Incident investigation·March 10, 2026

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced Case Management Incident inspection at the above facility on 03/10/26 at 09:25 a.m. The purpose of this inspection is to follow up on an incident reported to the Department within 24 hours. At 09:40 a.m., LPA met with the facility representative who guided LPA on a tour of the facility and census was taken. According to the facility representative there are 179 children enrolled. Facility representative Laura Hernandez later arrived and assisted LPA with the rest of the inspection. On 02/05/26 during outdoor play child 1 (C1) was climbing the apparatus when she missed a step and fell forward hitting her chin and mouth. C1 sustained a small cut on her bottom lip and had a bruise on the bottom gum. According to the incident report, C1 was bleeding from her mouth and bottom lip was swollen. C1 was brought indoors where staff assessed the injury, cleaned the area, provided an ice pack, and contacted the nurse. Parents of C1 were also notified of the injury and an ouch report was provided. Per staff, C1 was taken to the dentist to follow up on the injury. LPA conducted an interview with staff 1 (S1) who stated that they were providing care and supervision in the sand area and observed when C1 fell while going up the stairs of the playground structure. According to S1, they were far away and observed C1 stand up with blood on their mouth. Per S1, S3 was the staff supervising the playground structure and observed the incident. S1 stated that S3 immediately assisted and assessed C1. Once S3 helped C1 stand up and observed blood the child was taken to the classroom where an icepack was provided. Interview conducted with S2 revealed that they were indoors when the incident occurred; however, they were called to assist C1. When S2 went to the playground they observed C1 was bleeding from their mouth. Page 1 of 3 Per S2, S3 stated that when C1 was going up the stairs on the playground structure the child fell possibly due to her foot getting stuck; however, it is unknown what caused C1 to fall. S2 stated that S3 was the staff supervising children using the playground structure and though they were present they couldn\342\200\231t catch the child to prevent her from falling down. Once the child was brought into the classroom S2 cleaned the area and provided an ice pack. Per S2, they assessed C1 and observed that the child was bleeding from her teeth. S2 also stated that parents of C1 were notified as well as the manager. Once parents of C1 picked up the child they took her to the dentist for further observation of the injury. According to S2, the child returned the next day with some restrictions; however, there was no doctor note provided. Per S2, C1 couldn\342\200\231t drink any fluids with a straw, and her food had to be chopped to ensure that the child was chewing with her back teeth. C1 did not lose any teeth due to the impact of the fall. LPA couldn\342\200\231t interview S3 due to being on leave. LPA conducted an interview with C1 who attempted to explain how the injury occurred. C1 pointed to their mouth and teeth as the child attempted to explain that is where they hit themselves while on the playground structure. C1 also pointed to S2 when they were asked if they received any help from their teacher. According to the nurse, parents only verbally communicated the dentist restrictions and no note was provided. During the inspection LPA toured the area where the incident took place and also took a picture of the playground structure and label. LPA observed that the label on the playground structure is age appropriate for the Early Head Start children; however, it does emphasize that while using the structure children should have sufficient strength and coordination as well as adult supervision is required. The play structure, materials, and equipment for children are in good condition and age appropriate. Currently the facility allows one child at a time when going up the stairs of the play structure and a teacher is there to support the child as well. LPA advised the facility representative that though the play structure is age appropriate staff should be observing children as they may not have sufficient strength and coordination while going up the stairs. Also, staff should assess the structure to ensure that there are no hazards to prevent any future incidents or accidents. During this inspection, LPA interviewed Staff 1 (S1 thru 2) and Child 1 (C1). Page 2 of 3 At this time, the licensee is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no citations being issued today. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative, a civil penalty of $100 can be assessed. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to the facility representative Laura Hernandez. Page 3 of 3