Incident investigation·November 14, 2024

On 11/14/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Claribel Soto conducted an unannounced Case Management Inspection for the purpose of addressing a self-reported Unusual Incident to the Department. Upon arrival, LPA Soto notified Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas the reason for the inspection. LPA toured the facility and took a census. On 11/8/2024, facility representative contacted the Fresno Regional Office (FRO) to report that a child (child #1) had been accidentally left on the playground without any staff supervision. Today, Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas confirmed that on 11/8/2024 at approximately 11:02 AM, the staff on duty counted 18 children before transitioning back to the classroom. Staff #1 had counted 18 children in the morning. A child came in later and was not counted. The three staff on duty (staff #1, staff #2, staff #3) were all outside with children and Staff #1 went inside with 8 children. Staff #2 and Staff #3 were left outside with the remainder of the children. Staff #2 and Staff #3 counted 10 children and went off the children in attendance of 18 without realizing the correct number was 19. Staff and children proceeded to come inside and did not realize that one child was not counted for and was left outside. Child was hiding behind a small cart of blocks. Approximately three minutes after the staff and children transitioned into the classroom, a parent saw the child outside and came to inform staff members. Staff proceeded to get child from outside and bring him inside. Per reporting staff, staff notified the parent of the incident on the same day during pick up. Staff #1 talked to Child #1 and was reportedly unhurt and did not appear to be in emotional distress. Today, Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas discussed having a meeting with all staff focusing on supervision and accountability indoors and outdoors and are now using walkie talkies. Site Supervisor also stated they have changed the way children transition to come back inside. Children will all line up at the same time outside and each teacher will bring in 8 children instead of having children line up at different times. These procedures took into effect on 11/12/2024. Updated procedures will also include inspecting the play yard before the children return into the classroom. Per Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas, staff has been trained on these new procedures. Continued on 809-C Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, the following deficiency is being cited: (see next page, 809 D). Today a 500.00 civil penalty was assessed. Appeal rights were provided to Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas today and LPA Soto reviewed this report. Upon receipt of a Type A violation, facility staff shall post and provide copies of this licensing report to parents/guardians of children in care at the facility and to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. A copy of LIC 9224 was given to Site Supervisor Michelle Rojas. This report shall be made available to the public upon request. LIC 9213 Notice of Site Visit is provided and required to be posted for 30 days.