Incident investigation·June 21, 2023

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lilli Babcock conducted an unannounced Case Management inspection due to an incident that occurred on 3/29/23 and was reported to the Department on 3/30/23. A COVID risk assessment was conducted, and LPA wore appropriate personal protective equipment. LPA met with Director, Maricruz Flores to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Director guided LPA on a tour of the facility. Census was taken. There were 4 staff present caring for 11 children. The facility was observed to be operating within the license capacity limitations. On 3/30/23, an unusual incident report was made to the Department regarding an incident that involved a child who sustained an injury that required medical attention. The facility reported this incident to the Department within the required 24 hours. Based on information obtained during interviews conducted with staff, LPA Babcock determined that during the transition from lunch to nap time, Child #1 (C1) was strapped into her chair at the table as she was still eating lunch. C1 attempted to stand up from the chair, her feet slipped on the floor, and C1 hit their eye/brow on the rounded edge of the table, and an injury was sustained to the child’s left eye/eyebrow area which caused the area to be swollen and produce a bruise. The injured child is an infant and not verbal, and therefore could not be interviewed. At 3:08 pm, during this inspection, LPA inspected the classroom table area where the injury occurred and did not observe any hazards near or at the area where incident took place. LPA observed the edge of the table which the child hit with their eye/brow is not sharp, is made of wood, and has a rounded edge. LPA observed the chairs are age appropriate and the infant was able to touch her feet on the ground. Based on interviews with staff, there was adequate supervision at the time of the incident. It Page 1 of 2 appears that although staff were present, they could not prevent the injury. Child was taken to the emergency room and per a text from C1s parent to director, which LPA received from the facility, the parent stated, “eye socket is good, she will be OK”. Child returned to day care on 4/3/23. Based on information obtained during this investigation, no additional follow up is necessary regarding the incident reported. The facility followed all proper procedures; staff administered first aid by applying ice to the eye, child’s parent was notified, incident report was sent in properly and timely, and all medical needs were met. No deficiencies are being cited at this time. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Maricruz Flores. Page 2 of 2