Complaint·June 15, 2023

Page 2 The Department received a complaint on 5/8/2023 alleging 1) staff did not prevent inappropriate interaction between children in care and 2) staff did not follow proper reporting requirements. Complaining party (CP) stated on 5/3/23 during nighttime bath Child #1 (C1) told CP that their bottom hurt. CP questioned C1, CP asked C1 if someone had touched their bottom at school, C1 stated yes, Child #2 (C2). CP asked C1 did C2 put their hand inside their bottoms, C1 stated yes, C2 poked their private part. C1 disclosed there were 4 other children present during the incident. On 5/4/23 CP took C1 to the doctor for a check-up. On 5/5/23 CP made a police report. During the investigation LPA Odom interviewed the complaining party, director, 3 staff members, 7 children and 4 parents. LPA reviewed the children\342\200\231s roster, personnel records, police report, internal investigation, incident report, and pictures taken. During an interview on 5/11/2023, Staff #1 (S1) stated on 5/4/23 CP sent a message to all the staff on Bright wheel app regarding what C1 had disclosed the night before. S1 called CP regarding the allegation, CP told S1 that C1 told Staff #3 (S3) about the incident. S1 spoke with S3 if C1 had mentioned an incident with C2, S3 stated C1 did not disclose any incident with C2, and S3 did not observe any inappropriate touching. S3 also spoke with CP to reassure that the allegation was not true. S1 stated on 5/3/23 S3 was with the children until 10:30am, S3 left and S1 took over the classroom the rest of the day along with Staff #2 (S2). There were only 6 children present that day. There was only 1 disagreement that day, C2 and Child #5 (C5) were playing with the blocks, when C1 with Child #3 (C3) walked over and C1 was trying to take the blocks from C2 and C5. S1 disclosed they never observed C2 place their hand inside C1\342\200\231s pants on 5/3/23 or any other time. C2 will tend to pinch or push but they have never touched any child inappropriately. CP informed S1 they took C1 to the doctor for a checkup and the doctor did not observe anything abnormal. S1 reported incident to licensing on 5/8/23. LPA Odom interviewed 2 staff members on 5/11/23. S3 stated on 5/3/23 they were teaching the classroom from 8:00am to 10:30am, when C1 arrived S3 had C1 sat at the art and craft table to work on their Mother\342\200\231s Day project. On that day C2 arrived late at 9:23am during circle time. At 10:00am S3 took the children to church on site and C1 and C2 did not sit next to each other or have any interaction that morning. Continue to page 3 Page 3 S2 stated on 5/3/23 after S3 left at 10:30am they were assisting in the classroom along with S1. The children ate, had bible study, and outdoor play until 2:30pm when C2 usually gets picked up. S2 stated C1 and C2 did not sit together, and they do not play together. Both staff disclosed they have never observed C2 touch anyone inappropriately, but they have observed C2 push or pinch. All the staff disclosed they do receive training on supervision, and when an incident occurs they write an ouch report to give to the parents by the end of the day and call parents if necessary. LPA Odom interviewed 7 children on 5/11/23, 5/23/23, and 6/9/23. C1 disclosed they remember attending the childcare center, staff names, and children\342\200\231s names. C1 stated they would not play with C2 because C2 would hit C1. C1 disclosed C2 hit C1 on their stomach and C1 told staff #1 (S1) and staff #3 (S3). C1 did not disclose C2 putting their hand inside their bottom and poking their private area. C2 disclosed they wouldn\342\200\231t play with C1 because they would always cry for their mom. C2 stated they play with C5. Five out seven children disclosed that C2 would pinch or hit C1. None of the children disclosed observing C2 touch C1 on their private area. LPA attempted to interview 7 parents however only 4 parents were available on 6/8/23. All the parents interviewed stated they have observed staff always supervising the children in care. All the parents interviewed stated they did not have any concerns about the childcare facility. All the parents reported they are satisfied with the childcare center. LPA Odom obtained a copy of the Orange County Sheriff\342\200\231s Department police report. OC Sheriff\342\200\231s department consulted with Special Victims investigator Timmins who advised Officer Lopez to take an information report and speak with C2 parents regarding the allegations. No further action was conducted. Based on LPA\342\200\231s facility inspection, observations, interviews conducted with complaining party, director, 3 staff, 7 children, 4 parents and records reviewed it was determined there was insufficient evidence that C2 touched C1 inappropriately while in care. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated. Continue to page 4 Page 4 Exit interview was conducted with Director, Therese Kdeiss. 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 01/16) 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.