Incident investigation·June 13, 2025

On June 13, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Monique Ayala conducted an unannounced Case Management- Incident inspection at the above facility. The purpose of the inspection is to follow up on an incident report the occurred on 06/03/2025 and was reported to the department on 06/04/2025. The incident was reported in a timely manner. LPA met with director, Angela Barlow who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. LPA observed 31 children in care with staff. During the inspection, LPA interviewed Staff #1 (S1) to Staff #3 (S3), LPA interviewed Parent #1 (P1) and LPA obtained a facility roster for toddler classroom. LPA was unable to interview Child #1 (C1) as C1 is nonverbal. During interview with S2, S2 stated they observed C1 playing with crayons and chalk. Per S2, they observed crayon residue on C1. Per S2, S2 started whipping C1 face and asked C1 to say "ahh" indicating for C1 to open their mouth. Per S2, while C1 was opening their mouth, C1 threw their head back causing a pocketed blue crayon to lodge into C1's throat. S2 stated they asked S1 for assistance in performing abdominal thrusts. Per S1, S1 checked C1's mouth and observed crayon shavings. Per S1, S1 went to their knees to get at C1's level and started performing abdominal thrusts. Per S1, on the third thrust the blue crayon came out of C1's mouth. Per S1, they observed C1 to ensure C1 was okay. Per S3, another staff member ran to the office to inform S3 of the incident. Per S1-S3, P1 was informed of the incident and was provided an incident report. Per P1, S3 informed P1 of the incident immediately and P1 was provided an incident report. Based on interviews and record review, there are no deficiencies being cited as the incident appears to have happened quickly and was unable to be prevented. An exit interview was conducted with director, Angela Barlow and a copy of this report was provided along with Appeal Rights. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must be posted for 30 days.