complaint·March 27, 2024

On 1/22/24 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging unqualified staff caring for daycare children and classroom operating out of ratio. Reporting Party (RP) stated there are 5 staff members with 40 toddlers. RP also stated there are staff members who are unqualified to care for day care children. RP stated unqualified staff members and volunteers are left alone with day care children. During the investigation, the LPA interviewed 3 staff members, 3 preschool age children, and reviewed staff files, and obtained the personnel form, children’s roster, sign in/out sheets, and timecards. On 1/31/24 LPA interviewed 3 staff members including the facility representative. 3 out of 3 staff members stated they have not been out of ratio. On 1/31/24, LPA observed 10 children in the classroom with 3 staff members and on 3/27/24, LPA observed 5 preschool children with 2 staff members and 2 volunteers in the classroom, both days the preschool classrooms were within ratio. On 3/27/24, LPA reviewed the staff timecards and children’s sign in/out sheets for 1/17/24 and observed that the preschool classroom was within ratio. LPA reviewed staff files and observed that all staff members that were in the preschool classroom were qualified teachers. Staff#1 (S1) does not have 12 ECE units and S1 stated S1 is not left alone with the children. Staff#2 (S2) that has 12 ECE units stated that S2 has not been left alone with more than 12 children. All staff members that were interviewed stated volunteers are not alone with the children. LPA attempted to interview 4 children and only 3 children qualified for an interview. No disclosures were made by the 3 interviewed children. On 3/11/24 LPA interviewed 3 parents and none of the parents disclosed any concerns about the childcare center. All the parents were satisfied with the childcare center. Based on the information gathered from LPA interviews with staff members, parents, children, and reviewing records, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation of Unqualified staff attending to daycare children and Classroom operating out of ratio. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Appeal Rights was explained. A copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058 1/16) was provided and their signatures on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeal is to Regional Manager, address is above on the report. Page 2 of 2