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Vancouver provider describes safety, recordkeeping and surprise licensing visits
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Summary
Ella Fultz, owner of Gathering Tree Early Learning in Vancouver, told the committee her family‑child‑care program uses secure dropoff, daily app check‑in, and participates in USDA and Early Achievers monitoring; she described licensing and food‑program checks and how records are used to verify attendance and meals.
Ella Fultz, owner and founder of Gathering Tree Early Learning in Vancouver, testified virtually about day‑to‑day safety and compliance at her family child care program.
"We installed a 6 foot privacy fence that protects our licensed play space, and the children from any curious passersby," Fultz said. She described secure back‑of‑house dropoff, using an iPad app with unique PIN and signature for daily check‑in and photo ID checks for alternate pick‑ups as part of verifying identity.
Fultz confirmed family child care providers receive random unannounced visits from DCYF licensing at least once a year and said USDA food‑program monitors visit every three to four months to check meal records. "If we haven't recorded [food served], then we don't get to get paid for those days," she said, emphasizing the need for daily recordkeeping.
Fultz described serving children primarily outdoors on five acres and said licensing representatives have commended the program’s ability to keep children active while meeting health and safety standards. She said inspections are intended to be surprise visits to show authentic daily practice, and she welcomed technical assistance when licensors identify correctable issues.
She answered committee questions about unscheduled visitors and tours: if someone unknown knocks, staff verify identity and do not let people into the home unless preauthorized; tours are scheduled given staff responsibilities.
