complaint·August 16, 2021

Page 2/5 regarding symptoms, page 5 of the Blue Book from the "Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Guidance for Early Care and Education Providers," the letter to parents dated 10/13/20, and the "Statement of Responsibility for Child to Not Wear a Mask" were obtained. Prior to today's inspection, an interview was conducted with the Reporting Party. -Pertaining to the allegation that "Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance": This allegation refers to two to three staff and "older" children not wearing face coverings. Per the California Department of Public Health "Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings" issued on 07/28/21, all persons, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks indoors, including "indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings." In the FAQs, when asked why children ages 2-11 were required to wear masks indoors, it is because "they are currently ineligible for vaccines and are therefore 'unvaccinated.' " It was this same guidance which stated that, " In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors" and that "persons younger than two years old' are exempt from wearing masks due to the risk of suffocation." Both staff interviewed corroborated that children aged 2 are not required to wear face coverings while at the Center. Documentation which verifies that the Center does not require children age 2 to wear face coverings was issued on 10/13/20 when the Preschool issued a memo to the parents recommending that all children over the age of two wear masks while at school, but stating that they will not require the children to wear a mask if the parent does not want them to wear it. The parents who elected to have their child not wear a mask were then able to sign the "Statement of Responsibility for Child to Not Wear a Mask." And a letter was then issued to parents stating that "Children who are 3 years and older will be required to use face masks coverings"; it was Page 3/5 stated that this letter is still being given to the parents of children newly-enrolling at the Center. Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation that "Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance" has been determined to be true. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that there was a violation of Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 101223 "Personal Rights." The complaint alleged that “Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance." Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be Substantiated. A finding of Substantiated means that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06, Section 101223 "Personal Rights" is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. -Pertaining to the allegation that "Children are using the same water fountain": this allegation refers to the fact that the children are required to use the water fountains indoors and outdoors at the Center. Though the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health retired the guidance that all water fountains be rendered inoperable effective April 30, 2021, both staff interviewed corroborated that children are required to use the drinking water fountains both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, staff clean the fountain with a soap and water solution and then disinfect it with a bleach and water solution in between each child. Outdoors, the same procedure was being followed until the end of June when an incident occurred and staff were directed to stop cleaning and disinfecting the outdoor water fountain in between each child, as each fountain would be thoroughly disinfected at the end of each day. During the tour, LPA observed a child at an outdoor water fountain on the 2s playground and observed that it was not cleaned or Page 4/5 disinfected after use. When asked whether the parents were informed of the difference between the indoor and outdoor fountains and of the change of not disinfecting the outdoor fountain in between each child, the response was no. When asked whether children could bring water bottles or sippy cups to the Center for personal use, the response was no. As the difference in cleaning and disinfecting only has to do with whether the child is indoors or outdoors, and as there were children diagnosed with upper respiratory infections, the allegation that "Children are using the same water fountain" has been determined to be true. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that there was a violation of Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 101223 "Personal Rights." The complaint alleged that “"Children are using the same water fountain." Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be Substantiated. A finding of Substantiated means that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06, Section 101223 "Personal Rights" is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Please refer to 9099D for documentation of deficiencies. Upon receipt, Co-owner Jennie Gonzalez posted the Notice of Site Visit. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100 civil penalty. An exit interview has been conducted with, and a copy of this report has been signed by and provided to Co-owner Jennie Gonzalez. Appeal Rights have been provided and explained to Co-owner Gonzalez as well.