Incident investigation·January 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Darnella Barnes conducted an unannounced case management inspection at the facility. The visit was to follow up on a self-reported incident. The reason for the visit was explained to the Director, Krista Chawinga, who granted access to the facility. At the time of the visit, Director, two staff members, and fourteen children were present. LPA toured the interior and exterior of the facility, including classrooms, restrooms, outdoor play areas, and common areas. Staff and children were present in classrooms. Staff-to-child ratios and required postings were observed. No hazards were observed during the tour. The facility reported an incident on January 20, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m., involving children in the three-year-old preschool classroom. Before snack time, Staff (S1) and Staff (S2) escorted eight children to a bathroom in the same building, located down the hallway near the Pre-K classroom, for handwashing. After returning to the classroom, S2 realized that Child 1 (C1) was missing. S2 went back to the bathroom, but C1 had exited and was walking toward the classroom. S2 met C1 in the hallway at the classroom doorway. C1 was unattended for approximately three minutes. No injuries were observed. S1 did not follow facility policies and did not conduct a headcount before returning to the classroom. -----CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ----- S1 did not inform the Director until after all children were signed out for the day. S1 informed the child\342\200\231s grandmother at pick-up. The Director spoke with the child\342\200\231s mother that evening. S1 was dismissed. S2 was placed on probation. Based on a review of video footage, interviews, discussions, observations, and documentation, along with the facility\342\200\231s self-admission, it was confirmed that the incident occurred due to a lack of supervision LPA Darnella Barnes informed Director, Krista Chawinga that this report dated January 22, 2026 document a Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Darnella Barnes informed the licensee Shoreline Preschool to provide a copy of this licensing report dated January 22, 2026 that documents one Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeals rights provided. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Krista Chawinga -----END OF REPORT -----