complaint·August 19, 2021

Page 2. The CPS Referral stated children played at home for about an hour and C1 displayed symptoms such as off balance and hot to the touch. The mother thought C1 was sick. The CPS Referral stated around 5:30pm, C2, which is C1’s sibling also appeared tired, warm to the touch, and unbalance, walking slow, and dragging feet. The mother took both children to CHOC at 8:18pm, where C1's urine test were positive for THC. The report states the mother believed something happened to the children while they were in care. The mother also denied drug use in the home. LPA Corral conducted an investigation inspection on 07/26/2021, LPA Corral interviewed five staff members including the Owner, the Director, the Assistant Director and C1 and C2 teachers. During the interviews LPA Corral was informed the children did not cross paths during school. LPA Corral was told all children receive the same food and drink throughout the school and no other children reported any similar symptoms as C1 and C2 did. When C1 and C2 teachers were interviewed they both stated the children acted normal, they were fine and had normal behavior throughout the day. Both teachers stated the children did not demonstrate any unusual behavior during school hours. Both teachers also confirmed that they have good communication with the children’s mother. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was also involved in the investigation. LPA Corral obtained a copy of a Police Report dated 07/23/2021. The Police Report confirms what was stated in the CPS Referral and stated Child’s mother, older Daughter dropped off the children in care and mom picked them up from care. The Police Report stated the following, C1 was tired and sluggish when child is usually happy and energetic after care. When children arrived home at 4:10 pm they played with their toys, and around 5 PM, mother noticed C1 off balance and C2 tired with red eyes. Mom then asked the children if they ate or drank anything and the children said no. Mom immediately took children to CHOC. The police report stated Child's mother seemed concerned about her children's well-being, Officer states he does not believe the mother had any involvement with the children ingesting THC. Officer was unable to interview daycare staff because they were closed. Officer contacted CPS and was informed CPS would not conduct an investigation based on circumstances. LPA Corral contacted Children’s mother on 08/17/2021 to check on the children. Children’s mother stated that CPS didn't take the case, but Investigator Castillo did follow up on the incident. Mother stated that Officer Castillo visited the Facility (unsure of the date) and interviewed Director (unsure which Director) Continue to Page 3. Page 3. Mother also stated Officer Castillo talked to C1. Based on the information that Officer Castillo obtained he informed mother he decided to close the investigation. Mother stated Officer Castillo informed her that the incident could have happened walking from the car into the home. Mother informed LPA Corral that Officer does not believe it happened at the Day Care. Mother also stated she trusts the school and does not believe it happened at school either. LPA Corral contacted Investigator Diego Castillo on 08/18/2021 to follow-up on information that mother reported. Investigator Castillo provided LPA Corral with the following information, Investigator Castillo informed LPA Corral that the Children’s mother seemed genuinely concerned for her children’s well-being. Investigator stated he interviewed C1’s teacher, C1 teacher stated she has worked with child over 1 year, and child did not show abnormal behavior the day of the incident, C1 teacher stated the child did not nap which is normal. Teacher also stated child did not show signs of impairment during school hours. C1 teacher also informed Officer Castillo that food is provided by the school. Officer Castillo informed LPA Corral that THC ingestion takes about 40 minutes to take affect and children began to show signs of impairment after that time frame. C1 teacher informed Officer Castillo that the snack served the date of incident was Chex Mix which was pulled from an unopen bag. C1 teacher also informed Officer Castillo that no other parents expressed concerns of their children to have symptoms such as C1 or C2. Officer Castillo also interviewed C2’s teacher who stated she has interacted with C2 for about 1.5 years and is familiar with C2’s behavior. C2’s teacher did state she communicates well with C2’s mother. C2 confirmed that both children were dropped off by mother’s older daughter the day of the incident and were picked up by mom that day. C2 also informed Officer Castillo that C1 and C2 at no point during school hours do they interact because they are in different classrooms. LPA Corral requested a copy of Investigator Castillo's most recent Police report and is pending receipt. LPA Corral also contacted mother’s older daughter on 08/17/2021, who stated she transports the children to care in the mornings, she also confirmed that she dropped of the children to the facility the day of the incident. Mother’s older daughter stated she was working when children arrived home and were displaying abnormal symptoms. Older daughter also confirmed her employment and her work schedule. Older daughter stated the family still does not know what happened or where the children obtained access to THC. Continue to Page 4. Page 4. After interviewing five facility Staff, the Child’s mother, Child’s mother older daughter and Investigator Castillo it is still unclear where the children ingested THC. C1 was interviewed by Investigator Castillo and is no longer attending Little Scholars as Child started Elementary school. LPA attempted to interview C2 on 08/19/2021 but was unable to interview child due to child being non-verbal, quiet and shy. Based on LPA Corral interviews conducted there is not enough evidence to substantiate the allegation stating that a daycare child was under the influence of THC while in care, therefore, the allegation is found to be unsubstantiated. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging a daycare child was under the influence of THC while in care although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not enough preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. The Facility failed to inform the Licensing Office that the Children obtained medical treatment. The Center is being cited for 101212 Reporting requirement which states: Upon the occurrence, during the operation of the child care center of any of the events specified in (d)(1) below, a report shall be made to the Department by telephone or fax within the Department's next working day and during its normal business hours. In addition, a written report containing the information specified in (d)(2) below shall be submitted to the Department within seven days following the occurrence of such event. (B) Any injury to any child that requires medical treatment. An exit interview was conducted with Director Taryn Stephens. Appeal Rights were provided and explained to Director and 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. Director Taryn had to leave the facility therefore Director Aracely Figueroa signed the 9099D Page. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and discussed as required by H&S Code Sec. 1596.817. Director was informed Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.00. End of Report.