Incident investigation·July 11, 2024

On 5/17/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sarah Garcia conducted an unannounced case management- incident visit in response to a self-reported unusual incident reported on 5/14/2024. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director, Lashanti Kurera. LPA informed director about the purpose of the visit and conducted a walk through of the facility. LPA observed 26 preschool children with 4 staff. A review of staff criminal clearance records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. On 5/14/24 a self-reported Unusual Incident Report (UIR) was filed with the Licensing Office. The facility reported that four children pushed and bumped their bikes into each other repeatedly and were told multiple times to stop by teachers. When C5 refused, she was removed from the bike, while crying and stating "I don't want to". S1 told C1 to get off the bike but had no physical contact with her. S2 then placed her arms under C5's arms and removed the from the bike. C5 did not complain of any injury or pain. LPA obtained sign in/out sheets from 5/13/24, interviewed 2 staff, parent 1 (P1), assistant director, and director. Based on interviews and evidence provided, inspection physical plant of the site. LPA inspected the bikes involved in the incident and observed (4) to be in worn repair and condition. LPA instructed the director to remove and replace the (4) worn bikes. LPA observed staff removed the worn bikes from care. Per interview with director, on 5/13/24, C5 was removed for the bike by S2. Father of C5 noticed a bruise on child's back and informed staff on 5/14/2024 that mother filed a complaint. As of 5/17/24, there was insufficient evidence to determine the incident findings. (Continued on Page 2) (Page 2) During the parent interview P1 stated, "“It was a red mark a bruise and C5 bruised really easy. Like I said I took a picture and send it...and reported it to you guys. C5 said one of the teachers did it and C5 was on the bike and [was picked up by a teacher]. S4 explained C5 got hurt and there was nothing, no abuse. They vet the teachers well…They are happy there. They seem to enjoy it. They don’t have any complaints about teachers.” During staff interviews on 5/17/24, Staff 1 (S1) stated “C5 did not get of the bikes and started throwing a tantrum, crying, throwing themselves on the floor. That is when I told C5 to stop, and C5 tried walking away from the bike....” Staff 2 (S2) took her off the bike. S2 grabbed under C5’s arms and picked them up.” Staff 2 (S2) stated “We were playing outside…C5 was outside riding bikes with friends. They were bumping bikes; they were told to get off. C5 stayed on the bike. I was the one that got C5 off the bike. I put my arms between C5 armpits and removed them off the bike.” LPA asked S2 if they asked if child was hurt. S2 stated, “I did not.” During children interviews on 5/17/2024, Child 5 (C5) stated, “I fell down and got a bruise. I fell down and got a bruise. I fell on the bike...Child 6 did it.” LPA asked C6 if they got hurt on the bikes and C6 stated, “No.” On 7/11/2024, LPA Sarah Garcia conducted the unannounced case management - incident visit to conclude the unusual incident reported on 5/14/24. LPA met with director, Lashanti Kurera. LPA observed 58 preschool children and 9 staff. A review of staff criminal clearance records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. After investigation of the self- reported incident, the incident was deemed as an accident and no information revealed that care and supervision and personal rights were violated. According to Title 22, California Code of Regulations, Section 3, Chapter 4, (1) Type B deficiency will be cited today. See attached LIC 809D Exit interview was conducted with Director. Appeal rights were discussed and provided to director. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. 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. End of Report