Incident investigation·July 13, 2023

On 07/13/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Penate met with Licensee Andrea Pimentel for an unannounced Case Management Inspection. The purpose of today\342\200\231s inspection was to address an unusual incident reported to Fresno Community Care Licensing office on 6/28/2023 regarding a child that was left with adequate supervision during outdoor play time, which resulted in the child leaving the premises. Today, LPA interviewed the licensee and obtained additional information regarding the occurrence. Licensee reported that on 6/28/2023, at about 10:00 AM, 12 day-care children were present, 11 children were engaging in outdoor play at the family childcare, while she remained inside feeding an infant child. Licensee stated that she maintained supervision of children in the backyard area by visually observing them through the sliding glass door located in the dining room; however, when she went outside to physically check on the children, she noticed that Child #1 was gone. Licensee stated that her husband and son immediately began looking around the neighborhood for Child #1 while she maintained supervision of the remaining children and called law enforcement to report the occurrence and request assistance locating the child. Licensee stated that law enforcement located Child #1 and returned the child to the family childcare home at approximately 10:40AM. Licensee stated that law enforcement indicated that the child likely left the family childcare home by exiting through the side gate within the backyard. Licensee approximates that the child was missing for 10-15 minutes, but after report date she has now stated it was roughly 30-40 minutes. During interview Licensee stated that on the date of the incident she was caring for 12 children while her assistant left for an errand. Licensee was recently approved by CCL for a Large License, and she stated that she was unaware that she had to have a qualified assistant when having more than 8 children in care. LPA discussed with licensee that due to the ratio not being met, this could have been the reason to the child fleeing the facility. Licensee understood and stated that she will follow Title 22 regulations. Continued on LIC809-C Licensee acknowledged that due to the absence of adequate supervision, Child #1 was able to leave the home without her knowledge. LPA Penate informed licensee that this report dated 07/13/2023 document with two Type A citations, which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there was an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Penate informed licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 07/13/2023 that documents two 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 Reports (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, the following deficiency is being cited: (see next page, LIC 809 D). Licensee was provided a copy of appeal rights. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee.