Incident investigation·January 19, 2022

On 01/19/2022, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Luisa Gavoutian conducted an unannounced case management inspection. LPA met with Director Yvette Stephens, toured the facility, and took a census. The purpose of today\342\200\231s inspection was to discuss an incident that was reported to Community Care Licensing (CCL) on 12/28/2021. Director stated that on 12/20/2021, Child 1 was running to kick a ball when Child 1 slipped on the wet grass and fell, hitting Child 1\342\200\231s head on a bench. Child 1 sustained a cut on their forehead. Staff 1 witnessed the incident and administered First aid. Child 1\342\200\231s parent was notified. Child 1\342\200\231s parent(s) sought medical attention for the child and stitches were applied to the wound. Child 1 was released and returned to care two days later. LPA discussed supervision at the time of the incident, and it was determined that appropriate supervision was in place. There were 11 children and two staff outside at the time of the incident. Staff asked children to remain near the center of the play area, away from tables and benches. Director stated that the grass was wet on that day due to the foggy weather conditions. LPA discussed with Director the requirement to maintain additional supervision when children are using the areas of the play area that are muddy, to block off those areas from children using them, or remind children not to run in those areas to prevent similar injuries. LPA observed a tree to the right of the bench and saw overgrown exposed roots, which could pose a tripping hazard to children. The incident had occurred on the opposite side of the bench and did not involve the tree\342\200\231s roots. LPA and Director discussed possibly shaving down the roots or adding dirt to the area to level the soil in order to prevent future injuries to children. This appears to be an isolated incident and staff took appropriate measures to address the child\342\200\231s injury, following appropriate policies, regulations, and reporting requirements. No deficiencies cited during today\342\200\231s inspection. An exit interview conducted with Director Yvette Stephens. LIC 9213 Notice of Site Visit to be posted for 30 days.