Incident investigation·February 24, 2023

On February 24,2023 at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carolyn Tuba conducted an unannounced case management inspection at the above facility. A COVID-19 risk assessment was conducted prior to entering the facility. LPA met with Admin Assistant, Lynette Edwards who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. LPA observed 18 children in care with 5 staff. Director, Teresa Fuentez approximately around 10 am. Brief Summary of Incident : On 2/16/2023 during indoor playtime approximately 4:15 PM, Child #1 (C1) was discovered unattended in a restroom for approximately 5 minutes by Staff #2 (S2) during a transition time of parent pick-up. S2 had gone into the restroom and had not notice C1 come into the restroom. S2 closed the door and did not observe any children. Upon parent pick-up staff realized C1 was not in the classroom and found C1 in the restroom unharmed. During this investigation, LPA interviewed, Director, staff #1 (S1), and staff #2 (S2), and obtained a copy of internal incident report and internal investigation. LPA called P1 but was not available to interview. C1 was not able to interview due to the age of the child. LPA took photos of the restroom of the Toddler Classroom where incident occurred. Director stated that video was reviewed by management and found that S1 and S2 were accurate in their description of the incident. LPA was unable to review video as it only able to be viewed for the first 24 hours only after the incident. S1 during interview did disclose that C1 had been left unattended for 5 minutes. S2 disclosed that they had left C1 in the restroom while putting away a spare jacket. No other staff witnessed the incident. Director stated that staff was interviewed after the incident and S2 was disciplined and policies, procedures, operational documents were reviewed and given to S2. The following deficiencies listed on the attached LIC 809 (deficiency page) 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. page 1 of 2 ***For TYPE A ----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 form must be maintained in each child\342\200\231s file immediately upon receipt from parent. Licensee/Director was provided with a copy of the parent Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports Form during this visit. A copy of the Parent Notification Requirements was also provided to the licensee/Director. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to Director, Teresa Fuentez along with Notice of Site Visit and Appeal Rights.