complaint·April 19, 2023

Information from the complainant indicates that a staff member at the facility participated in inappropriate interactions with a child. LPA interviewed director regarding the complaint reported. Director disclosed the incident was self-reported to the Department on 01/18/2023. Incident was brought to the attention of the facility by parent of children involved. Director confirmed with Staff #2 (S2) that the incident did occur. Staff #2 had disclosed that around 6:20pm, Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) were with S2, waiting to be picked up. They were all on the carpet watching a cartoon on a tablet, when Child #1 leaned over and kissed S2 on the cheek. Staff #2 informed director that they instructed the children that they “only kiss mommies and daddies” when the incident occurred. Director continued to discuss that facility policy regarding hugging and kissing. Director states that hugs are suppose to be a “very quick hug ‘1-2-3’ whether it’s on the side or on the front. Then we break away.” Staff interviews corroborated the same policy for both “hugging” and the topic of “kisses” with children in care. Interview with Staff #2 (S2) corroborated incident occurring. S2 states they redirected C1 and C2 regarding “kissing” stating that “we only kiss moms, dads, sisters, and family members.” S2 states they did not let director know until mom informed director first, and stated they did not think it was bad intentions and that child was “being silly.” Children interviews made no disclosure regarding the allegation Parent interviews made no disclosure regarding the allegation. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that there was a violation of Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 101223 "Personal Rights.” The complaint alleged that “Staff had inappropriate interactions with day care child. Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be Substantiated. A finding of Substantiated means that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06, Section 101223 "Personal Rights” is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Please refer to 9099D for documentation of deficiencies. Notice of Site Visit was given to Licensee. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for thirty (30) consecutive days. Exit interview was conducted with Director Margie Zarate, at 9:55am. Copy of report provided. REPORT ENDS PAGE 2 of 2