Incident investigation·March 10, 2026

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today 3/10/26 at 12:42pm by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Tammy Dutra. LPA met with the Director Angelica Lopez in response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 2/6/26. It was reported that on 2/4/26 at approximately 3:15pm a child in care, (C1) ran out on the playground and ran into a gate. The child hit a bolt on the top of the gate and got a small laceration to their eyebrow. C1 was taken to receive medical care and laceration was glued shut. The Director was interviewed on 3/10/26 at 12:45pm and stated that she was informed on 2/4/26 C1 was running out to the playground and hit the gate causing a small laceration to their eye. C1 then ran to the playhouse and tried to hide their face. Director asked C1 why they hid after the incident and C1 said they hid due to embarrassment. A teacher, S1 noticed blood on the outside of the playhouse and discovered C1 had blood on their face. Director stated first aid was administered and child's representative was called. C1 was picked up from the center and taken to receive medical care. Director stated the facility was operating within ratio and steps were taken to provide immediate support. The bolt has been covered to prevent future issues. Director stated children are not allowed to run on the playground and they are told not to open gates. Director stated that C1 was not following the rules when the injury occurred. One teacher, S1 was interviewed on 3/10/26. S1 did not see C1 run into the gate. S1 stated they heard C1 crying and went to investigate. S1 discovered C1 had a small injury above their eye and notified another teacher to apply first aid. S1 notified the director who supported the first aid and notified C1's representatives to pick them up. S1 stated that C1 returned to school two days later. S1 stated that children are not allowed to run on the playground and they are told they are never allowed to open gates. S1 said the injury could have been prevented if C1 had listened and followed the rules. LPA reviewed staffing and child ratios and determined facility was operating within licensed capacity and ratio requirements. There were twelve children and two staff present during the incident. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Angelica Lopez. 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.