complaint·August 2, 2024

Child #3 (C3) informed LPA Calderon that teachers can sometimes be mean when a child is doing something they aren’t suppose too do and the teachers will tell the children they can’t do that. During interviews with two (2) staff, LPA was informed that no comments were inappropriately made to children or children's parent(s) and it was discussed with parent of child in question that child displayed behaviors like eloping, sensory food issues, running around therefore staff were coordinating with the BEST Program Education Specialist to observe the child and parent became offended and told the school staff their child does not have special needs. Two (2) staff stated they are not able to access or diagnose a child and child in question parent was not told child has special needs but discussed child's behaviors and school was assisting child. During interviews conducted via telephonically with children’s parents. Three (3) parents informed LPA that they haven’t had any issues regarding staff making inappropriate comments. During visit dates LPA did not observe any inappropriate comments made by facility staff. Regarding allegation: Staff mistreated a daycare child. Based on interviews Director Ms. Martinez informed LPA that the school is very inclusive, no child is mistreated or excluded from any activity or snack/meals, and if a child can’t control their body teachers assist them and then child will be regrouped in the activity or snack/ mealtime when ready. Three (3) staff interviews informed LPA, they denied the above allegation and stated child aren't mistreated or excluded from any activity or snack/meal time. During children’s interviews, (5) children stated they like going to school. Two (2) children stated they eat with friends. One (1) stated teachers don’t yell at children and isn’t sure what happens if children get in trouble and another child informed LPA that if children get in trouble teachers talks with them. LPA during observations on 5/17/24, 6/13/24 and on today’s visit observed circle time/ playtime and snack/lunch time and LPA(s) didn’t observe children being mistreated by facility staff or by any other children. (Continuation 9099-C...) Regarding allegation: Staff did not provide adequate care and supervision of a daycare child. During interviews with staff, three (3) staff stated teachers walk around the classroom to provide supervision to the children. During interviews conducted via telephonically with children’s parents. Three (3) parents informed LPA that the school provides adequate care and supervision. During children interviews, (2) children stated they always have teachers present with them. Three (3) children did not corroborate with the above allegation. On todays’ visit and visit dates of 6/13/24 and 5/17/2, LPA Calderon observed facility having staff present in each classroom visited and were found to be within ratio, caring and supervising the children. Although the above allegations may have happened or are valid; based on observations, interviews, and documents obtained there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore at this time the allegations are deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. No deficiency was cited at this time for this complaint allegation. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview was conducted with Assistant Director Natalie Robideaux and and Director Gina Matinez.