Office review·January 11, 2022

An office meeting was held by Regional Manager (RM) Scott Herring, Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Mariela Ramon, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lady King-Lewis, and Licensee/Administrator Allea Adams via telephone on January 11, 2022. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Department’s concerns regarding a substantiated complaint finding and deficiencies cited as follows: 01/31/18, Case Management: Teacher/Child Ratio: LPA observed 32 children, 2 teachers and 1 aide in the 1 classroom (pre-school room). Type A deficiency cited. 01/29/19, Annual Required Inspection: Criminal Record Clearance: LPA did not observe staff member # 1 and #2 to be associated to the center. Type A deficiency cited. Facility was also cited for violations of Buildings and Grounds; Disasters Drills; CPR and First Aid; and Personnel Records. (4 type B deficiencies were cited). 10/15/19, Allegation of Operating out of Ratio was substantiated: LPA observed 21 Children with 2 Staff (teacher and aide) in the Pre-K classroom. Type B deficiency cited. 06/08/21, Case Management: Reporting Requirements. Type B deficiency cited. 06/24/21, Allegations of Physical Plant: broken keypad. Type B deficiency cited. 07/07/21, Case Management: Sleeping Equipment: infant #1 sleeping with a pacifier attachment; Infant #1 sleeping on his stomach; Type A deficiencies cited; Outdoor Activity Space: Animal feces in children's sandbox. Type B deficiency cited. 08/24/21: Case Management / Conduct Inimical On 06/08/21, Licensee Allea Adams confronted a day child, staff and child’s parent concerning an alleged incident. Licensee’s actions and conduct were inappropriate. Type A deficiency cited. Licensee stated she has corrected the above concerns, developed a better system for communication, all staff are being trained to prevent these types of violations from reoccurring. Licensee stated the facilities are using Brightwheel to provide better communication with parents and staff. RM Herring discussed the importance of reporting unusual incidents to the parent and to the Department. Licensee stated she understands the importance of the reporting requirements regulations and will remain in compliance of these requirements. LPM Ramon discussed the responsibility of the Licensee to ensure staff are fingerprint cleared and associated prior to their first day of employment at the facility; explained that it is the Licensee's responsibility to ensure staff are qualified, have all required training, forms and documents are in the employee file prior to appointing into their position. Licensee stated she is in the process of hiring new staff and will ensure that all staff received all the necessary training to meet the children’s needs and follow all Title 22 Regulations. RM Herring provided information regarding Technical Support Program (TSP), and he explained the program is a non-cost benefit to assist licensees to come into compliance. The TSP consultant assistant is a neutral party that determines some areas of improvement and guides licensees to assist in operating within the bounds of regulations and statutes, developing systems for implementation, and providing best practice suggestions. Licensee has accepted and has been contacted by TSP. Licensee stated she is looking forward to work with TSP. An exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with the licensee, and a copy of this report was emailed to licensee.