Incident investigation·September 12, 2023

On 09/12/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cohen made an unannounced visit and met with Briana Minton-Jensen, preschool director for the purpose of conducting a follow up Case Management - Incident investigation. The facility had self reported a lack of supervision to a three-year-old child (C1) who walked out of the facility building during a restroom break. The child walked off the premises through a gate to Prairie Avenue and 178 th Street, which is \302\275 block off the preschool. According to the Torrance Police Officer, the child was found by three neighbors who called the Torrance Police Department. The child was returned to the preschool by two police officers. The parent was contacted by the preschool director and met with the police officer. On the day of the incident, there were five staff members present caring for 22 children. The facility contacted the Regional Office within 24 hours and submitted the written report within 7 days. Upon arrival, the director and LPA toured the playground where the incident occurred. During today\342\200\231s visit, LPA obtained copies of the Emergency ID Form (C1), Teacher\342\200\231s attendance. According to the director, the following changes were implemented the day after incident occurred, 08/29/2023: 1. Two gates located in the grass area facing Prairie Avenue were secured and locked with shorten chains to prevent opening. 2. New procedures implemented for staff members a) Double check all gates for security b) Classroom count for children to be posted on the classroom doors; count children during transitions (beginning and ending) c) CCL Safety Training Videos viewed (attendance with signature and written declaration obtained) d) Director met with church office and discussed security measures for two additional gates and secured keypads for existing gates e) Director requested church office to send an email to Korean church (leasing from Lutheran church) to remind members to keep all gates closed and secured during preschool business hour Based on the investigation, including interviews (written declaration obtained) with relevant parties, observations by the LPA, and consultation with management, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. SUBSTANTIATED- A finding that a complaint is substantiated means that the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met. The facility was cited a Type A deficiency according to California Code of Regulations Title 22 (See LIC 9099D report for deficiencies). Licensee is to post notice of Site Visit for 30 Days, failure to do so will result in $100 immediate civil penalty. This report must be copied and given to all parents and to the parents of any child enrolling within the next 12 months. A copy of Lic 9224 must be signed and retained in the file. A plan of correction was discussed with the director. An exit interview and a copy of this report along with Appeal Rights were explained and provided to Briana Minton-Jensen.