Complaint·April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Noah Wheeler and Kiriko Lynch conducted an unannounced complaint inspection and met with facility representative Lisa Claussen. It was alleged that staff handled day care child in a physically inappropriate manner; specifically, that Staff #1 (S1) slammed Child #1 (C1) into a wall and was arrested. During the investigation, a copy of the police report was obtained. It was confirmed that S1 was arrested on 2/29/24 at the facility for child endangerment and corporal injury on a child. It was also determined that facility director, Elizabeth Rice, did not immediately report the incident to the Department, Law Enforcement, and C1’s parents, and also allowed S1 to return to work the next day. Elizabeth Rice did not report the incident to the Department until 2/29/24, after S1 had been arrested. The facility representative Lisa Claussen was interviewed on 3/11/24 at and stated that S1 no longer works at the facility. Based on the evidence obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. LPAs Noah Wheeler and Kiriko Lynch informed facility representative Lisa Claussen that this report dated 4/8/24 documents two Type A citations which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Noah Wheeler informed the facility representative Lisa Claussen to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 4/8/24 that documents any Type A citations to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Lisa Claussen. 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.