Incident investigation·May 16, 2023

On 05/16/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Romy Castanon conducted a Case Management visit due to follow up in a self-reported incident on 05/15/2023. LPA Castanon met with Acting Director (AD) Aimee Valentin. A tour of preschool playground and classrooms E, F, G, H was conducted. Observed at the time of the visit was a total of 55 children and 6 staff. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 05/16/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Licensing Program Office received a verbal report regarding an increase in subject child’s aggressive behaviors. The behaviors exhibited more recently were high pitched screaming, spitting, tantrums, hitting and kicking staff, attempting to harm their peers, the use of vulgar language and property damage. Acting Director reported subject child had another difficult day. There was an incident the morning of 05/15/2023, but the child was able to be verbally redirected and rejoined their class. In the afternoon, subject child became defiant, began screaming and throwing items off the classroom shelves. AD contacted parents to pick up the child. During the telephone call, parents checked the live video stream of the classroom and observed the child being physically removed from the classroom. During LPA’s visit, AD, three staff members and six children were interviewed. AD stated there have been attempts of behavioral intervention with the child for the past year, but only recently has it escalated and become more frequent. 6 out of 6 children were able to describe subject child’s behaviors in the classroom. 5 out of 6 children were able to describe how the staff respond and correct the behavior. 1 out of 6 children described how subject child was “carried” from the classroom. 2 out of 3 staff members stated at some point, throughout the incident, they physically moved subject child to a safe space. (Continue to Page 2) Page 2 LPA was able to review almost an hour of video footage from two separate classrooms. LPA observed the child exhibiting aggressive behaviors in the classroom and toward three staff members. During the video review, LPA also observed 2 out of 3 staff members physically redirect the child unsafely. Based on LPA’s interview conducted with Acting Director, three staff members and six children, as well as, video footage review, the facility is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Section 101223 (a)(3) Personal Rights. LPA Castanon informed Acting Director Aimee Valentin that this report dated 05/16/2023 documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA Castanon also informed the Acting Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 05/16/2023 that documents any Type A citations 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. Exit interview was conducted with Acting Director Aimee Valentin. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Director was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. Acting Director was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above. (End of Report)