Complaint·March 18, 2024

At 9:10am LPA Laird interviewed five staff (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5). All staff stated they aware of an incident involving a child who had thrown-up bark. S2-S5 stated they had observed infants putting bark in their mouths on the infant playground. S2-S5 stated they try to keep the infants from putting the bark in their mouths, but it does happen. All staff stated they had observed staff on their phones for personal use during working hours. Staff acknowledged this has been an ongoing issue for all staff. Staff stated they recently had a meeting to address this issue and it has gotten better. LPA Laird inspected the infant playfround and took 4 pictures. LPA observed small wood chips on the infant playground. During inspection LPA Laird observed a child place a wood chip in their mouth and a staff immediately remove it. LPA Laird did not observe staff on their phones during inspection. LPA Laird obtained the facility roster, LIC 500, and messages off of the Bright Wheel app. Based on the evidence obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. LPA Erica Laird informed facility director, Heather Carpenter that this report dated 3/18/24 documents 1 Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Erica Laird informed the facility director, Heather Carpenter, to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 3/18/24 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with facility director Heather Carpenter and 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.