Incident investigation·January 10, 2024

On 01/10/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Romy Castanon and Cynthia Sun conducted a Case Management visit due to follow up on a self-reported incident on 12/27/2023. LPAs met with Director Leisha Dearing. A tour of Infant Room #1 & #2, Toddler Room #1 & #2 and infant playground was conducted. Observed at the time of the visit was a total of 17 children and 5 staff. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 01/10/2024 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Licensing Program Office received a written self-reported incident report dated 12/27/2023 regarding a Parent #1 (P1) who was viewing the facility surveillance system and observed Staff #1 (S1) being physically aggressive toward Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) during their rest period. On 01/03/2024, LPA Sun interviewed P1 who was able to describe the incident they observed. P1 stated they were watching the continuous video playback of their child's classroom. P1 stated they observed C1 walk away from their mat. S1 picked up the child and threw them on their mat face down. P1 stated they observed C2 sit up on their mat and S1 also picking them up and throwing them face down on back on their mat. During LPA\342\200\231s visit, Director and three staff members were interviewed. LPA\342\200\231s requested to review the facility camera footage but were unable to due to their extensive request process. Director stated they observed the recording and was able to determine S1 rough handled two children in their care. Director stated C1 was observed walking away from their mat, S1 picked up C1 by their arms/triceps and roughly dropped them down on their mat. Director stated C2 was laying on the side of their mat and S1 picked up by their waist and dropped them on their mat. S1 is no longer employed at the facility. Continue to page 2 Page 2 3 out of 3 staff stated they were not present to witness the incident on 12/27/2023. 3 out of 3 staff were able to explain the personal rights of a child and provide examples. 3 out of 3 staff members were able to define the responsibilities of a mandated reporter. 3 out of 3 staff members denied ever observing staff treat children in a physically aggressive manner. Based on LPA\342\200\231s interview conducted with Director, Parent #1 and 3 staff members, the facility is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Section 101223 (a)(3) Personal Rights. LPA Castanon informed Director Leisha Dearing that this report dated 01/10/2024 documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA Castanon also informed the Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 01/10/2024 that documents any Type A citations to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224) must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview was conducted with Director Leisha Dearing. 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) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above. End of Report