Incident investigation·September 27, 2024

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today at 8:50am by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Erica Laird. LPA met with owner/director, Heather Carpenter in response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 9/25/24. Per the incident report, on 9/24/24 a child (C1) left the classroom and went to the playground unattended. C1 was outside without supervision for approximately 5-6 minutes. Facility director/owner Heather Carpenter was interviewed on 9/27/24. Heather stated the staff had come inside from playing on the playground and were taking off shoes near the front entrance . C1 went behind one of the staff (S1) who was busy taking shoes off of another child, and went outside and back to the playground. Another staff (S2), who was on the playground, saw C1 and notified the director. Heather stated the facility has implemented new procedures to ensure this does not happen again. Procedures include additional head counts, bringing children through both gates prior to removing shoes, removing visual obstructions, and replacing one gate with a sturdier model. During today\342\200\231s inspection, the facility and playground was toured . LPA observed the shoe change area, two gates which are in place as barriers, furniture which was moved to eliminate visual barriers, and the new head count form which has been implemented . LPA Laird took 10 photos. Based o n interviews, inspection, and the severity of the event, the following deficiency is being cited on the LIC809-D. 1596.99(c)(3) Absence of supervision. A civil penalty was assessed. LPA Laird informed Heather Carpenter that this report dated 9/27/24 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. LPA Laird informed facility director/owner Heather Carpenter to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 9/27/24 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. Heather Carpenter had to leave so an exit interview was conducted and report reviewed with lead teacher Megan Walker. Appeal Rights were provided. A notice ofte 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.