complaint·October 21, 2021

Page 2 The Department received a complaint on 8/2/2021 alleging staff handle children in a rough manner, staff yell at children, and staff are not following COVID-19 protocol. 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. Staff will use harsh tone of voice with the children. Childcare center did not inform staff of a positive COVID-19 case. During the investigation LPA Odom interviewed complaining party, Director, 3 staff members, and 4 parents. LPA reviewed the Children\342\200\231s Roster, personnel records and DPH COVID-19 exposure investigation worksheet. Children were not interviewed due to the age group (0 month to 24 months) all the children are nonverbal and could not be qualified to interview. 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. S6 stated, if a child has a tantrum staff will redirect and talk to the child but staff do not yell at children. S6 stated, all COVID-19 positive case is reported to Department of Public, staff and parents within 24 hours. S6 provided a copy of DPH COVID-19 exposure investigation worksheet. LPA Odom interviewed three staff members on 8/25/2021. All three staff stated, the discipline policies for the childcare center are redirecting children and speaking to the child at eye level. None of the staff members have observed other staff members yelling at children. All three staff denied they grab or pull on the children\342\200\231s arms. Staff #1 (S1) stated, if a child has a tantrum staff will try to calm the child by picking them up and soothing child, singing song, and figure out why the child is crying. All three staff disclosed that the childcare center will notify staff and parents within 24 hours of a positive COVID-19 case. LPA attempted to interview 9 parents, however only 4 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. All of the parents stated, they are notified by the childcare center if there is a positive COVID-19 case at the facility. Continue to page 3. Page 3 Based on LPA\342\200\231s facility inspection, observations, interviews conducted with complainant party, director, 3 staff, 4 parents and records reviewed it was determined there was insufficient evidence that staff handle children in a rough manner, staff yell at children and staff are not following Covid-19 protocol. 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.