Incident investigation·February 4, 2026

On 02/04/2026 at 09:25 AM, Licensing program analysts (LPAs) Brittanee Cleveland and Christina Nunez conducted an unannounced case management inspection due to a self-reported incident that occurred at the facility. LPAs met with Lena Blakeney, Director, who guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. There are 50 children in care and 18 staff. The incident that occurred on 01/13/2026, was reported to the Department on 02/02/2026, via telephone. The facility did not report the Unusual Incident to the Department within the required 24 hours of occurrence. A Type B deficiency will be issued, as this poses a potential health, safety, and personal rights risk to children in care. LPA requests that Director sends LIC624 for the unusual incident report to be submitted by 02/06/2026. Information reported to the Department stated that a child was found in the parking lot of the facility without an adult. This incident occurred in the morning during drop off. Director and Staff #1 stated that child was being dropped of by mother and when mother reached the child’s classroom, the child was not there. Staff #1 stated that mom and child may have been walking in with another family. Due to the time of the incident, child had not been checked in. Staff #1 stated that another parent found the child in the parking lot crying. This parent carried child inside. Child was recovered by receptionist. Staff #2 stated the child’s mom peeked into the classroom asking if child came inside. Staff #2 did not see the child or hear the emergency door close. When the child’s mom returned to the lobby, child was with receptionist. Child was given to mother. Child’s mother stated being concerned about the emergency exit at the end of the hallway. When parent left, the door was tested. Director stated the maintenance came to examine the door. --- Page 1 A new alarm and battery was set. Staff #2 stated that when conducting a recent fire drill, the door alarm did not sound. Staff #1 was unsure if there was a maintenance check, stating that Director takes care of it. Based on in the information received during the interview and LPAs observations, facility was able to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of children. Child was returned to classroom and parent left after Staff #1 checked on them. The Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the director, Lena Blakeney. -- Page 2