complaint·June 29, 2023

On 06/14/23 at 7:33 AM, LPA Almanza arrived at the center to conduct an unannounced investigation visit. From the parking lot, LPA observed through the glass doors and windows preschool children walking in the lobby. When LPA entered the facility at 7:36 AM, LPA observed Staff 5 and three infants sitting in the infant “Buggy”. At 7:39 AM, LPA entered preschool classroom #3 and observed Staff 6 with six children. Staff 6 stated that staff was checking the children in because they had just come from the office. From 7:07 AM to 7:21 AM, five preschool children and one school-age child arrived and were in the front lobby with three infants who had arrived between 6:37 AM and 7:24 AM. From 7:07 AM until 7:33 AM, there were five preschool children, one school-age child, and three infants commingling in the front lobby. During staff interviews conducted, Staff 1, 3, and 5 disclosed that children are placed in the infant “Buggy” during drop off until staff arrive to take them to their classes. After considering available information, interviews, and observations, it was revealed that the facility is commingling day-care children; Therefore, 1 type B violations is being issued. Based on LPA’s observation, interviews which were conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations is found to be substantiated. California code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter 1, are being cited on the attached LIC9099D. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Cheryl Gartsman. Parents interviewed did not disclose any concerns regarding staff yelling at children in care. Parents disclosed that they have not heard teachers yelling at children in care and their children like the facility staff. LPA Almanza interviewed Staff and Staff are reporting that they do not yell at children. Staff 2 disclosed that Staff 8 (S8) is loud but does not yell in a mean way or speak down at anyone. Staff 4 disclosed that S8 is very energetic and speaks in a very bright full tone, high energetic voice, and very happy. Staff 5 disclosed that S8 speaks in a loud tone and very enthusiastic about what she is saying, but not mean, or yelling. Staff 6 disclosed that a lot of people may mistake S8's loud voice for yelling; S8 is very vocal, very passionate about her job; and sometimes her voice is loud, and it may echo in the school. Staff 3 disclosed that the S8 yells at children all the time in all the classes and does not agree that she talks like that. Staff 1 disclosed that the S8 does have a loud voice but has never heard S8 yelling at kids. On 05/31/23, 06/06/23, 06/14/23 and 06/15/23 LPA Almanza conducted an unannounced site visit at the Tutor Time Learning Center combination center. On 05/31/23, LPA was greeted by S8 at the front door with a loud, exited and very energetic voice. During each of the 4 visits, LPA witnessed S8 project their voice when speaking to staff, children, and LPA. LPA did not witness S8 yell at children or speak in a mean or hurtful way. After considering available information, interviews, and observations, it was revealed that the facility Director speaks in a loud voice but not with the intent to yell, discipline, or punish children in care. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Cheryl Gartsman Page 2 of 2