Incident investigation·March 2, 2023

On March 2, 2023 @ 9:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Miriam Cohen conducted a Case Management Incident inspection to follow up on the self-reported incident that occurred on 02/09/2023 at Paos Verdes Montessori Academy Infant Center (Infant center with a Toddler component), facility number 197419680 located at 28451 Indian Peak Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274. The El Segundo Regional Office received the incident report on 02/10/2023. LPA Cohen met with preschool director, Eliza Byrd, and stated the purpose for the visit. Upon arrival, LPA observed 21 children (nine infants and 12 toddlers) being supervised by 6 adults. All center staff members that was present during today\342\200\231s inspection had fingerprint clearance and associated to the designated license number. Based on the information that were gathered through interviews, documentation submitted to the department, and physical plant inspection of the site of the incident (toddler outdoor play area), it revealed that on the day of the incident, there were nine children being supervised by three adults (one of the staff members went inside the classroom to change a child\342\200\231s diaper). Per interview with the director, at approximately 4:20 PM, a parent observed a child (C1) sitting in a corner, outside in the toddler play area, alone and without an adult supervision. The parent informed one of the teachers (S1), who immediately took the child back inside the classroom. The director immediately discussed the incident and reviewed counting protocols when transitioning from outdoors to indoors, and vice-versa, with all Infant and Toddler teachers. Write ups were issued including the termination of the teacher in charge of C1 during the incident. Director notified parent of C1 concerning the incident and provided information on the consequences for the teacher in charge of C1 during the incident. As of 03/02/2023, C1 remained enroll in the Infant Center. Based on the available information: LIC 624 (UIR form), interview with the director, and physical observation of the site where the incident occurred, it appears that the incident was the result of a Title 22 violation for lack of supervision. A type A citation was issued. The content of this report was read and discussed in detail at the time of inspection with Infant Center Director. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of appeal rights was provided. A copy of this report must be given to all parents and to the parents of any child enrolling within the next 12 months. Licensee is to post notice of Site Visit for 30 Days upon receipt, failure to do so will result in $100 immediate civil penalty.