complaint·July 24, 2024

The complaint alleges that there are not enough cribs for all infants in care. During a visit to the facility on 6/19/24, LPA Babcock observed 6 cribs in the 0-12 month room with 8 infants in attendance observed in the room. During interviews, Staff #1 and Staff #7 disclosed there have been days where there have not been enough cribs for the number of infants present. Allegation: Staff did not ensure the fridge was not in disrepair During interviews, Staff #1, #5, and #7 stated the bottom panel was missing from the refrigerator. Additionally, LPA observed the bottom panel to be missing from the refrigerator in the 0–12 month room during the visit on 6/19/24. LPA ran her hand over the edges of the area of the missing panel and no sharp edges were observed. In addition, complainant stated dirty diapers and wipes were disposed of in an uncovered trash bin, there was no first aid kit in the classrooms, and caregivers do not monitor infants properly. During visits on 6/19/24 and 7/24/24, LPA observed first aid kits and covered trash bins in all classrooms and LPA observed staff monitoring infants. During interviews, staff stated there are first aid kits and covered trash bins in the classrooms, and staff stated they have never observed any staff not monitoring infants properly. Based on the information gathered, and interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 Chapter 1 are being cited on the attached 9099D. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health and safety. 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. An exit interview conducted, and the report was reviewed with Assistant Director, Magali Perez. The complaint alleges that the bottom of the refrigerator is broken and sharp edges and broken parts caused injuries to children during play. During interviews conducted, there were no disclosures by staff, or parents regarding children sustaining injuries due to the bottom panel missing from the refrigerator. Staff did not report any injuries or ouch reports being written and LPA did not observe any ouch reports in children’s files for injuries received from the missing refrigerator panel. Parents interviewed reported they were happy with the care and supervision provided by the facility. Allegation: Staff are inappropriately using the hand washing sink for washing dishes During interviews, staff stated children’s dishes are not washed in the sink and the children’s dishes are placed in the children’s bags after use, to be washed at home. Parents interviewed stated they provided multiple bottles for their infants, and they would not need to be washed and refilled at the facility. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging infants in care sustained injuries due to staff neglect and staff are inappropriately using the hand washing sink for washing dishes. Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegations have been determined to be Unsubstantiated. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore at this time the above allegations are unsubstantiated. There were no deficiencies cited on the above-mentioned allegations per California Code of Regulations Title 22. 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 Assistant Director, Magali Perez.