Incident investigation·October 19, 2022

On 10/19/22, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kathy Pacheco conducted an unannounced case management inspection. LPA met with Director Laurae Raths to discuss two incidents that occurred at the facility. During the inspection, LPA took a census and interviewed staff and children. On 8/3/22, Teacher #1 (see Confidential Names form (LIC 811) dated 10/19/22) asked Child #1 (see LIC 811) if he had taken his inhaled medication. Child #1's sister (Child #2 - see LIC 811) kept interrupting and telling Teacher #1 that child #1 had not taken his inhaler. Teacher #1 repeatedly asked Child #2 to be quiet so she could hear Child #1's response. Teacher #1 admitted, that at one point, she did tell Child #2 if she could just shut up so she could hear Child #1 respond. Teacher #1 said she knew immediately that she should not have said shut up to the child and she informed the Director of what had taken place. Teacher #1 said they did confirm at that time that Child #1 took his inhaled medication. Director received a telephone call later that day, from the father of Child #1 and Child #2, stating that Child #2 told him that Teacher #1 had told her to "shut up". He also said Child #2 told him Teacher #1 "hit" Child #3 (see LIC 811), however, no further details were provided. Director followed up with Teacher #1 regarding the information and Teacher #1 denied ever hitting Child #3 or any other child. On 9/14/22, an unknown female called the facility and reported to the Director that she had witnessed Teacher #1 (see LIC 811) "smack" a child on the back of his head. The caller told the Director she had witnessed the incident at the elementary school the children were being picked up from. Director informed LPA she immediately spoke with Teacher #1 and all of the children that were picked up from school when they arrived at the facility. Director said Teacher #1 and all of the children that were transported denied any child was hit or "smacked" on the back of the head. (continued on next page) Based on information obtained, LPA determined the facility handled the incidents correctly and reporting requirements were met. After interviewing staff and children, LPA determined the facility took appropriate measures to ensure the health and safety of enrolled children, including the Director speaking with Teacher #1 regarding personal rights of enrolled children and the use of appropriate language towards the children. Furthermore, the facility took appropriate measures to ensure the children were safe and not harmed by any staff member. LPA further determined the facility followed proper policies and procedures and no regulations were violated. Per California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 12, no deficiency cited during today's inspection. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Laurie Raths.