complaint·March 4, 2025

Throughout the course of the investigation, LPA Lipsey made observations, took photos, obtained copies of the employee policies and procedure handbook, News letter, the Non Infant Menu Production Record, breakfast, lunch, snack & menus, personnel report and conducted interviews with the reporting party, ten staff and nine children. Pertaining to the allegation, Staff doesn’t properly supervise day care children. Per Reporting party (RP), there were concerns about children running and pushing each other indoors and outdoors while staff were distracted by their cell phones. RP also stated that when they shared these concerns with the Director, they felt their concerns were not taken seriously. During the inspection on 3/4/25 at 11:20-11:50am, LPA observed staff actively supervising children while they played on the playground. Children were running, jumping, riding tricycles, swinging, and sliding down slides, all of which were being carefully monitored by the staff. Staff followed procedures for supervision, including rotating areas of the playground and ensuring that each child was accounted for. Teachers responded quickly to any issues that arose, showing active engagement with the children. One out of the nine staff interviewed stated that a staff member was seen using their cell phone for personal use. Per all staff, there is a clear policy in place regarding cell phone use, which allows for phone usage only during breaks or in emergencies. Several staff members confirmed that phones were only used for necessary communication, such as updating parents or taking photos for daily reports. LPA did not observe any misuse of phones during the inspection. Teachers were seen interacting with children, comforting a crying child, and assisting a child who had fallen. Pertaining to the allegation, Staff did not ensure that children were provided a sufficient quantity of food. RP alleged that staff did not ensure children received a sufficient quantity of food, particularly that milk was not being served to avoid spills. RP also mentioned that milk was being returned to the kitchen after breakfast and lunch and that teachers served water to children in soiled cups. LPA observed teachers serving food and milk to children during lunchtime. Some children drank all their milk, while others left some. Any remaining milk was disposed of after the meal by staff and the children. Milk was provided in paper cups, and children confirmed that both milk and water were offered to them. Children drank water from their own water bottles and milk from paper cups. The milk was not withheld as alleged; rather, some children chose not to drink it entirely. The director and cook confirmed that food portions were prepared according to the guidelines from the Building Better Communities Foundation, which provided a menu with required quantities per age group. LPA did not observe any instances of children being deprived of food. All staff interviewed stated milk was given to children and served in paper cups, and cups were not reused. There is no evidence to the claim regarding staff serving water in soiled cups. Staff used disposable paper cups, and no cups were reused. The investigation revealed that staff were properly supervising the children during playtime, and there was no evidence to support the claim that staff were neglecting their duties due to cell phone distractions. Furthermore, children were provided with appropriate portions of food, including milk, and any remaining milk and used cups was disposed of. Based upon observations and evidence obtained during this investigation, the allegation of, Staff did not ensure that children were provided a sufficient quantity of food and Staff doesn’t properly supervise day care children, have been determined unsubstantiated. A finding that a complaint is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Gina Nogales. Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.