Incident investigation·July 7, 2022

On July 7, 2022 at 1:45 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Monique Ayala conducted an unannounced inspection at the facility noted above and met with Teacher Assistant, Miriam Diaz. The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a case management inspection in regards to an incident that was reported by the facility to the Department on September 2, 2021. Upon arrival, 8 staff and 24 children were present. The Department received an Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624) from the facility that reported that on September 1, 2021 during outdoor time about 9:15 AM, staff (S1) witnessed staff (S2) allegedly hitting child (C1) on the head while S1 was assisting the child with their shoe. During the inspection, LPA conducted a walk through of the inside and outside of the facility accompanied by Teacher Assistant, Miriam Diaz. LPA observed surveillance cameras throughout the facility, including the outdoor play yard. LPA obtained a copy of the Personnel Report (LIC 500) that is dated April 2022. LPA conducted a telephone interview with staff (S3). LPA also conducted confidential interviews at the facility with S1 and S2. LPA was informed that the agency conducted an internal investigation and found unsubstantial evidence to support the allegation. The evidence gathered during the internal investigation by the agency was surveillance footage and confidential interviews. LPA was informed that S2 was placed on suspension until the process of the investigation was concluded. LPA was also informed that staff received training after the incident on care and supervision. LPA requested that the following documents be submitted via e-mail by July 14th: updated Personnel Report (LIC 500), official report for the internal investigation, suspension documentation, training documentation for S1 and S2, mandated reporter training certificates for S1 and S2, and an addendum report for the LIC 624. Based on the information obtained during today's inspection, LPA determined that staff did not violate the child's personal rights therefore, no deficiencies were cited. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Teacher Assistant, Miriam Diaz.