Incident investigation·January 9, 2026

A case management visit was made to the facility today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Robert Maciel for the purpose of continuing the investigation of two separate unusual incident reports submitted to the department on 11/17/25, regarding a child (C1), who was allegedly pinched by a staff member on the arm, and on 12/8/25 regarding C1, who was left outside on the playground during transition into the classroom. LPA met with Facility Representative Kara Hess (D2). During today's visit, LPA interviewed staff (S2-S4). On 12/19/25, LPA reviewed camera footage which showed that on 12/8/25, C1 was outside by themselves from 11:20 AM to 11:21 AM after staff (S2-S4) moved the other children inside the classroom with C1 sitting on a bench next to the staff and children lining up to go inside. The bench that C1 was sitting on was approximately 5 to 10 feet away from the staff and children which appeared to be within eyesight of S2-S4. During interviews, S2-4 stated that they did not intentionally leave C1 outside during transition. LPA observed that the playground that C1 was in is fully fenced and C1 was not in danger of leaving the facility ground as there are 3 gates in between the enclosed playground they were in and the exterior of the facility. Facility Representative Kara Hess stated that in response to this incident, staff have been placed on corrective action plans to be followed up with active supervision training which includes head count procedure during transition and that staff have already received active supervision training from Education Management. Continued on LIC809-C Continued from LIC809 On 11/24/25, LPA interviewed staff (D2, S2, and S3) and attempted to interview two children, including C1, which did not provide any evidence to corroborate the claim that C1 was pinched by a staff member. During interviews with staff, S2-S3 stated that they were not aware of C1 being pinched, D2 stated that administrative staff from Head Start (D3 and D4) made an internal investigation after the incident was brought to their attention which did not provide any corroborating evidence of the allegation. Statements provided by facility staff did not provide evidence to corroborate the claims that staff pinched a child. It has been determined that there is insufficient evidence to corroborate allegation that staff pinched a child however there is sufficient evidence to prove that C1 was left unattended in the playground without supervision for approximately one minute. The following violation of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22; Division 12, was observed: see LIC 809D. Appeal rights were provided. Report was reviewed and Facility Representative Kara Hess. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to do so shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.