complaint·November 13, 2023

(Page 2 of Report) During a confidential interview, Reporting Party (RP) reported that Child #1 (C1) didn’t receive help in potty training and often comes home with a streak of stool in C1’s underwear, hence C1 was put back to wear pull-ups. RP also reported that C1 was being treated differently since C1 was the only child that was not wearing a jacket while playing outside in the cold and C1 also complained about teachers hurt C1. During investigation, LPA interviewed 6 staff members, attempted to interview 8 children, and interviewed 4 parents. LPA also reviewed facility children’s record, facility’s potty-training procedure, discipline procedure and outdoor activity procedure. All interviewed staff provided consistent responses regarding reminding the children to use the restroom checking/changing diapers for the children in care every 1-2 hours, wiping, changing diapers/pull ups as needed and document on the diaper log to be kept in child’s file. All interviewed staff denied that they hurt any child or witnessed any staff hurting a child. Interviewed staff described discipline procedure including redirection, give child time to calm down and discuss about the action/consequence with child, using positive reinforcements to praise child for positive behaviors. All interviewed staff stated they always check the temperature outside before allowing the children to go outside to play, according to the thermometer posted right outside the classroom, teachers will remind children to put on their sweater if needed but will not force a child to wear a sweater if child is refusing. LPA attempted to interview 8 children at the facility, one out of eight children qualified for the interview and stated staff will give children redirection, time to calm down and later talk to the children about their behaviors and classroom expectations. Interviewed child also stated that teacher would remind child to wear a sweater if needed when playing outiside. All four interviewed parents did not share any concern related to the allegations. (Continue next page) (Page 3 of Report) During record reviews, LPA reviewed facility's discipline policy which clearly stated positive reinforcement and praise is used to encourage appropriate behavior and to correct inappropriate behavior, child will be given reminders to make better choices and will be removed from the situation if behavior escalates, parents will be contacted regarding the situation, facility does not condone any physical form of restraint or actions when it comes to discipline the children. LPA also reviewed potty-training procedure and diaper log, which revealed that staff checked diaper for the children in care every 1-2 hours, change diaper as needed. LPA observed a thermometer and a temperature guidance sheet posted in the playground, where the teachers will check the outside temperature and determine if it is appropriate to have outdoor activities. Based on the information gathered from LPAs’ observation, interviews with 6 staff members, 1 child and 4 parents, and record reviews of facility's discipline procedure, potty-training procedure, children's diaper logs, and outdoor activities procedure, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegations (1) Staff did not meet day care child's hygiene needs and (2) Staff inappropriately handled day care child. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove (1) Staff did not meet day care child's hygiene needs and (2) Staff inappropriately handled day care child, did or did not occur, therefore the allegations (1) Staff did not meet day care child's hygiene needs and (2) Staff inappropriately handled day care child, are unsubstantiated. Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided a copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their 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. A Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Amy Diaz. (End of Report)