Incident investigation·December 7, 2023

On 12/07/2023 at 10:40 AM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Katrina Chicote conducted an Unannounced Case Management inspection to follow up on several incidents that were reported to the Department. Upon arrival, LPA met with Kandis Hamblet, Principal , who provided LPA a tour of the facility inside and outside. Census was taken. On 08/17/2023, Principal reported to Department in regards to an allegation to personal rights. Principal states that they followed LAUSD protocol on reporting to multiple Agencies including Huntington Police Department, Operations, and ECE Director. Per Principal, Huntington PD did come out to facility to conduct interviews of staff and children. Hungtington PD's investigation resulted in unfounded finding but did not provide any documentation. Agency is still conducting it's own investigation, which at time of inspection is still ongoing. Principal provided pertinent documents in regards to Agency's current investigation, such as staff's written statements, which LPA reviewed. Per record review, written statements provided inconsistent statements in regards to incident occurring. LPA interviewed staff and children in regards to incident at time of inspection. Due to insufficient information available at this time, a follow up visit will be necessary. During October, several incidents were reported to Department in regards to three bee stings children sustained and two head injuries. Principal states all incidents were observed by staff and none required medical, though Paramedics were called for one bee sting due to child's reaction but no medical required and Authorized Representative chose to take child home but were not instructed to. No allergic reactions to bee stings were reported. District procedures were followed and all parents were notified immediately after incidents took place. Principal states they have closed off area where bees were present, LPA observation of today's inspection observed this area to be closed. Principal states Operations were called to address presence of bees at facility. All but one child named in report were present during today's inspection, but one child not present left not due to incident but was already disenrolling from facility when incident occurred. Principal states she confirmed this information with Authorized Representative. Report Continues - Page 1 of 2 On 10/24/2023, Principal reported construction occurring to the facility for Main Office, Front Yard, and parking lot addition. Action plan has been created to minimize impact on daycare operations. Principal states that entire project should take 12 months and decrease capacity in Room E that is temporary at this time. LPA provided directive on providing updates to facility sketch once project is completed. Case Management visit may be necessary upon completion. On November, several incidents were reported to Department in regards to a bee sting and head bump sustained. Principal states all incidents were observed by staff and care was provided for each case but no children required medical and they stayed on campus. All children named in reports were present during today's inspection. On 11/29/2023, Principal reported to Department via email where a parent reported that child's personal rights were violated by staff to Greeting Aide. Principal states they followed protocol of reporting to Huntington Park Police Department, Operations, and ECE Director. Huntington Park PD instructed Principal to handle internally. Agency conducted own internal investigation which comprised of interviews of staff and children and interviews did not provide corroborating information in regards to incident having occurred. Agency finding resulted in inconclusive finding but Principal is waiting for further directives from Staff Relations. LPA interviewed staff named in report during inspection and did not provide additional information. On 11/30/2023, Principal reported an injury to a child requiring medical where a child hit their chin on apparatus outside which resulted in an open cut. Per Principal, incident was observed by staff and first aid was immediately applied and parent was called to pick up child. Apparatus was immediately sanitized. Parent later notified Facility that child received dissolvable stitches and was given clearance to return to school following Monday. Child was present during today's inspection. The facility was found in compliance per Title 22 regulations, there will be no deficiencies cited today. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Principal, Kandis Hamblet. Report Ends - Page 2 of 2