370800634-4-12-2024-20-CC-TVUU-D4H7CA-20240419213222

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 370800634
Report Date: 04/08/2024
Date Signed: 04/12/2024 11:00:02 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MISSION VALLEY, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/22/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Vicky Williamson

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 20-CC-20240122164621

FACILITY NAME:	LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	370800634
ADMINISTRATOR:	AMY FAGAN		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	4690 PALM AVENUE		TELEPHONE:	(619) 466-8407
CITY:	LA MESA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91941
CAPACITY:	87	CENSUS: 54	DATE:	04/08/2024
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	01:30 PM
MET WITH:	Nancy Betancourt		TIME COMPLETED:	02:15 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff are operating over ratios
Staff do not adequately supervise children in care
Staff yelled at child

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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This is an amended version of the original report dated 4/8/2024.

On 4/8/2024, at 1:30pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Vicky Williamson conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings regarding the above allegations. LPA met with Assistant Director, Nancy Betancourt. During the inspection there were 54 napping children present with five (5) staff members.

During the course of the investigation, interviews were conducted with the director,14 staff members, nine (9) daycare children, six (6) daycare parents and three (3) witnesses. Facility sign in/sign out sheets, staff records, staff timecards and related documentation were also reviewed. It was alleged that the facility is operating over ratio. Director, Amy Fagan and 13 staff members denied the allegation and stated that the facility always has additional staff to assist with coverage in the classrooms. A staff member stated that there were times when coverage in the classroom was delayed.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Vicky Williamson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/12/2024

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/12/2024

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 20-CC-20240122164621

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MISSION VALLEY, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: LA MESA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 370800634
	VISIT DATE: 04/08/2024

NARRATIVE

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On 1/18/2024, it was alleged that staff did not adequately supervised children in care. Director denied the allegation. Staff 1 (S1) stated that Child 1 (C1) lost a hair barrette on the playhouse structure located on the playground on the fireside of the facility. S1 stated that C1 returned to the playhouse to retrieve the hair barrette from the play structure. S1 stated that she was inside of the classroom sitting on a step with the door open, facing the playground with a visual of C1 the entire time. Daycare children interview stated that they are never on the playground or in the classroom without a staff member.

In addition, it was alleged that S1 yelled at a child in care. The director and 12 staff denied the allegation and stated that they have never observed any staff yell at daycare children. S1 denied yelling at any daycare children and stated that her voice can be stern, however she has never yelled at any daycare children. C1 did not disclose that she was yelled at by S1 or any other staff member.

During interviews with staff, daycare children, daycare parents, and several witnesses, no conclusive evidence regarding these allegations was obtained. There is conflicting evidence obtained during the investigation. Though the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated.

No deficiencies cited. A copy of this report along with Appeals Rights, were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview was conducted with Assistant Director, Nancy Betancourt.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Vicky Williamson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/08/2024

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/08/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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