complaint·March 27, 2024

On 01/22/24 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging Staff does not prevent daycare children from biting other daycare children, Unqualified staff caring for daycare children, and Classroom operating out of ratio. Reporting Party (RP) stated a daycare Child#1 (C1) is a biter. RP stated C1 bites multiple daycare children. RP stated C1 has broken skin to another daycare child. RP stated that C1 is punished by not being allowed to play and sit in the “quiet area.” RP stated C1 is not provided with toys, no activities and sits in the “quiet area” for a total of 1 hour throughout the day when daycare children are at free play. RP stated staff are advised not to inform C1’s parents about the biting incidents. RP stated that the office knows about the incidents but does nothing to resolve the issue. RP also stated there are 2 staff members with 10 infants. RP stated there are staff members who are unqualified to care for daycare children. RP stated there are “3 Grandmothers” who come to the facility and volunteer. RP stated unqualified staff members and volunteers are left alone with daycare children. During the investigation, the LPA interviewed 7 staff members, reviewed staff files, reviewed C1’s file, and obtained the personnel report, children’s roster, and staff timecards. The children were not interviewed due to age and being non-verbal. On 1/31/24 LPA interviewed 7 staff members including the facility representative. 5 out of 7 staff members stated C1 is a biter. Staff#3 (S3) stated C1 has bit many daycare children. S3 stated C1 has bit at least 10 daycare children. Staff#4 (S4) stated C1 would bite daycare children a few times a week. There were 5 incidents reports in file regarding biting incidents. All interviewed staff members stated C1 is not put in a “quiet area” for 1 hour. S4 stated that C1 has been put in time out for about 2 minutes. Staff#6 (S6) stated C1 has been put in time out for 2 or 5 minutes. 4 out of 6 staff members did not disclose that C1 is not provided with toys or activities. All interviewed staff members stated they were not advised by the office not to inform C1’s parents about the biting incidents. On 1/31/24 LPA interviewed 7 staff members including the facility representative. 5 out of 7 staff members stated they have been out of ratio. Staff#2 (S2) stated during the afternoon S2, and S3 are left alone with 13 infants. S2 stated this happens about 2 times a week. S3 stated that S3 and another staff member are left alone with more than 8 infants. The facility representative stated they have been out of ratio “not more than a few minutes.” Page 2 of 3 During record review, LPA reviewed 6 staff files and discovered that all staff members that are assigned in the toddler apple room do not have any units in toddler and infant courses. All staff members that are in the toddler apple room do not meet the teacher qualifications to work alone with infants/toddlers. All interviewed staff members stated that “Grandmothers” (volunteers) are never left alone with the infant/toddler children. On 3/11/24 LPA attempted to interview 5 parents however only 2 parents were available for interviews. None of the parents disclosed any concerns about the childcare center. All of the parents were satisfied with the childcare center. Based on LPA’s interviews conducted with 7 staff members and records reviewed, it has been determined that staff does not prevent daycare children from biting other daycare children, classroom is operating out of ratio, and unqualified staff are attending daycare children. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 Division 12 Chapter 1, Sub Chapter 2 Section 101223(a)(2) Personal Rights, 101416.2 (b) Infant Care Teacher Qualifications and Duties, and 101416.5 (b) Staff-Infant Ratio, are being cited on the attached LIC9099D. Due to the Type A violation, the licensee shall post and provide copies of the report to parents/guardians of the children in care at the facility by the next business day and shall provide to the parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. In addition, the licensee shall immediately post upon receipt the Proof of Correction for 30 consecutive days and provide a copy to current and enrolling parents. The licensee is to keep Acknowledgement Receipt (LIC 9224) signed by parents in each child’s file . Failure to post Type A reports for 30 days will result in a Civil Penalty of $100.00 Exit interview was conducted with Meredith Cagle. 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. 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 of Report Page 3 of 3