Incident investigation·April 22, 2026

A subsequent unannounced case management inspection was conducted today 4/22/26 at 2:54pm by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Tammy Dutra. LPA met with Licensee Denise Alioto in response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 3/11/26. A witness (W1) allegedly observed a staff member (S1) shaking a crib aggressively while hearing a child (C1) crying. A facility representative was interviewed on 3/13/26. The facility representative stated they were informed of the situation, but they were not present during the incident. The licensee did an internal investigation and determined that a witness (W1) observed S1 attempting to move a play yard in the enclosed nap area to reach a crying child. W1 could not see the crib from their viewpoint but did hear a child crying. W1 attempted to notify the licensee but was unable to reach her and proceeded to notify the police department to investigate the suspected child abuse. Three staff members (S1-S3) were interviewed on 3/13/26 and 3/17/26. S1 stated they were moving a crib to continue rocking a baby and patting another baby in a crib. S1 stated the crib was stuck between the chair and the swing which prevented them from reaching the crying child (C1) in the swing. S1 believed that W1 saw them moving the empty crib and believed that C1 was crying in the crib. S2 shared they were outside of the nap area when the incident occurred and did not have a clear view. S3 stated they were in the nap area but had their back turned to S1 and did not witness the incident. S3 stated that C1 was not in the play yard but in the swing. S2 & S3 stated they have never seen any aggressive behavior from S1 and did not believe any child abuse occurred. All staff shared they are mandated reporters and confirmed they take action if any suspected child abuse occurs. On 3/17/26 at 11:27am LPA interviewed W1. W1 shared that they did not have a clear view of the crib that was being moved due to a half wall that separates the room. W1 stated they heard a child screaming and as a mandated reporter they felt compelled to notify the police department. W1 stated they acted out of sincere concern for the infants in care. W1 stated they were informed that the police investigation was closed and no evidence of child abuse was found. LPA attempted to reach the C1’s authorized representative but was unsuccessful. LPA requested C1’s representative contact community care licensing to report any suspected child abuse or concerns regarding the facility. No attempts have been made to contact our office since the incident was reported. On 3/13/26 LPA reviewed attendance records for the facility in addition to C1’s nap logs. LPA reviewed a written record of Licensee’s internal investigation and reviewed photos of the nap area where the suspected child abuse occurred. On 3/26/26 LPA reviewed the police report that was investigated on 3/10/26. Documentation showed that the investigation was closed without any child abuse substantiated. Based on interviews, record review and observation LPA could not find any evidence to support allegations of child abuse at the facility. Through interviews LPA determined that W1 misinterpreted S1 moving furniture combined with an infant crying which resulted in a report of suspected child abuse. There were no deficiencies cited during today’s inspection. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee Denise Alioto. Appeal 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.