On 01/27/2023 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs), Dianna Valdez Santana and Aiddee Nunez made an unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose to deliver findings of complaint that was received at the Orange County Regional Child Care Program Office. LPAs were met by director, Noreen who was explained the reason for today’s visit.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on 01/27/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

Reporting party (RP) stated that they witnessed staff often yelling at the kids and observed Staff #1 (S1) placing S1’s foot on child #1's (C1) back to keep C1 down in place so that the child would nap. They witnessed at least 2 occasions where children were roughly treated by staff. RP stated the staff mock children when they cry and yell at them to go to sleep.

During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 3 children, and 5 parents.

On 11/16/2022 LPAs Valdez Santana and Duron made an unannounced inspection to the facility to investigate the alleged allegations. LPAs interviewed 5 staff during the visit. During the staff interviews, S1 disclosed the following: Child #1 (C1) was on the cot wiggling around. C1 then got out of the cot and disturbed other children.

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LPA interviewed 4 children. 2 out of 4 interviewed children disclosed that staff members have yelled at the children.

LPA conducted interviews with 5 parents. There was one disclosure made by the 5 interviewed parents. Parent #5 (P5) disclosed that they are very concerned with the rough treatment of children including their own child. P5's child had attended the facility for over a year and Child#1 (C1) had no issues until C1 was move to S2's Classroom; C1 began having behavior issues; including regression to sucking their thumb. P5 stated they saw pictures of S1 placing their leg over C1 so as to restrain C1 during naptime. P5 also observed a video of S2 and S1 being rough with C1. P5 also overheard S2 yell to C1 “callate” which is shut up in Spanish when visiting the facility.

LPA received two pictures and one video depicting C1. The first picture dated 10/31/2022, C1 was laying on the cot, on C1s side. C1 had a striped blanket over and S1 had their leg over a side of C1s back. The second picture dated 11/2/2022 shows C1 was laying on a cot with strawberries blanket over and S1 had the leg over the C1.

LPA also reviewed video footage recording on 11/02/2022, depicts S1 and S2 being rough and raised voices at the children during naptime. The video recorded C1 was laying on the floor next to the cot. S2 came picked up C1 by the left arm to turn C1’s body as C1 was twisted to the side.

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Based on the information gathered from LPAs' interviews, observation, and reviewing records, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegations of Facility staff placed their foot on child’s back during nap time and Facility staff member shamed and manipulated day care children. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged Staff placed their foot on child’s back and staff member shamed and manipulated day care children did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Noreen Begole, Director. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days.

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