Follow-up·November 20, 2025

On 11/20/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) K. Trinh conducted an unannounced case management inspection to follow up on an unusual incident that was reported by the facility to the Department. Upon arrival, LPA met with Program Specialist, Jessica Palacios & Early Learning Coordinator, Carolyn Wertheim. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was led on a tour of the facility. There were 75 preschool children, and 17 preschool staff members present. A review of the Facility Person nel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. An Unusual Incident Report (UIR) was submitted to the Department on 09/23/2025. It was reported that Child 1 (C1) disclosed to their authorized representative that Adult 1 (A1) allegedly slapped them in the face. On 09/24/2025, C1\342\200\231s authorized representative spoke with Staff 1 (S1) and they disclosed to facility representative that that A1 allegedly slapped C1. Early Learning Coordinator, Carolyn Wertheim stated that they conducted an internal investigation, and the incident has been reported to Community Care Licensing, Child Protective Services (CPS), and School Resource Officer (SRO). LPA requested the Westminster Police Department Report on 10/27/2025. The police report stated, that on 09/24/2025, Officer Karlo Munoz arrived at the facility to conduct interviews. Officer Munoz attempted to interview C1, but C1 did not respond verbally or nonverbally to Officer Munoz\342\200\231s questions regarding the alleged incident. Officer Munoz also interviewed A1 and S3. A1 stated that as the children were dancing, C1 was doing a handstand. A1 touched C1\342\200\231s back and told them not to do handstands since other children were around. (Go to page 2) (Page 2) A1 moved C1 to prevent C1 from falling on other children. S3 stated that they were in the classroom with A1 that day and did not observe A1 strike C1. On 09/25/2025, Officer Munoz returned to the facility to interview Staff 6 (S6) and Staff 7 (S7). S6 and S7 stated that they did not witness a staff member striking a child. The police report stated that Officer Munoz could not determine if the allegation had occurred based on the totality of the circumstances and lack of evidence. On 10/13/2025, LPA K. Trinh obtained pertinent documents and conducted interviews with six (6) staff members. LPA attempted to interview two (2) children, but the children present could not be interviewed due to their age and verbal development. Staff 3 (S3) and Staff 6 (S6) disclosed that they worked with A1 in Room 8 on 09/24/2025 and did not observe A1 slap C1. Following the alleged incident, Early Learning Coordinator, Carolyn Wertheim removed A1 from the facility and has provided site level meetings to provide support for staff and discuss strategies to address children\342\200\231s behaviors. Based on LPA\342\200\231s interviews and record review there were no violations found. No deficiencies were cited, and the report was reviewed with Program Specialist, Jessica Palacios and Early Learning Coordinator, Carolyn Wertheim. Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. End of report.