Incident investigation·April 24, 2026

On 4/24/26 @ 8:55am an unannounced case management inspection was conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Erica Laird. LPA met with facility owner/director Starr Gentles. In response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 4/15/26. Per the licensee, on 4/14/26 a child (C1) jumped from the second level of the outside play structure and landed on their arm resulting in a broken arm. Per licensee, one staff (S1) was on the playground alone supervising 12 children and did not see the incident occur. On 4/24/26 LPA Laird conducted an interview with owner/director Starr Gentles. Starr stated On 4/14/26 @ approximately 11:30am staff were calling children in to line up to go inside. C1 was on the play structure and jumped off hurting their arm. C1 was complaining of pain so staff gave C1 an ice pack. Staff called parents who immediately came and took C1 to the doctor where it was determined C1 sustained a fracture. On 4/24/26 LPA Laird conducted interviews with 1 staff (S2), 1 child (C1), and one parent (P1). All those interviewed corroborated the incident stating C1 jumped off the play structure hurting their arm. S2 stated S1 was the only teacher on the play ground at the time of incident and they did not witness C1 jump off the play structure because they were inside with another group of children. S2 stated at the time of incident S1 was outside supervising 12 children. S2 stated staff were in the process of transitioning inside for lunch when the incident occurred. During today’s inspection, the facility was toured. LPA Laird inspected the play structure and the cushion beneath. The playground is cushioned with wood chips. LPA Laird determined the cushion underneath the play structure meets Title 22 requirements. LPA Laird obtained the manufacturing guidelines for the play structure. Manufacturing guidelines indicate the play structure is approved for ages 2-12 years old. LPA Laird conducted two staff file reviews and determined S1 and S2 are fully qualified teachers. LPA Laird determined both S1 and S2 were operating within ratio requirements at the time of incident. Based on interviews, record reviews, and observations, LPA Laird determined the incident was not a result of a lack of supervision. Staff were outside at the time of incident and were transitioning children inside. There were no deficiencies cited during today’s inspection. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with owner/director Starr Gentles. 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.