complaint·May 22, 2024

During the interview with the Licensee Representative / Bhagya Fernando (BF), it was disclosed that on 1/11/24, Child 2 bit Child 1 on the face, causing bruising to the cheek of Child 1. The incident happened outside, while children were playing on the playground. Per BF, Staff 1 witnessed the incident as Staff 1 was in charge of looking after the children at the playground. This was an isolated incident. Child 1 has since left the center and is no longer enrolled at ABC Pre School House. During the interview of Staff 1, Staff 1 admitted to witnessing the incident involving Child 2 biting Child 1, while playing on the playground. Per Staff 1, the incident happened really fast and Staff 1 was unable to intervene and stop Child 2 from biting Child 1 on the right cheek. There were around 9 - 10 children playing on the playground at the time of the incident. Based on LPA’s observations and interviews which were conducted and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. The Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00. Exit interview was conducted with Meri Movsisyan and Appeals Rights provided. During the interview with the Licensee Representative / Bhagya Fernando (BF), BF denied Staff 2 ever hitting Child 1 and a staff locking Child 1 inside the bathroom. Per BF, Staff 2 was questioned about the allegation of hitting Child 1 with a stick and Staff 2 denied the allegation and stated that nothing of such has ever happened. Per BF, both allegations were brought to his attention by Child 1's parent in January of 2024 and an internal investigation was conducted at the Center (ABC Pre School House) and there was insufficient evidence found. Child 1 continued attending ABC Pre School House for a little over a month (after parent reported the allegations) before disenrolling and leaving the center on 2/23/24. Staff interviewed denied observing any child at the Center being hit by a staff or a child being locked inside the bathroom. During the interview with Staff 2, Staff 2 denied ever hitting Child 1 or any child at the Center. Parents interviewed did not present concerns related to the above-mentioned allegations and were pleased with the services and care being provided to their children. Based on the investigation conducted, there is insufficient evidence to support the above-mentioned allegations to be true. Therefore, although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated. The Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00. Exit interview was conducted with Director / Meri Movsisyan and Appeals Rights provided.