complaint·December 14, 2023

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Diana Campos met with Center Director Donna Bassett for a complaint investigation regarding the above allegation. It was alleged that a staff member pulled a child's ear. During the course of the investigation, interviews were conducted and children's personal rights discussed. Per interviews conducted staff admitted to grabbing a child's ear but did not pull it. Per interviews conducted, staff did not grab the child's ear in a rough disciplinary manner but rather as a gesture of approval for following staff's directions. Interviews also disclosed that child did not cry. The staff member denied pulling the child's ear but admitted that she grabbed the bottom part of his ear as a gesture of approval for following directions. Although the staff member's intention was not to hurt the child, physically touching a child's ear for any reason, is a violation of the child's personal rights. This includes the personal rights of children observing the interaction. Based on the LPA's interviews which were conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division & Chapter 101223), are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Exit interview conducted and report reviewed with Director Donna Bassett. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.