Follow-up·November 26, 2024

THIS IS AN AMENDED VERSION OF A REPORT FROM THE COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT ISSUED ON 01/27/2023: The findings are amended to Unsubstantiated. On 01/27/2023 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs), Dianna Valdez Santana and Aiddee Nunez made an unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose to deliver findings of complaint that was received at the Orange County Regional Child Care Program Office. LPAs were met by director, Noreen who was explained the reason for today\342\200\231s visit. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on 01/27/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Reporting party (RP) stated that they witnessed staff often yelling at the kids and observed Staff #1 (S1) placing S1\342\200\231s foot on child #1's (C1) back to keep C1 down in place so that the child would nap. They witnessed at least 2 occasions where children were roughly treated by staff. RP stated the staff mock children when they cry and yell at them to go to sleep. During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 3 children, and 5 parents. On 11/16/2022 LPAs Valdez Santana and Duron made an unannounced inspection to the facility to investigate the alleged allegations. LPAs interviewed 5 staff during the visit. During the staff interviews, S1 disclosed the following: Child #1 (C1) was on the cot wiggling around. C1 then got out of the cot and disturbed other children. Page 1 of 2 S1 told C1 to close the eyes and go to sleep. S1 watched C1 for a while and finally S1 told C1 to get back on the cot. S1 put the foot (not with the shoe on) on the side of C1 on the cot and tucked the blankets with S1 foot under C1\342\200\231s body. C1 then started wiggling and then fell off the cot and hit the head on the floor. According to S1 no injuries observed. S1 admitted S1 does yell at the children as a group to get their attention. S1 disclosed \342\200\234I am just a loud person\342\200\235. During S1s interview, it was observed that S1 voice became increasingly loud. LPA advised S1 during the interview to lower their voice. The other 4 interviewed staff denied any violation of personal rights. LPA interviewed 4 children. 2 out of 4 interviewed children disclosed that staff members have yelled at the children. LPA conducted interviews with 5 parents. There was one disclosure made by the 5 interviewed parents. Parent #5 (P5) disclosed that they are very concerned with the rough treatment of children including their own child. P5's child had attended the facility for over a year and Child#1 (C1) had no issues until C1 was move to S2's Classroom; C1 began having behavior issues; including regression to sucking their thumb. P5 stated they saw pictures of S1 placing their leg over C1 so as to restrain C1 during naptime. P5 also observed a video of S2 and S1 being rough with C1. P5 also overheard S2 yell to C1 \342\200\234callate\342\200\235 which is shut up in Spanish when visiting the facility. LPA received two pictures and one video depicting C1. The first picture dated 10/31/2022, C1 was laying on the cot, on C1s side. C1 had a striped blanket over and S1 had their leg over a side of C1s back. The second picture dated 11/2/2022 shows C1 was laying on a cot with strawberries blanket over and S1 had the leg over the C1. LPA also reviewed video footage recording on 11/02/2022, depicts S1 and S2 being rough and raised voices at the children during naptime. The video recorded C1 was laying on the floor next to the cot. S2 came picked up C1 by the left arm to turn C1\342\200\231s body as C1 was twisted to the side. Page 2 of 3 S2 is heard speaking in a loud voice to C1 saying, \342\200\234I don\342\200\231t like it. NO! NO!\342\200\235. Then S2 grabs C1's arms and slightly picks half of C1\342\200\231s body off the cot as C1\342\200\231s head is hanging back. S2 then placed C1 back on the cot. C1 begins to kick their legs; S2 then proceeds to grab C1\342\200\231s both legs and force them down to the cot to straighten C1\342\200\231s body. S2 is heard in a loud voice saying to C1 \342\200\234NO\342\200\235. Next C1 is observed just laying down and S2 covers C1 with a blanket. Then S1 approaches C1\342\200\231s cot and S2 walks away from C1\342\200\231s cot and yells again \342\200\234You be quiet\342\200\235. S2 then approaches another child and with a loud voice is heard saying, \342\200\234You be quiet close your eyes, and go to sleep go to sleep SHHH go to sleep\342\200\235 then S2 proceeds to make a comment to S1 \342\200\234These three\342\200\235. The video shows S1 and S2 having a conversation. The verbal communication between S1 and S2 is of a softer gentle tone of voice in contrast to the loud/harsh voice they both used as they (S1 & S2) addressed the day-care children. Based on the information gathered from LPAs' interviews, observation, and reviewing records, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegations of Facility staff placed their foot on child\342\200\231s back during nap time and Facility staff member shamed and manipulated day care children. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged Staff placed their foot on child\342\200\231s back and staff member shamed and manipulated day care children did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Noreen Begole, Director. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) 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. Page 3 of 3. End of Report.