Incident investigation·May 19, 2025

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA\342\200\231s) Staicy Perry and Joanne Solorio-Campos conducted an unannounced case management inspection for a follow up visit to the above facility. Upon arrival LPA\342\200\231s met with Office Manager, Xiomara Barriere who guided LPA\342\200\231s on a tour of the facility. The purpose of the inspection is to deliver the findings regarding an incident reported to the regional office. Census was taken. LPAs observed 45 children at the time of inspection. The department received an incident report via phone from this facility on Tuesday April 22, 2025 for an incident that occurred at the facility on Tuesday April 22, 2025 involving a child in care who wandered off the facility premises. The incident was reported to the department in a timely manner according to Title 22 Regulations. During the course of the investigation, LPA Perry conducted interviews with facility staff, obtained declarations, photos, measurements, and obtained copies of relevant documentation including but not limited to the facilities ECE Parent Handbook and LAUSD Parent Handbook 2024-2025. Interviews were conducted regarding the above incident. All staff confirmed that the incident occurred around 11:00 AM. It was consistently reported that several entry and exit points including the main entrance gate, the gate leading into the facility, and the parking lot gate were left open at that time. Staff #4 indicated they left the parking lot gate open upon arrival, assuming that an aide who was leaving and getting into their vehicle would close it. Staff #2 acknowledged that this action did not align with facility policy, which requires the parking lot gate to remain closed during operating hours. Staff also confirmed that all other gates and doors, such as the front gate and entrance door, are required to always remain closed for safety reasons. Additionally, Staff #1 explained that the doors were left open during the incident to ease the process of moving items in and out of the facility. All staff interviewed confirmed that training on child supervision had been completed and emphasized that the child involved in the incident was always under supervision. Staff consistently reported that at no point was the child left unsupervised. The information gathered during the interviews highlights a lapse in adherence to established safety protocols, particularly concerning the facility\342\200\231s access points. Based on interviews, there was no indication of a lack of supervision; however, the child did manage to exit the facility and not provided a safe environment. The child reportedly ran approximately 590 feet, the child crossed Mozart and 19th Street, a one-way stop intersection (Avenue 19) and eventually making it to home. The child was not injured during the incident. The child was able to exit the facility due to multiple facility doors being open, which allowed for unobstructed access outside. Staff members were reported to be following behind the child immediately upon exit and in visual at all times. This agency has investigated the incident reported that a child in care wandered off the facility premises which an immediate risk to the health and safety of the children in care. The deficiency listed on the following page was observed by LPA Perry and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. One type A deficiency is being issued today for regulation 101223 (a)(2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child\342\200\231s file, acknowledging receipt. Notice of site visit was provided. Exit interview was conducted with Office manager Xiomara. Appeal Rights were discussed and provided.