Incident investigation·April 18, 2024

On April 18, 2024, at 8:45 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carolyn Tuba conducted a case management inspection due to an incident that occurred at the facility on 3/6/2024. LPA met with Program Manager, Lucy Barcelo who guided the LPA on a tour to obtain the census of 26 children with 7 staff. LPA conducted interviews with Program Manager, Lucy Barcelo, Education Supervisor, Yolanda Orozco and Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) who witnessed or were involved in the incident. Child Development Program Director, Rosing Ducoing was not available, who reported the incident to the Department. It was not necessary to interview Child #1. The incident was not reported to the Department within the required 24 hours of occurrence. The incident occurred on 3/6/2024 but was not reported to the Department until 3/18/2024. LPA advised if the facility is unsure about reporting certain incidents, they should call the On-Duty Analyst of the Day to clarify what is reportable and what is not reportable. LPA reminded the Education Supervisor and Program Manager that they should notify by calling or emailing to the Department using the electronic email address of MPROincidentreports@dss.ca.gov within the first 24 hours. The incident that occurred on 3/6/2024 at approximately 11:30-11:45 am, was due to Child #1 was outside of the classroom with S2 due to behavior concerns and for the safety of children in care. C1 and S2 were in a gated walkway for parents and children to enter the classroom. It has two gates located on each end and is surrounded by a chain link fence. Each gate has a lock and door handle. According to S2, she took C1 to the enclosed walkway. One gate is known as the entrance gate and the other is known as the exit gate. S2 was with C1 and never lost visual however C1 ran to the entrance gate and S2 blocked C1 from getting out. Then C1 ran to the exit gate and climbed the chain link gate and unlock the door, turned the doorknob and opened the exit gate. S2 was able to catch C1 by the gate however C1 wiggled free and proceeded Page 1 of 2 towards the parking lot and got approximately 46 feet away from the exit gate. S2 proceeded to guide C1 back into the facility. C1 was unharmed. S2 notified S1 who called parents of C1 and informed them of the incident. Education Supervisor and Child Development Program Director conducted their own investigation. Strategies have been put in place. LPA took photos and measurements during today\342\200\231s visit. The deficiency listed on the following page were observed by the LPA and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Please see attached LIC 809-D. The deficiency that is being cited needs to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. Notice of site visit was given to the licensee and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Program Manager, Lucy Barcelo. Page 2 of 2