complaint·December 20, 2024

On 10/17/2024 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging (1) Staff not providing a safe environment for daycare children. Reporting Party (RP) stated the following: RP has observed a Child#1 (C1) crying. RP stated a staff member would try to calm C1. RP has observed C1 kick a staff member and the staff member requested the child to stop. RP disclosed C1 mainly hits staff and staff tries to keep C1 away from the other children. During the investigation, LPA Nunez inspected the facility, interviewed 5 staff members, attempted to interview 6 children but only 4 children qualified for an interview, and interviewed 4 parents. LPA Nunez also obtained copies of the personnel report and children’s roster. Regarding allegation (1) Staff not providing a safe environment for daycare children On 10/22/2024, LPA Nunez interviewed 5 staff members, 4 children, and 4 parents. During the staff interviews, 5 out of 5 staff members stated they have a child that has a challenging behavior. Staff#1 (S1) stated the following: C1 does have an aggressive behavior. S1 or other staff members will be close to C1 to make sure C1 does not hurt other children. S1 also stated that S1 has brought the concerns to management and management have provided more personnel staff so staff members can work closely with C1. Staff#4 (S4) stated management has come and observed the classroom and has giving S4 visuals and strategies to work with C1. Staff# (S5) stated they also provided resources to C1’s family. 5 out of 5 staff members stated C1 has started therapy. During the children’s interviews Child#3 (C3) disclosed that C1 has hit other children but teachers will stop C1. Child#4 (C4) stated when C1 is being “bad” C4 will tell the teacher. During parent’s interviews, the 4 parents were happy and satisfied with the facility. The 4 parents stated positive comments about the staff members in the classrooms. Based on information gather from LPA’s interviews with 5 staff members, 4 children, and 4 parents, the preponderance of evidence has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation (1) staff not providing a safe environment for daycare children; therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. End of Report Page 2 of 2 Exit interview was conducted with Acting Director, Alma Lopez. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Director was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The Director was provided with a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) 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. Page 3 of 3