Incident investigation·January 15, 2026

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today at 1:45 pm by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kiriko Lynch. LPA met with lead teacher Melissa Ferguson in response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 11/14/25 that was self-reported by the facility. The lead teacher Melissa Ferguson was interviewed on 01/15/26 at 2 pm, and stated that on 11/14/25 at approximately 3 pm, at pickup time, a child (C1) left the preschool playground through a gate at pickup time, and went into the adjacent elementary school playground unattended by staff for approximately two minutes. Lead teacher stated she had last seen the child (C1) near the gate while parents were coming through picking up their children, and then her attention was taken away by another child on the playground. She stated she saw C1\342\200\231s parent arrive at the facility around the same time and after the parent came through the gate to pickup, she and the parent realized they did not see C1 on the playground. She stated she then saw C1 in the adjacent elementary school playground running around trying to get the older children\342\200\231s attention. She stated she and C1\342\200\231s parent went to get the child from the adjacent playground. She stated both playgrounds are fenced and the entire school site is fenced completely, and C1 was not upset or injured. She stated now a staff member will be posted at the gate at the time of pickup so children do not leave the preschool playground unattended by staff or parents. She stated she spoke with both C1\342\200\231s parents regarding the incident, and C1 is currently back in care at the facility. Based on the self-reported incident and interview, the following deficiency is being cited on the LIC809-D. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the lead teacher Melissa Ferguson. Appeal Rights were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.