Incident investigation·December 8, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Sun conducted an unannounced follow-up case management inspection in response to a self-report Unusual Incident dated 10/30/2025. LPA met with Director, Karina Chavez and informed the purpose of today’s case management initiated on 10/30/2025. Census was taken as follows: in Pre-K, 2 staff supervising 6 preschool children, in room Pre-3, 2 staff supervising 5 preschool children, in room Pre-2, 2 staff supervising 7 children in the classroom and Pre-1, 2 staff supervising 7 children. Children were in classrooms working on activities. A review of staff criminal clearance records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal records and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. The Regional office received an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) on 10/30/2025. UIR was reported by Director Karina Chavez. According to Director Child #1 (C1) was hit by staff #1 (S1). C1 did not state where C1 was hit. C1’s Parent #1 (P1) stated that C1 informed Social Worker during home visit that C1 was hit by S1. P1 also stated that when C1 was questioned by adult #1 (A1) C1 stated C1 was lying about S1 hitting C1. On 11/04/2025, LPA interviewed 3 staff and 3 out of 3 staff stated “no”, to witnessing any other staff hitting children in care. 3 out of 3 staff stated they have not witnessed any teacher handling a child in a rough manner. PAGE 1 OF 2 LPA asked staff how S1’s interactions are with children. 3 out of 3 staff stated S1 interactions with children are good. Staff 3 (S3) stated “S1 is really good and soft spoken. S1 speaks more in Spanish to children. S1 is really good at regulating children”. Staff 2 (S2) stated “S1 is really kind. S1 is soft spoken with children. S1 majored in psychology that helps us to work and understand children. S1 is kindhearted with children and parents”. In the parent interview, P1 stated C1 told Adult #2 (A2) that S1 had hit C1 at the daycare. P1 stated “I honestly, don’t feel that C1 is being hit or hurt at school by anyone. C1 loves his teachers; C1 always hugs and goes to S1. I feel that if C1 was being hit, C1 would not want to go to school and C1 would tell me. Everything seems fine at school. C1 was questioned by Adult #1 (A1) and C1 admitted to A1 that C1 was not hit by S1.” A1 stated A1 sees C1 loves school and teachers. C1 is not afraid to go to school, C1 is not afraid of teachers, C1 doesn’t have any marks or bruises. On 11/04/2025, LPA interviewed the social worker who stated during home visit, C1 disclosed that S1 was mean and had hit C1 on the arm. During that same visit, C1 then admitted to the social worker that C1 was not hit by S1 at school. The social worker stated “I really don’t think anything is happening and I don’t think C1 is being hit at school”. On 11/18/25, the social worker confirmed with the manager who instructed the social worker to close the case because C1 recanted information. On 11/18/25, the social worker visited C1 at the facility and conducted observation in C1’s classroom. The social worker stated C1 was with S1 during the entire classroom observation. C1 was loving with S1, very affectionate, and played with S1 in classroom areas. When the social worker asked C1 who are you most comfortable with in the classroom C1 answered S1. The social worker stated C1 is very active and probably did something C1 was not supposed to do and did not like S1 re-directing C1. On 11/04/25, LPA attempted to interview children, three (3) children qualified for interview. Children did not make any disclosures regarding unusual incident. LPA interviewed 5 facility parents who disclosed they were satisfied with the program and did not add information regarding incident. Based on LPA’s interviews and record review, there was no evidence to support the parent’s disclosure that S1 hit C1. The facility was in compliance with regulations, and no deficiency was observed. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with the posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. PAGE 2 OF 2