Incident investigation·May 6, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst's (LPAs) Monique Ayala and Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced Case Management -Incident inspection at the above facility. LPAs were greeted by Director Melissa Garcia who guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. LPAs observed 42 children in care with 5 staff. The purpose of the inspection is to follow up on an incident that was reported to the department on 04/24/2025, the incident occurred on 04/23/2025. The incident was reported timely to the department. The incident is a possible personal rights violation. During the investigation, LPAs interviewed Staff #1 (S1) to Staff #4 (S4), LPAs interviewed Child #1 (C1) to Child #5 (C5), LPAs interviewed Parent #1 (P1) to Parent #3 (P3), LPAs obtained images of C1's upper right arm where injury was sustained, signed verbal training with S1 and obtained a current facility roster. During interviews it was disclosed by C3 and C4 that S1 does grab their upper arm area during transition time. C3 and C4 demonstrated on LPA Ayala's arm how S1 grabs their arm. S2 to S4 did state that S1, is easily frustrated with the children and at times has a stern/harsh voice with the children. S3 provided LPAs with a training review for Unacceptable Child Guidance that was signed and dated by S1 on 02/02/025. Per S3, a verbal meeting was had with S1 due to their tone with the children. Per P1, C1 disclosed that S1 had yelled at C1 causing C1 to cry on a different occasion. Per C1, C1 was helping their friends with their blankets during nap time when S1 grabbed C1's upper right arm and took C1 back to the cot and told C1, "you need to stay on your bed". C1 stated that S1 yelled a little bit and was angry at C1. C1 stated, they didn't say anything to S1 because they didn't want to get in trouble. C1 sustained bruising and nail marks on the right upper arm area. LPAs observed pictures taken on the day of the incident. Pictures observed show red colored bruising and what appears to be adult size nail prints. LPAs interviewed P1 who stated, during pick on 04/23/2025, C1 informed P1 that S1 hurt C1 arm. Per P1, C1 showed P1 the injury/bruising/nail marks on C1 upper arm area. Per P1, they asked S1 if anything occurred with C1 during the day. Per P1, S1 stated nothing happened and did know how C1 sustained the injury. Per P1, C1 told S1, "you did this to me". Per P1, S1 did not say anything and stated they didn't know what happened. P1 stated that they informed the director prior to leaving the facility. Images were obtained by the director. LPAs interviewed P2-P3 who did not disclose any information. C5 did not make any disclosures. Based on interviews conducted, the facility is being cited a Type A deficiency in accordance with Title 22 Regulations, Personal Rights. C1 sustained an injury from S1 on their right upper arm area where there is bruising and nail marks. During the course of the investigation, it was disclosed by C1, C3 and C4 that S1 yells/raising their voice at the children, it was disclosed by S2-S4 that they have also observed S1 have a stern/harsh tone with the children. A verbal warning where a training review for Unacceptable Child Guidance was signed and dated on 02/02/2025. LPA Ayala informed the director, Melissa Garcia to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 05/06/2025 that documents any type A citations to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report, A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child’s file for verification. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided along with Appeal Rights. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must be posted for 30 days.