Incident investigation·July 27, 2022

On 7/27/2022, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Van and Garcia met with Director Iris Marin. The purpose of today's inspection was explained and is in response to two unusual incidents that were self-reported to the Licensing Department on July 20, 2022. The first incident was regarding a preschool child who had been left alone inside the classroom for approximately 1– 2 minutes. The second incident involved a child with an injury to the cheek area during outdoor play. Present was the Director and 25 staff supervising 80 children. Regarding the first incident where a child was left alone in the classroom, based on information received, staff member S1 transitioned children from inside the classroom to an outdoor area and did not request additional staff for support. As a result, C1 was left behind in the classroom. When another teacher re-entered the classroom to get water for the children, the teacher observed child C1 alone inside the classroom, reading a book. Per staff, child C1 was left unattended for approximately 1 – 2 minutes. The Director stated that she immediately notified the child's authorized representatives after the incident. All staff involved were given training on Children's Rights, Active supervision/headcount, and met with Human resources. Training agenda, sign-in, and proof of participation forms were submitted to LPA during today's inspection. Regarding the second incident where a child injured the cheek during outdoor play, the teachers involved or who observed the incident were interviewed. In addition, LPAs evaluated the physical space where the incident occurred and the care and supervision provided by teachers. Based on interviews and relevant information, the child was having a tantrum and hitting themselves with a boombox. The teacher observed and intervened immediately. Staffing and supervision were appropriate on that day. Director stated on the mentioned date. Three teachers were supervising nine children. The facility was in ratio at the time of the incident, and no deficiencies were discovered or occurred on that day. See 809D for deficiency cited for the first incident of a child left alone in the classroom. LPAs have cleared deficiency during the inspection since the Center has addressed the Care and Supervision training with all staff and provided LPAs with agenda/training materials and signatures of staff who attended the training. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the Director, Iris Marin. Today's report, July 27, 2022, and notice of site visit will be sent to the Director by email by the close of business on July 27, 2022. Confirmation of receipt is required. LPA informed the Director that the site visit notice must be posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.