complaint·November 22, 2024

On 11/22/24 at 1 PM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Kiriko Lynch and Noah Wheeler conducted an unannounced complaint inspection and met with Supervision Manager Becky Wright. It was alleged that staff slapped child in care, and staff failed to follow mandated reporting. The Site Supervisor was interviewed on 08/30/24 and they stated she has never witnessed or heard of staff doing any of the above allegations and denied both allegations. She stated that they follow all personal rights regulatory requirements, and do not use verbal or physical discipline. She also stated they follow the mandated reporting requirements for all reportable incidents that meet the threshold for reporting criteria per State laws. Six staff (S1-S6) were interviewed during a related incident 04/24/24 and on 10/28/24, and there were no disclosures regarding reportable incidents, and two staff did report witnessing inappropriate discipline from a staff who is no longer employed with NCS Head Start and it was reported as a prior incident to Licensing. Five parents (S1-S5) stated that they have not personally witnessed any of the allegations. Nine children (C1-C9) were interviewed on 05/16/24, 09/12/24, and 10/15/24, and there were no disclosures. During the complaint inspection visits, LPAs observed the facility staff were providing adequate care and supervision to children. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated. Exit interview conducted, notice of site visit posted, and appeal rights provided.