Incident investigation·January 28, 2025

On January 28, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst Miguel Herrera conducted an unannounced Case Management Inspection. LPA met with Curriculum Specialist, Brisa Hernandez. LPA toured the facility, and a census was taken. The purpose of today's inspection was regarding an Unusual Incident that was self-reported by the facility to the Fresno Childcare Regional Office, the incident occurred on 01/08/2025, the incident was regarding a violation of a child’s personal rights. During today’s visit LPA Herrera conducted facility observations and interviewed staff to gather further information pertinent to the incident. Through interviews conducted and documentation reviewed, it was confirmed that staff #1 inappropriately disciplined child #1 by tapping their forehead with a sensory toy. Per interviews, child #1 was observed hitting another child with a sensory toy and staff #1 grabbed the toy and stated, “we don’t hit our friends” and proceeded to tap child #1 in the forehead. Through interviews it was disclosed that child #1 did not sustain any injuries and was immediately comforted. Although staff #1 inappropriately disciplined child #1 it was revealed through interviews that it was not with ill intent and did not cause any visible injuries to child #1. Through interviews and records review, it was determined that it was an isolated incident. Although the facility followed appropriate reporting requirements and took appropriate measures to address the incident, staff #1’s actions violated child #1’s personal rights and posed a potential risk to children in care (see LIC 809-D Type B deficiency). Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Curriculum Specialist Brisa Hernandez. Appeal rights were provided. Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, of the California Code of Regulations, one deficiency was cited during today’s inspection (see LIC 809-D). 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.