A review of adult records indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 2/28/24 an Unusual Incident Report was filed with the Department to self-report an incident that occurred on 2/28/24. Director reported on the morning of 2/28/24 Parent #1 (P1) spoke with Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) regarding an allegation Child #1 (C1) had disclosed to P1. C1 told P1 that a staff had hit and pulled C1’s arm. S2 told P1 that they would conduct an internal investigation regarding the allegation.

During the investigation, LPA obtained a personnel report, children’s roster, interviewed 7 staff, 5 children and reviewed records obtained. S2 stated on 2/28/24 P1 spoke with S1 and S2 regarding the allegation. P1 stated that the child had marks on the arm and P1 had taken pictures. S2 requested a copy of the pictures but P1 was not able to provide the pictures. S2 requested additional information regarding the incident but P1 could not provide a date, time, or location of the incident. S1 and S2 walked with P1 and C1 to the classroom to see if C1 would point out which staff had pulled and hit C1’s arm. C1 did not point at any staff or verbally disclose the name of the staff. S2 requested a copy of the video footage of 2/27/24, according to the video footage C1 looked happy and none of the staff had placed their hands on C1’s arm or body. S2 conducted an internal investigation. S2 interviewed the staff from C1’s classroom, all the staff disclosed C1 was happy on 2/27/24 because C1 had brought cookies to the staff. All the staff disclosed C1 is quite and only speak 1–2-word sentences. All the staff disclosed C1 had trouble detaching from P1 during drop off.

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During the investigation, LPA interviewed staff and children. All the staff disclosed they have never observed any staff pulling or hitting C1’s arm. Staff #7 (S7) stated the children are happy to see the staff during drop off. Staff #3 (S3) stated during drop off somedays were harder than others for C1 to detach from P1 because C1 did not have a consistent schedule. S3 stated toward the beginning of the school year P1 addressed a concern with S3 regarding C1 alleging that a staff had pulled C1’s leg. S3 disclosed they spoke with all the staff to make sure that they communicate with each other when a staff is assisting C1 by tying their shoe or other physical contact to avoid any misinterpretation. All the staff disclosed they are familiar with children’s personal rights and training is provided the childcare center.

C1 did not qualify for the interview. Four out of five children qualified for interviews, none of the children disclosed any inappropriate physical interaction with the staff. Two of the four children disclosed that the staff will talk to the children when the children are not behaving. All the children are happy to attend the childcare. C1 was moved to a different classroom.

Statements made by staff and children indicate that none of the staff pulled or hit C1’s arm. Reporting requirements were met. Based on LPA observations, interviews conducted, and records/documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to support any violation of Title 22 regulations. No Title 22 deficiencies cited during today's inspection.

Exit interview was conducted with Director Jerelyn Cowan and Maria Castellon. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the inspection. Facility representatives were informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. Facility representatives were provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.