Complaint·February 12, 2026

Licensee stated the facility’s policy is to report all injuries that occur while children are in care. Licensee provided a copy of a report made on 11/14/2025, at around 15:01 hours, by an unknown teacher that indicated C1 had fallen outside and hit their cheek. None of the staff reported to the licensee that C1 had injured their arm or wrist. Four children were interviewed on 12/20/25 & 1/5/26. C1 was not able to articulate any details regarding the incident. C2-C4 shared that when children are in trouble, they go to the time out chair. All children stated they felt safe with their teachers and they like attending daycare. Three parents were interviewed on 1/12/26 and did not have concerns regarding the safety of their children. None of the parents interviewed had any concerns of physical abuse at the daycare. All parents felt the playground equipment was age appropriate. Three staff members(S1-S3) were interviewed on 1/20/26 and stated they were present during the incident. One staff member, S1 observed C1 falling and attended to them providing first aid and care. S1 stated that after the fall they noticed a red mark on C1’s face. S2 stated they noticed C1 crying and approached them and C1 told them they hurt their arm. S2 stated they communicated the injury to S1 and S1 stated that the incident was documented. S3 stated they noticed a red mark on C1’s cheek and asked C1 what happened. S3 stated that C1 did not respond so they communicated with S1 and discovered that C1 had fallen. S3 established that S1 had not documented the fall so S3 updated the Brightwheel app to document the injury. S1 and S3 stated their discipline policy is to redirect children and if needed to provide a “time out” in the time out chair or at a table if it is available. All staff denied harming C1. On 11/18/25 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Tammy Dutra received communication documenting a timeline of events that occurred between C1’s representatives and the Licensee. LPA reviewed a copy of the injury report dated 11/14/26 from the facility. LPA received a copy of the employee schedule on 11/25/25. LPA received a copy of the class ratio on 2/10/26 that documented the number of children present during the incident. IB investigator reviewed medical documentation regarding C1 and found the injury was consistent with the reporting party’s statement. Based on record review it was determined that the facility was operating within the licensed capacity and ratio requirements. Based on interviews and document review it cannot be determined if staff physically abused daycare child. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Michelle Nitzen. 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.