Incident investigation·January 20, 2023

Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Romy Castanon conducted a case management inspection to follow up on a self-reported unusual incident that was submitted verbally to CCL Regional Licensing Office on 01/17/2023. It was reported by Jason Reyes, Director of Early Childhood Education and LIC 624 was also submitted on 01/17/2023. Director Jason stated that during transition from the restroom to the snack tables, Child #1 (C1) was left unattended in the restroom. Census was 15 and separated into two groups with Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2). Staff #3 (S3) was assisting prepare snack and supplies. The restrooms are located around the corner from the snack tables, about three (3) feet away. S1 and S2 escorted the children to the restroom at 10:10am. By 10:15 am, the staff and children were already at the tables serving snack. S3 noticed C1 approaching the snack tables alone. S3 asked C1 where the child was, and child stated they were in the restroom alone. ECE Director Jason states that head counts are done prior to transition, but the headcount was not performed when transitioning from the restrooms to the snack tables. ECE Director Jason states that the child may have been left alone anytime between 10:10am-10:15am. During today's inspection a tour of the facility classrooms #1, #2, #3, #7 and playground was conducted. LPA was also shown classroom #10 that is in the process of being licensed. There were 46 children and 7 staff members total. A review of staff records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances. During today's inspection three (3) staff members were interviewed. During interview with S1, they stated they had a total of eight (8) children in their group. S1 exited the restroom when those children were done. S1 stated that S2’s group arrived at staggered times. When S2 joined S1, they informed S2 that the headcount was off by one (1). Page 1 of 2 Page 2 At this exact moment, S3 received C1, who had just walked out of the restroom alone. During S2’s interview, they stated that a child was accidentally counted twice. S2 stated they usually make sure there is no one in the restroom and will walk into the stall, Unfortunately, they were running behind schedule this day and only bent over to glance under the stall. During interview with S3, the details of the incident corroborated with the other staff’s statements. LPA was informed of new procedures that have been implemented since the incident. When students are signed in upon arrival, there is a clipboard with the numerical total for the day. Once inside the classroom, there is another total located on the white board. This total is updated when returning to the classroom after every transition. Staff now line up children against the wall of the restroom when they are finished for a headcount and will close the door behind them, so the children of the other group stay with their assigned staff member. Staff have also reiterated safety rules with their children. Director has also purchased magnets and door clamps for the restroom stalls which will keep the stalls doors open unless they are in use. LPA also observed two (2) classrooms transition from the playground, restrooms and into snack time. LPA observed the ease of transitions with the new implemented protocols. LPA observed the distance from the snack area to the restrooms and it is directly outside. LPA was able to determine that there was no immediate risk to the safety of the child in care. Based on LPA’s interviews and observations , there is no evidence to support any violation of Title 22 regulations. No Title 22 deficiencies cited during today's inspection. LPA did provide Director with a Technical Violation for the lack of supervision and a Technical Advisory as a reminder not to utilize classroom #10 until it is licensed. End of Report