Complaint·May 21, 2024

During an interview with the reporting party, reporting party was not able to recall the incident that occurred when staff did not report illnesses to child's authorized representative. Reporting party was also not able to recall when a sick child was not isolated from other children as first reported. Reporting party was also not able to recall the incident when a staff handled a child in a rough manner. Principal was not able to provide information regarding the allegations. During interviews with staff, staff disclosed that the facility has an isolation area located in the nurse's office. Staff also disclosed that children who show signs of illness while in care are taken to the nurse's office and parents are called should the child need to go home due to illness. Staff made no disclosures of children being handled in a rough manner. During the investigation, LPA observed the isolation area for children in the nurse's office. LPA also conducted an observation of care and supervision of children in care. At no time did LPA observe staff handle children in a rough manner or use physical redirection. Based on the investigation conducted by the Department it has been determined that although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated. A copy of this report, appeal rights, and Notice of Site Visit was provided. Exit interview was conducted with Uchenna Okereke, Principal. ---Page 2 of 2 Principal was not able to provide information regarding the allegations. Principal did disclose that there were recent changes to staff assignments in Rooms K-3 and K-4. During interviews with staff, disclosures were made of Staff#5 not able to find Child#3 during outdoor play. During an interview with Staff#5, Staff #5 disclosed that they in fact could not find Child#5 but Child #5 was not lost because Child #5 was found in Room K-3 playing hide and seek. Staff #6 disclosed that Child #1 and Child #2 were observed with thumb tacks in their mouth. Staff #6 also disclosed that thumb tacks are used in the classroom to secure documents on the board for children to view. During LPA’s observation of care and supervision, LPA observed Staff#5 telling children to throw their trash away and clean up. Staff #5 was helping a child clean when Child #4 fell from their chair and injured their head. Staff #5 did not see Child#4 fall. Staff#5 heard Child #4 cry and Child#4 was taken to the nurse’s office to administer first aid and contact their parent. LPA observed the use of thumbtacks on the walls where documents are posted. LPA also observed thumbtacks accessible to children on the floor near the areas children use for play. During the observation, LPA advised Staff #5 to make thumb tacks inaccessible children to ensure children do not place thumb tacks in their mouths. Based on the investigation conducted by the Department which includes interviews, observations, record reviews, and other pertinent information and documents, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. The following deficiencies listed on the attached deficiency pages are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled children for the next 12 months (1 year). The Acknowledgement form must be maintained in each child’s file immediately upon receipt from parent. Principal was provided with a copy of the parent Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports Form during this visit. A copy of this report, appeal rights, and Notice of Site Visit was provided. Exit interview was conducted with Uchenna Okereke, Principal. ---Page 2 of 2