Incident investigation·September 23, 2024

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Seung Lee conducted an unannounced case management inspection. Upon arrival LPA Lee met with Director Megha Sahni. The purpose of the inspection was to obtain additional information regarding an incident reported by the facility on 09/12/2024. The incident occurred on 09/12/2024. During the inspection, LPA Lee conducted interviews, ,made observations, and reviewed documents regarding the incident. On 09/12/2024, Child#1 sustained an injury during outside play time. The injury occurred when Child#1 put their finger near a closing door. During a previous inspection, LPA Lee observed where the injury occurred and also saw recorded footage that showed the incident. The main entrance of the facility door is used by parents and staff and is located within the outdoor play area. After parents and staff go through the outside gate, the main entrance door into the facility shares the same space as the outdoor play space. The facility was in ratio when the incident occurred. Based on the information obtained and verified, there were 20 children playing outside with 2 staff members when Child#1 sustained the injury. Through the footage provided by the facility, LPA Lee observed that a parent had walked in through the main entrance. Right before the self closing door closed, Child#1 was observed quickly running up to the door area. About a few seconds after the door had closed, LPA Lee saw a staff member pick up Child#1 and move out of the camera shot. The 2 staff members who were outside were interviewed. Staff#1 who had picked up the child immediately in the footage, stated in an interview that they saw Child#1 going towards the door entrance but could not stop the child in time to prevent the injury. Staff#1 immediately notified the other staff members of the facility of the incident. The facility provided first aide and notified the parent of Child#1 on 09/12/24. The facility then called 911, who came to the facility and transported Child#1 to the hospital. Child#1's injury did require further treatment after 09/12/2024. Child#1 missed school for about 1 week and is now back attending the facility. Based on all the information provided, LPA Lee observed that although facility was in ratio, a lack of supervision did result in Child#1 in sustaining an injury. Since parents who have the gate code can come into the facility at any time, there should have been a staff member closer to the front entrance. Child#1, ran up to the front door at the very last second before the door has closed. The only way this incident could have been prevented is if a staff member was near the door, or if there was some sort of physical barrier separating the walkway and the outside play area. The facility was cited during this inspection. Please the attached 809D for further information regarding the deficiency. The citation was cleared during the inspection conducted today since the facility has installed a new gate that separates the walkway leading up to the front door and the outdoor play area. A POC clearance letter was provided to the facility. The notice of site inspection must remain posted for a period of 30 days during hours of operation. Failure to maintain posting during business hours will result in a civil penalty of $100.00 dollars. Exit interview conducted with Director Megha Sahni. Appeal rights discussed and explained.