Complaint·October 21, 2021

Page 2 The Department received a complaint on 8/02/2021 alleging staff handle children in a rough manner and staff yell at children. The complainant indicated staff aggressively grab or pull on the children\342\200\231s arms when children do not listen or yell at the children using a harsh tone of voice. During the investigation LPA Odom interviewed complaining party, Director, 5 staff members, 10 children and 5 parents. LPA reviewed the Children\342\200\231s Roster and personnel records. During an interview on 8/25/2021, the Director (S6) stated, staff are trained to use the redirect method by talking to children at eye level, and positive reinforcement. The childcare center uses StartWell and Quality Assurance program for staff training on \342\200\234How to handle challenging children\342\200\235, and \342\200\234How to get children engaged\342\200\235. Director stated, if a child has a tantrum staff will redirect and talk to the child but staff do not yell at children. LPA Odom interviewed five staff members on 8/25/2021. All five staff stated, the discipline policies for the childcare center are redirecting children, speaking to the child at eye level and giving the child time to calm down when upset. None of the staff members have observed other staff members yelling at children. All five staff denied they grab or pull on the children\342\200\231s arms. Staff #3 (S3) and Staff #4 (S4) stated, they do not yell at the children, but they do use a higher tone of voice to grab the children\342\200\231s attention for circle time or clean up time. LPA Odom interviewed 10 children on 8/25/2021. None of the children disclosed that the staff yell at the children or that the staff handles the children in a rough manner. Child #4 (C4) and Child #5 (C5) disclosed that the staff does use a loud tone of voice indoors and outdoors. LPA attempted to interview 18 parents, however only 5 parents were interviewed on 10/15/21. All of the parents did not have concerns with the childcare facility, and they were happy with the childcare center. Continue to page 3. Page 3 Based on LPA\342\200\231s facility inspection, observations, interviews conducted with complainant party, director, 5 staff, 10 children, 5 parents and records reviewed it was determined there was insufficient evidence that staff handle children in a rough manner and staff yell at children. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated. Exit interview was conducted with Director, Sharanit Dhaliwal. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. 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. 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.