Incident investigation·December 9, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced Case Management Incident inspection at the above facility on 12/09/25 at 11:45 a.m. LPA met with the facility representative who guided analyst on a tour of the facility. There were 22 children with 06 staff. During today's inspection, LPA interviewed staff 1 (S1 thru 3), child 1 (C1). LPA also reviewed C1s file. On 12/01/25 at approximately 9:30am during circle time child #1 (C1) was observed on several occasions going to the hamster cage and putting their finger inside the cage. According to the unusual incident report, C1 was given several warnings prior to sustaining a small cut on their index finger. The unusual incident report reveals that it is unknown if the child was bitten by the hamster or if it was the cage that caused the cut on the child\342\200\231s finger. Interviews conducted with S1 revealed that it is unknown if the hamster bit the child or if the cage cut the child\342\200\231s index finger. According to S1, C1 was taken to the doctor; however, the child\342\200\231s parent did not provide a doctor\342\200\231s note, and it is unknown if the child\342\200\231s cut was from the hamster or cage. S1 stated that the child returned the next day without any restrictions. Interviews conducted with S2 revealed that on 12/01 C1 had to be redirected on several occasions from the hamster area because the child does not like circle time. S2 recalled seeing C1 poking other children during circle time and then their attention shifted towards the hamster area/cage. S2 redirected C1 to the carpet; however, C1 kept returning to the hamster area. C1 came up to S2 and showed them their finger but the staff didn\342\200\231t see anything. C1 came up to S2 a second time to show them their finger and blood was observed. S2 requested assistance from other staff to provide first aid. Per S2, C1s finger was washed with soap and water, and a band aid was placed on the child\342\200\231s index finger. S2 stated that the hamster was not out but it is unknown how C1 sustained the small cut. Page 1 of 2 S2 also revealed that they have been bitten by the hamster when they clean the cage and that the cut observed on C1 is not the same. Interviews conducted with S3 revealed that on 12/01 C1 had to be constantly redirected and removed from the hamster area, but the child didn\342\200\231t want to go to the carpet because the child wanted to put their finger in the hamsters cage. S3 observed C1 poking the hamster, disturbing the hamster, and moving the hamsters cage. Per S3, due to the disturbance the hamster was observed to be out and observed C1 remove their finger from the cage. S3 then observed C1 moving their finger and walking towards S2. According to S3, the child\342\200\231s finger had blood when they approached S2. S3 stated that the hamster was close enough to bite the child; however, the staff did not observe the hamster bite C1. LPA attempted to interview C1; however, the child was not responsive. Interviews also revealed that the hamster has bitten their current wood cage (pictures taken), previous cage (pictures taken), has escaped at least 5 times within the last 3 months prior to the incident of 12/01 and prior to children\342\200\231s arrival. LPA observed the current cage is made out of wood and the sides were reinforced with additional wood to prevent the hamster from biting the sides of the cage and escaping. The current cage seems to be secured and safe as it doesn't have any openings for children to place their fingers or hands inside. The incident was reported to the Department within the required 24 hours of occurrence. LPA recommends that there is always supervision in the hamster area and that the hamster is placed in a secured cage that is not easily bitten or that the hamster can escape. LPA provided a technical advisory. At this time, the facility is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no deficiencies being issued today. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Dianne Talens. Page 2 of 2