Follow-up on corrections·February 27, 2024

On 2/27/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) A. Silva conducted an unannounced Case Management \342\200\223 Deficiencies visit to investigate an unusual incident. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Director America Lopez and informed them of the purpose of the visit. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary shows all facility staff or individuals who require caregiver background checks have received a criminal record clearance and a child abuse index clearance or an exemption clearance. The census at the time of the visit was 56 children (20 in the early preschool playground and 36 in the preschool playground) supervised by three staff in each playground. The Department received an incident report on 2/15/2024 stating that on 2/14/24 Child #1 (C1) ran out of the playground and into an adjacent parking lot due to a faulty gate. According to the report, C1\342\200\231s parent was in the parking lot and intercepted C1. Staff did not know the child ran out until they were notified by the child\342\200\231s parent. No injuries were reported. Interview with staff: On 2/27/2024, the LPA interviewed three staff, including two staff who were supervising children on the day of the incident. Staff #1 (S1) said the children were in the preschool playground supervised by two staff. S1 said he/she was facing the playground and the parking lot. Staff #2 (S2) said he/she was also present in the playground facing the playground toward far end of the parking lot. Both staff stated they did not see C1 run toward the gate or into the parking lot. S2 stated said the gate doesn\342\200\231t fully self-latch sometimes. S2 said minutes before the incident he/she had observed C1\342\200\231s parent park his/her vehicle in the parking lot. S1 and S2 did not see C1 run out and learned about it only when the child\342\200\231s parent informed them. According to S3, C1 was able to pull the gate open from the ajar position. S3 stated the child knows how to open doors. The director stated a gate of about 3 feet in height with child-proof latch will be installed between the playground and the exit gate to prevent future incidents. CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE. Records Review: On 2/27/2024, the LPA obtained the following documents. A copy of the work order to fix the gate dated 2/14/24 showing the repair has been completed. A copy of the children attendance sheet showing the number of children and the staff present the day of the incident at around the time it happened. A copy of the email sent to parents reminding them to ensure the gate is latched when entering and existing. A copy of an Active Supervision training provided to staff (a staff attendance sheet was not available). A copy of the sing in/out report for 2/14/24. LPA Observations: On 2/27/2024 LPA tested the gate\342\200\231s ability to self-latch at multiple angles. The gate didn\342\200\231t fully latch when released at angles smaller than 25 degrees. The gate fully latched when released at 45 and 90 degree angles. Based on the LPA\342\200\231s observations, interviews, and records, the following deficiency of Title 22 Division 12 was cited: CCR 101229 Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision (SEE LIC809D ATTACHED) LPA A. Silva informed Director America Lopez that this licensing report dated 2/27/2024 documents one \342\200\234Type A\342\200\235 citation. Type A citation(s) must be posted for 30 consecutive days during the hours that children are in care as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA A. Silva further informed Director America Lopez that a copy of this licensing report must be provided to parents or guardians of all clients currently enrolled by the next business day or by the next day the children are in care, a copy of this report must be provided to the parents or guardians of all newly enrolled clients for 12 months from the date of this report, and signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224) form, or another written equivalent statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification of receipt of the report. An exit interview was conducted with Director America Lopez. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The 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. The director was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) 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.