complaint·June 2, 2023

(Page 2) On initial inspection date 04/05/2023, LPA was informed Ramanda Lazaris was hired as the permanent director starting on April 3, 2023. Current assistant director, staff 9 (S9) was hired on March 13,2023. LPA interviewed 11 staff. 11 staff interviewed disclosed that the previous director, staff 13 (S13), left on March 03, 2023 and the previous assistant director, staff 12 (S12), was acting director starting on March 6,2023 while the facility was in process of hiring a new director. S12’s last day was on March 29,2023. LPA reviewed files and observed S9 is not a fully qualified teacher. The facility did not have a qualified substitute director from March 30,2023 and March 31,2023. The regulation states When the childcare center director is absent from the center, arrangements shall be made for a fully qualified teacher to act as substitute. Staff interviewed disclosed Ramanda Lazaris was hired as the new director on April 3,2023. LPA received and reviewed director’s packet. LPA determined Director Ramanda Lazaris is a fully qualified director. Reporting Party (RP) stated “there is 1 staff to 18 daycare children.” During the initial investigation on 4/5/2023, LPA Lucero interviewed eleven staff, obtained copies of staff transcripts, and obtained the facility roster. During interviews 2 out of 8 staff disclosed that Staff 9 (S9) would release teachers for their breaks and S9 would be left alone in the classroom to supervise children for 10-15 minutes while kids were in playtime. During staff file reviews at the initial investigation visit on 4/5/23, it was determined S9 and S5 do not meet the teacher qualifications. S9 is missing course work in child family and community, or child and family; and program/curriculum. S5 is missing courses in program/curriculum. The lack of required courses on the transcripts supports a preponderance of evidence for the allegation of unqualified staff operating daycare facility. To be a fully qualified teacher, a teacher shall have twelve post-secondary semester or equivalent quarter units including courses that cover the general areas of child growth and development, or human growth and development; child, family and community, or child and family; and program/curriculum. Due to LPA determining that two staff were not qualified to work as a teacher, this puts the classroom(s) out of ratio. There shall be a ratio of one teacher visually observing and supervising no more than 12 children in attendance, and an aide shall work only under the direct supervision of a teacher. S5 has been working as a teacher and not under the direct supervision of a fully qualified teacher and has been left alone in a class to supervise children. (continue to next page) (page 3) On 5/22/2023, LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA contacted 8 parents via phone call. Out of 8 parents, four parents were able to be interviewed. Parents were asked: “How many children do you see when you are dropping off your child?” 4 parents interviewed made no disclosures. Based on LPA’s record reviews and staff interviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division & Chapter 12, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099 D for the deficiency section 101216.1(c)(1) Teacher Qualifications and Duties and 101216.3(a) Teacher-Child Ratio and 101215.1(f) Child Care Center Director Qualifications and Duties. In the areas that were evaluated, 2 Type A and 1 Type B deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. 101216.1(c)(1) Teacher Qualifications and Duties- type A and 101216.3(a) Teacher-Child Ratio- Type A and 101215.1 (f) Child Care Center Director Qualifications and Duties- Type B. LPA Lucero informed Director Ramanda Lazaris that this report dated 06/02/2023 document(s) two Type A citations which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Lucero informed the Director Ramanda Lazaris to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 06/02/2023 that documents any Type A citation(s) 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), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Ramanda Lazaris. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their 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. End of Report. (page 2) Reporting Party (RP) stated RP’s child informed them that the playground is “broken”. RP stated they believe the playground is in disrepair. During the initial inspection dated 04/05/2023 LPA inspected the outdoor activity space and the playground equipment. LPA observed equipment in a safe condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. LPA took pictures of the 2 playgrounds. LPA Lucero attempted to contact 8 parents by phone and was able to interview 4 parents. All interviewed parents stated they did not have any concerns with the physical plant of the facility. Based on the information gathered from LPAs’ interviews with staff and parents, observations of outdoor physical plant, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation of facility Facility playground is in disrepair. Although the allegation may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur in the day care facility, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was completed. The report was reviewed and discussed with Director Ramanda Lazaris. The 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 $100.00. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door. End of Report.