Complaint·October 22, 2025

Reporting Party (RP) stated Staff 3 (S3) forced Child 1 (C1) to wake up; S3 also kicked and push C1 because C1 did not want to transition from room 2 to room 3; S3 had smelled cannabis or marijuana on them; and during outdoor playtime, staff members just joke around and are on their phones. During the investigation, LPA interviewed 6 staff members, 7 children, 5 parents, and reviewed facility records. Regarding allegation (1) Staff forces children to wake up: During the staff interview, 6 out of 6 staff stated they do not wake up children or have not witnessed other staff wake children during nap. 2 of 6 Staff stated children wake up on their own. 6 of 6 staff stated some children sleep longer than others. During children’s interviews, 4 of 7 children stated the teacher does not wake them up and they wake up by themselves. Regarding allegation (2) Staff kicked and push a child in care: During the staff interview, 6 out of 6 staff stated they have not witnessed any staff pushing or kicking child 1 (C1) in care. C1’s teacher stated they did not witness any incident about staff pushing and kicking C1. During children’s interviews, 5 of 7 children stated they have not witnessed staff hurt other children. Regarding allegation (3) Staff smells of cannabis or marijuana during operating hours: During the staff interview, 5 of 6 staff stated they have not smelled nor seen staff use cannabis or marijuana during operating hours. 4 of 6 staff stated they are aware that the facility is a non-smoking campus. During children interview, children were not asked this specific question due to the content and child knowledge and sensitivity of the topic. LPA reviewed the employee handbook, and it stated the facility has a smoke-free environment and the use of drugs and alcohol are not allowed at the facility. Page 2 of 3 Regarding allegation (4) Staff do not supervise children during outdoor playtime: During the staff interview, 6 out of 6 staff stated they supervise children at all times, and they only use their phones when they access Procare app or when they are on their breaks. Staff stated they use walkie talkies to ask for support if needed. During children interview, 1 out of 7 children stated the teacher watches them all the time. 4 out of 7 children stated they see their teachers using their cellphones but are not aware what their teacher was doing with their phones. 1 out of 7 children stated the teacher has walkie talkie. LPA observed staff are scattered in the yard supervising children during outdoor play in the morning and another time before lunch. LPA observed staff interacting with children in the classroom and yard on separate occasions on 9/04/25. LPA interviewed 5 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations . Based on observations, interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of Staff forces children to wake up, Staff kicked and push a child in care, Staff smells of cannabis or marijuana during operating hours, and Staff do not supervise children during outdoor playtime did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted with Director Cynthia Estep. Report was reviewed and discussed. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were provided. Page 3 of 3