Incident investigation·August 28, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jeanette Estrada conducted an unannounced case management inspection for the purpose of following up on two unusual incidents reported to the Department. LPA met with Early Learning Center Managers Keokuk Legarde and Vicente Alvarez. There were 15 children and two staff present in Room 1 (EHS class), 15 children and five staff in Room 2 (CCT class) and 8 children and two staff in room B19 (EHS class). The facility reported two incidents that occurred in Room 1 (Early Head Start ages 2-3 years old). The first incident occurred on 8/4/25. It was reported that Child 1 was using the slide on the play structure lost balance and hit their cheek on the slide. Staff 1, interviewed during today's visit was present on the playground but did not witness the incident. Per Staff 1, they witnessed Staff 2 provide Child 1 an ice pack. Parent was contacted and informed of the incident. Staff 2 was not present during today's visit. Per Staff 1, Staff 2 was supervising the play structure area. The play structure is labeled for use by children ages 2 to 5. Parent was provided an ouch report at the end of the day when they picked up the child. The second incident reported occurred on 8/4/25. It was reported that Child 2 was playing outside, lost their balance and fell face forward into a wooden planter. Child 2 hit the side of their face. During today's visit, LPA interviewed Staff 1 who witnessed the incident. Per Staff 1, child was just playing alone near the wooden planter and lost balance. Per Staff 1, they assisted Child 2 immediately by providing an ice pack. Staff 1 also stated they called parent who stated they would pick up child. Staff 1 stated there were no visible marks on child's face and child continued playing and participating in activities the rest of the day until they were picked up. Per Staff, this is the first incident related to the wooden planter. Per ELCM Keokuk Legarde, the facility will install a cushioned border along the two planters for further safety measures. Per Staff, both children often have similar incidents due to their age and gross motor development. Staff is ensuring to work with all children in developing and strengthening their gross motor skills and stated they are providing activities on the grass to provide a safer area in attempt to prevent any injuries. Page 2 Through interviews conducted today, it was determined that Staff was available and supervising the children when both incidents occurred. No citations are being issued during today's inspection. Exit interview conducted. A copy of this report and a notice of site visit were provided to Early Learning Center Managers Keokuk Legarde and Vicente Alvarez.