Incident investigation·September 21, 2023

On 09/21/2023 at 3:00 PM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Katrina Chicote conducted an Unannounced Case Management inspection to follow up on an incident that was reported to the Department. Upon arrival, LPA disclosed purpose of inspection and met with Principal, Ernestine Lara, who provided LPA a tour of the facility inside and outside. Census was taken. On 09/12/2023, an unusual incident report was made to The Department regarding a child who had left the facility and entered into a classroom at the nearby elementary school campus. The facility reported this incident to the Department within 24 hours and submitted a written report within seven days fulfilling Title 22 Reporting Requirements. During this inspection, LPA interviewed Principal and child's teacher. Both interviews state that they did not see the child leave the classroom and confirm no staff observed child leave. Interview with classroom teacher states she realized child was missing when she conducted head count during transition time, she radioed that a child was missing concurrently when elementary staff called to state that they had located child in the classroom. Principal states they typically have a teacher right by the door but in this case, staff had momentarily left door posting. Principal states as a response to incident they have updated their protocols to make sure doors are no longer held ajar by magnet, which is what allowed the child to push the door open and leave. Per Principal, updated policy is now that doors are to remain closed and locked with staff having a key or a key hung by door. LPA observed key and sign in/out sheet for key by door and door to be completely closed at time of inspection. Based on the interviews conducted and information obtained, LPA determined there was a lack of supervision that resulted in the child leaving the classroom which poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of the children in care. Per Principal, training was provided to staff on new policy. Report Continues - Page 1 of 2 Based on this information, the following deficiencies on the attached LIC 809D are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. Upon receipt of this report, the Licensee shall post the Notice of Site Visit and any Licensing report documenting a type \342\200\234A\342\200\235 deficiency. The report and the Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required, will result in an immediate $100 civil penalty. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled children for the next 12 months (1 year). The Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC 9224 form must be maintained in each child\342\200\231s file immediately upon receipt from parent. Licensee was provided with a copy of the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports (LIC 9224) Form during this visit. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Principal, Ernestine Lara. Report Ends - Page 2 of 2