complaint·January 8, 2024

Page #2 This is an amended version of the original report created on 1/08/2024. Interview with the complainant: The complainant stated that an incident was received that alleged Staff 1 (S1) physically put hands on Child 1 (C1) while in school. The complainant cross-reported to the licensing division. Interview with staff: On 10/20/2023, the LPA interviewed five (5) staff at the facility. The five staff interviewed on 10/20/23 consistently stated that they did not witness the incident and could not say whether the allegation(s) happened or not. S1 was no longer associated with the facility at the time of the visit and could not be reached for an interview. On 10/27/2023, the LPA interviewed Staff 7 (S7). S7 claimed to have witnessed S1 pull C1 forcefully by an arm into a seat and scolded C1 for not participating in the activity scheduled. S7 reported the incident to the director. Interview with children: On 10/20/2023, the LPA interviewed 4 children at the facility about the allegations. Three of the children were qualified for an interview. None of the children interviewed disclosed any information that could corroborate the allegation(s). Child #1 did not participate in an interview due to lack of parental consent. Interview with Parents: On 12/28/2023 and 12/29/23, the LPA called six (6) parents for an interview and was able to speak with five of them. Parent 2 (P2) claimed to have witnessed S1 pull C1 by an arm into a seat and yell at the child while waving a finger at the child\342\200\231s face because the child did not want to participate in the activity scheduled. The rest of the staff interviewed stated they did not witness anything and could not say whether the allegation happened or not. Records Review: On 11/24/2023, the LPA received a police report from the local law enforcement department. The report was investigated as willful cruelty to child - simple assault. It was undetermined if [S1] physically grabbed [C1] with malicious intent to cause harm. Continue on Page #3 Page #3 This is an amended version of the original report created on 1/08/2024 On 10/20/23, the LPA obtained records showing that staff participated in monthly meetings and training that includes working with parents and children. The Employee Handbook shows that \342\200\234staff must abide by the program\342\200\231s standards of care when dealing with the children of CANO Preschool\342\200\235 which include \342\200\234respect of the unique identity of each child,\342\200\235 \342\200\234use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.\342\200\235 Based on the LPA\342\200\231s observations, records review, and interviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. A substantiated finding means that the complaint is substantiated, and the allegation is valid, because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met. LPA A. Silva informed director Ruby Porter that this licensing report dated 1/8/2024 documents one Type A citation(s). Type A citation(s) must be posted for 30 consecutive days during the hours that children are in care as there is/was immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. The director was informed that a copy of this licensing report must be provided to parents or guardians of all clients currently enrolled by the next business day or by the next day the children are in care, a copy of this report must be provided to the parents or guardians of all newly enrolled clients for 12 months from the date of this report, and a signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224) form, or another written equivalent statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification of receipt of the report. An exit interview was conducted with Director Ruby Porter. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The 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. The 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.