complaint·September 3, 2025

This is an amendment of an original report created on 9/3/25. The report has been amended to change the identifiers. Per staff children are only cared for in the childcare room and there is no other room that is dark. LPA did not observe any other dark room. LPA Observed the childcare room (family room) to be open with many windows and big sliding patio doors that open up to the backyard where the children play. While viewing the video, LPA noticed when the children are put down for their naps, the staff pulled the blinds closed, pulled the curtains closed and the room became dark. Although the room was dark on the video LPA was able to see a staff sitting on the floor with the children as they slept. No collaborating statements were found to support the claim that children were placed in a dark room as punishment. Pertaining the allegation \342\200\234Licensee pushed day care child\342\200\235 and \342\200\234Day care child sustained unexplained injury in care\342\200\235. Per Reporting Party RP, their friend\342\200\231s child sustained a bruise on the forehead and when the parents asked what happened they were told it may have happened from the swings. Staff stated they did not know of any injury. P9 was not satisfied with the answer and wanted to view the video. On 6/17/25, Licensee allowed the P9 to view the video for ten minutes and while viewing the video time stamped, 6/5/25, P9 thought they saw the staff pull a child by the arm very hard and push them in a room. The P9 wanted to continue watching the video but was told they could not. The police were called on 6/19/25 and were able to view the video. Per the police report, the officers watched the video, time stamped 6/5/25 from approximately 10:45 to 11am and then again from 10:15 to 11am. The report states they did not observe any evidence of any child being pulled and placed alone inside the residence. On 6/26/25 during the home visit, LPA watched video for 2 hours, 6/4/25 and 6/5/25. LPA started watching the video at fast speed and thought they saw a staff pick up 2 children by the arm and take them to the side of the house. However, when LPA slowed the video down, it was actually the staff moving two bicycles and not children. From that point on LPA watched the video, at regular speed, and did not see any child being mishandled or pulled by the arms. Per staff, video footage is kept for 30 days. All interviewed parents expressed satisfaction with the care provided. No parents reported concerns about rough handling or use of a dark room. Two parents confirmed awareness of the thinking corner as a redirection method. No evidence was found to support the allegations of a child being pushed or unexplained injury. Based upon evidence obtained during this investigation, the allegations, "Licensee used inappropriate form of punishment, \342\200\234Licensee pushed day care child\342\200\235 and \342\200\234Day care child sustained unexplained injury in care\342\200\235 have been determined to be 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. Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee Zohar Schwarkopf.