in number(s) 1 below: 1. The child care staff member(s) had not completed at least six hours of professional development. 2. Documentation did not demonstrate the person who provided the training met the trainer qualifications as stated in the rule. 3. Training topic did not meet the requirements listed in appendix A of this rule. 4, Documentation of training did not meet the requirements of this rule. 5. The substitute(s) had been used more than ninety days annually between July first and June thirtieth and had not completed at least six hours of professional development 6. Other [ ]. Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in number(s) 2, 5, 6 below: 1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire. 2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire. 4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired. 5. The first aid training was expired. 6. The CPR training was expired. BOLD, Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined that medication, medical foods and/or topical products did not meet the requirement(s) for administering medication, medical foods, and/or medical products as noted in number(s) 3 below: 1. The medication, medical food, or topical product was no longer needed and had not been removed from the program. 2. The medication, medical food, or topical product had expired and had not been removed from the program. 3. The prescription label had expired. Submit the program's corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“In review of 25% of the children's records, it was determined that completed medical statements were not on file, as required, for children listed on the JFS Children's Record Review For Child Care as indicated in number(s) 1 below: 1. No medical was on file for at least one child 2. Medical(s) on file was not updated every 13 months 3. Medical(s) were missing child's name and date of birth 4. Medical(s) were missing the date of the medical examination 5. The date of the exam was more than 13 months prior to the date the form was signed. 6. Medical(s) were missing a statement that the child has been examined and is in suitable condition for participation in group care 7. Medical(s) were missing the signature, business address and telephone number of the physician, physician's assistant(PA), advance practice nurse (APN) or certified nurse practitioner (CNP) who examined the child 8. Medical(s) were missing a record of immunizations the child has had specifying month, day and year 9. Medical(s) were missing a statement from the physician, PA, APN, or CNP that the child has been immunized or is in the process of being immunized against the diseases required by division 5104.014 of the Revised Code and found in appendix A to this rule 10. Medical(s) were missing a statement from the child’s parent or guardian that he or she has declined to have the child immunized against the disease for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions 11. Other [ ] Submit the program’s corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
“During the inspection, it was determined the program’s written disaster plan did not meet the requirement or was missing the information in number(s) 12 below: Procedures: 1. The written disaster plan had not been completed 2. The plan was not provided to all child care staff and employees 3. The plan was not used to respond to an emergency or disaster situation 4. Weather emergencies and natural disasters which include severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, major snowfall, blizzards, ice storms or earthquakes 5. Emergency outdoor and indoor lockdown or evacuation due to threats of violence which includes active shooter, bioterrorism or terrorism 6. Emergency or disaster evacuations due to hazardous materials and spills, gas leaks or bomb threats. 7. Outbreaks, epidemics or other infectious disease emergencies 8. Loss of power, water, or heat 9, Other threatening situations that may pose a health or safety hazard to the children in the program Details: 10. Shelter in place or evacuation, how the program will care for and account for the children until they can be reunited with the parent 11. A designated safe site where staff and children can safely remain when evacuated. 12. Assisting infants, toddlers and children with special needs and/or health conditions 13. Emergency contact information for parents and the program 14. Procedures for notifying and communicating with parents regarding the location of the children if evacuated 15. Procedures for communicating with parents during loss of communications, no phone or internet service available 16. The location of supplies and procedures for gathering necessary supplies for staff and children if required to shelter in place 17. What to do if a disaster occurs during the transport of children or when on a field trip or routine trip 18. Making the plan available to all child care staff members and employees 19. Training of staff or reassignment of staff duties as appropriate 20. Updating the plan on a yearly basis 21. Contact with local emergency management officials Make the necessary revisions to the disaster plan. Submit the program’s corrective action plan, which includes the revised information, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”