Complaint·September 17, 2021

During the investigation, LPA Lee was not able to get additional information from Staff#1, who is no longer employed at this facility, despite attempts to do so. The interviews conducted with the Director and Staff members at the facility did confirm that the incident described in the allegations did occur. Although the facility did have enough staff to remain in ratio during the time of the incident, when Staff#1 left the infant room briefly and left an infant in the classroom the facility was operating out of ratio for that moment until Staff#1 returned because no qualified staff was in the infant room providing care and supervision for the one infant in the room. Even if it was for a brief moment, an infant being left in a classroom without a qualified staff member is an immediate risk to the children in care. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations,(Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter Number 6), are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Upon receipt of this report, the licensee shall post ANY licensing report documenting a type “A” citation. This must remain posted for 30 days during hours of operation. In addition to posting this report, the licensee will also provide copies to the parents of the children in care for up to one year. A copy of the LIC 9224 - Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports was provided. Exit interview was conducted with Director Maribeth Peralta . Appeal rights and procedures were explained. During the investigation LPA Lee was not able to obtain additional information from the Complainant despite attempts. Interviews were conducted with Staff members that worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Although it is possible that children's personal rights were violated by forcing them to sit in chairs, there was not enough evidence to prove that this did happen. Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, the allegations that children in care are forced to sit may be valid. However, there is not enough preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore at this time the above allegations is found to be unsubstantiated. Exit interview conducted with Director Maribeth Peralta. Appeal rights discussed and explained. The Notice of site inspection must remain posted for a period of 30 days during hours of operation. Failure to maintain posting will result in a civil penalty of $100.00 dollars.