Complaint·April 6, 2023

*** This page was amended on 04/26/23 from a report written on 04/06/23 *** (Page 2 of Report) During the investigation, LPAs conducted interviewed with 5 staff and one child. During interviews, 2 out of 5 interviewed staff, were present at the playground on the day of the incident. Staff #3 (S3) and Staff #5 (S5) stated none of the teachers who were present, were aware of 3 children, Child #1(C1), Child #2 (C2) and Child #3 (C3) were playing with a dying rat, at the basketball court, approximately over 100 feet away from the teachers, until the teachers were informed by a non-client child, sibling of child #2. One staff disclosed that they heard from another staff about the incident. Director disclosed that staff reported about an incident when C1 was playing with a dying rat on the playground and got bitten by the rat. When Director interviewed C1, C1 said C1 got scratched by the rat. Director immediately informed C1's representative and C1 was taken to urgent care. When interviewed, C1 told LPA that C1 found a rat on the playground and was playing with the rat for a while, together with C2 and C3. C1 stated C1 was scratched by the rat, and C2 gave the dying rat a kiss. LPA informed the Director to ensure C2's representative was informed of the incident. During record review, LPA reviewed facility schedule and communication of the facility with children's representatives regarding the incident. The children were scheduled to come to the playground at 3pm, staff did not know about the 3 children C1, C2, and C3 were playing with the rat until 3:50pm when C2 was picked up. Based on LPA’s interview with 5 staff and one child and record review of facility's schedule, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation that Daycare child was bitten by a rat due to lack of supervision, is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Section 101229(a)(1) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision is being cited on the attached 809D and an immediate civil penalty was assessed. This is a repeating violation which was previously cited on 03/29/2023 and on 03/09/2023. Due to the Type A violation cited today, the Director shall post, and provide copies, of the report to parents/guardians of the children in care at the facility by the next business day, and shall provide to the parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. The Director is to keep Acknowledgement Receipt (LIC 9224) signed by parents in each child’s file. In addition, the Director shall immediately post upon receipt the Proof of Correction for 30 consecutive days. (Continue next page) (Page 3 of Report) Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided a copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Rebekah Bay. (End of Report)