Follow-up·June 15, 2023

On 6/15/2023 at 09:30 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carolyn Tuba was conducting an unannounced complaint inspection and during the visit LPA observed a Personal Rights violation. A Covid risk assessment was conducted prior to entering the facility. LPA met with Infant Director, Yolanda Vela, and Preschool Director, Melissa Villareal, who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. There was a total of 11 children present with 5 staff. At approximately 11:19 am LPA was writing her report in a small office that is connected to the infant classroom. LPA overheard staff #1 in the next room speaking to a child in care (ages 0 – 23 months old), while getting ready for nap time in a harsh tone, losing her patience and raising her voice. Staff #1 was telling a particular child in care to “Stop it” at least 3 to 4 times and used the word “stop being drama”. Child was overhead by LPA crying and at 11:30 am Staff #1 told children to go lay down and go to sleep already using a harsh tone. LPA observed and overheard Staff #2, Staff #3, Staff #4 and Staff #5 in the classroom, but were not overheard speaking to children inappropriately. Children’s personal rights were being violated as staff #1 was found to not be speaking to children who are 0 to 23 months in age and was not using child developmentally appropriate words that should be soothing to calm the children in care. This poses a potential health and safety risk to children in care. Title 22 Regulation Section 101223 Personal Rights states (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to interference with functions of daily living including eating, sleeping or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning. The deficiency listed on the following page were observed by the LPA and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Please see attached LIC 809-D. The deficiency that is being cited needs to be cleared to protect the children’s health & safety. page 1 of 2 LPA provided Infant Director both regulations for 101223 personal rights and 101230 Activities, for reference purposes, which focus on the personal rights of children and napping activities for children in care. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Exit interview was conducted and appeal rights given to Director, Yolanda Vela. page 2 of 2