Incident investigation·May 16, 2024

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today at 9 AM by Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Kiriko Lynch and Noah Wheeler. LPAs met with facility representative Deloris Ford. In response to an Unusual Incident Report received by the Department on 04/18/24. It was reported that a staff (S1) slapped a child (C1) on the hand while assisting children with handwashing. The facility representative was interviewed on 04/24/24, and stated that during the first week or two of April 2024, a witness (S2) reported that a teacher (S1) was assisting two children (C1, C2) with handwashing and slapped one child (C1) on the hand while the child was turning around in response to the other child (C2) poking the child. Seven staff and five children were interviewed at the facility on 04/24/24 and 05/16/24, and there were several staff disclosures of S1 using inappropriate physical methods with children at the facility, for example, hand-slapping, vigorously cradle-carrying/rocking children, and tugging/carrying child by arms to the restroom while child’s legs were limp. During the inspection visits, the facility was toured, and records related to the incident were obtained. LPA also received further information from the Licensee regarding the incident and subsequent steps they took to prevent further incidents, including their internal investigation, speaking to involved parents/guardians, personal rights staff training, and personnel action. LPA also observed appropriate care and supervision at the facility during the subsequent visits. Based on the information reported and interviews conducted with staff, the following deficiency is being cited on the LIC809-D. LPA Lynch informed facility representative that this report dated 05/16/24 documents one Type A citation 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 Lynch informed the facility representative to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 05/16/24 that documents any Type A citation 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 Deloris Ford. 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.