Incident investigation·March 11, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Stephanie Li conducted an unannounced Case Management inspection due to an incident that occurred on 3/6/2025 and was reported to the Department on 3/7/25. A risk assessment was conducted. LPA met with Director Emily Laguna to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Director guided LPA on a tour of the facility. There were 42 children present and 8 staff. The facility was observed to be operating within the license capacity limitations. On 3/7/2025, an unusual incident report was made to the Department regarding an incident that occurred during a bathroom transition. A teacher was taking group of children to the bathroom. During the walk, a child got away from the group and pressed the green exit button, opening doors and exited facility. Teacher ran after the child but had to wait for door to reset to push the release button again. Child was brought back to the rest of the group. Assistant director had contacted LPA S Li to inquire about LIC624. Facility sent notice reminders to parents through their brightwheel app about not allowing children to push the Green exit button when they pick up and leave. Teaching staff spoke to all children about safety and rule regarding children NOT pushing green exit button. During todays visit, LPA interviewed Director regarding the incident, observed older preschool children’s bathroom transition, took photos of the front entryway and door, and tested the green exit button and tested how long door stays unlocked. LPA obtained Brightwheel message to parents regarding safety policy and only parents and teachers pressing the green exit button. Per director, she spoke with all staff verbally about safety procedures during bathroom transitions. Documentation of updated bathroom protocols were obtained. LPA observed teacher close retractable fabric gate separating bathroom area from front lobby during bathroom transition, restricting children’s access to entrance doors during bathroom transition. Page 1 of 2 During door observation, LPA observed that magnetic mechanism is released when green button is pressed and remains unlocked until someone opens or pulls the door shut. Per director, the mechanism did not do that before and stated that something has changed. LPA advised to contact service provider to get the system looked at and serviced. LPA suggested system that requires button to be pressed while opening the door. Per director, she contacted the fire department to gain permission to install a child proof button cover. Fire department gave the ok since main entrance is not an emergency exit. Fire department advised for EXIT sign to be completely removed and emergency lights only be installed. Director forwarded email correspondence to LPA. LPA advised for signs to be placed in front of both prek room entrances and front door near the green exit button, reminding parents regarding adult only exit button policy. Photos of safety signs were captured. LPA requested follow up from Director once contact has been made for lock system service and once button cover has been installed. Per director, she will reach out to lock system service before the end of the week and place button cover within 2 weeks. Director needs to find one that fits the button dimensions. Based on information obtained during this incident, follow up is necessary regarding the incident reported. No deficiencies are being cited at this time. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Emily Laguna. Page 2 of 2