Incident investigation·August 14, 2025

On 08/14/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lisa Clayton, conducted a case management inspection to follow up on an Unusual Incident, reported to the department by telephone on 05/03/2023. LPA Clayton met with Principal Paula Swearingen. LPA Clayton observed 52 children in care, being cared for a supervised appropriately by 9 fingerprint cleared staff. Description of the incident: RP states child 1's mom reported to RP that an incident happened on 05/01/2023. Child1's mom reported to RP on 05/02/2023. Child 1's mom stated child 1 started to cry on their way to school. Child 1 stated teacher \342\200\234pinched her". Child 1's mom asked child 1 who pinched her. Child 1 pointed to the teacher's aide. There were 2 marks on child 1's upper arm. Child 1 speaks Spanish only. Child 1 was referring to Rhonda Cooper. RP reported the incident to the police department. The police came to the school on 05/02/2023 and interviewed staff, parent and child. Ms. Cooper has been taken out of the classroom. LAUSD is investigating the incident as well. The police department is continuing their investigation of child abuse. During today\342\200\231s inspection, LPA Clayton interviewed staff and received copies of the LAUSD Investigative Report, and the LAUSD Incident Report as entered into the LAUSD IStar system. LPA Clayton also obtained a copy of the CCC employee center classroom schedule. LPA Clayton requested a copy of the police report and Principal Swearingen stated that she is not able to provide a police report because the LAPD turned the case over to LAUSD to investigate. Based on LPA\342\200\231s interview and observations, further investigation is required. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Principal Swearingen. LPA Clayton posted the notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) which must remain posted for 30 days.