complaint·June 3, 2024

On 03/20/24 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging child’s finger got smashed on the door due to lack of supervision. Reporting Party (RP) stated RP received a call from Staff#1 (S1) stating Child#1 (C1)’s finger was smashed in the classroom door. RP stated the facility did not know what happened. RP stated S1 told RP that C1 had smashed C1’s own finger. RP stated Staff#2 (S2) told RP that they didn’t see what had happened they just saw C1 sitting and crying and C1’s finger was bleeding, so they assumed C1 got it caught in the door. During the investigation, LPA inspected the facility, interviewed 3 staff members, interviewed 2 parents, reviewed staff files, and obtained copies of the personnel report, parent’s handbook, facility health & safety polices, and incident reports. LPA was not able to interview children due to their age and being non-verbal. On 3/27/24 LPA interviewed 3 staff members. S1 stated S1 did not see what had happened until they saw C1 crying. S1 stated the classroom was getting ready to go outside and teachers were helping children put on their shoes. S1 stated S1 called RP and told RP it was better if RP comes to the facility because C1 had an incident, but they weren’t sure how the incident happened, but they knew the incident happened by the door. S2 stated the classroom was getting ready to go outside and were helping the children put their shoes on and a lot of the children were running around and not listening. S2 stated there were a few children running around the door. S2 stated it was an instant when Child#2 (C2) opened the door and S2 saw and told C2 to close the door. C2 didn’t do it right away and S2 went over to help C2 close the door properly and to make sure the door was close. S2’s back was turned to the wall and C1 was sitting on the floor. S2 stated a moment later S2 saw C1 crying and C1’s finger was bleeding. S2 stated S2 made the assumption that C1’s finger mostly got caught on the door when S2 closed the door. On 5/3/24 LPA attempted to interview 6 parents however only 2 parents were available for interviews. None of the parents disclosed any concerns about the childcare center. The 2 parents were satisfied with the childcare center. Page 2 of 3 Based on LPA’s interviews conducted with 3 staff members and records reviewed, it has been determined that C1 finger got smashed on the door due to lack of supervision. Therefore, 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 101229 (a) Responsibility for Providing Care & Supervision, is being cited on the attached LIC9099D. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Meredith Cagle. Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with the posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above. Page 3 of 3