complaint·November 27, 2023

On 09/11/2023 the complainant alleged that the day-care children are not provided with alternate activities when awake during nap period. The complainant stated they have witnessed children lying in their cots without alternative activities for excessive periods of time. On September 07, 2023, LPA interviewed 7 staff members at the facility. 4 of 7 staff members mentioned they kept children in their cots during nap time but made no disclosures of alternative activities. 6 staff out of 7 staff disclosed keeping children on their cots during nap time even if they are not asleep. Throughout the interview process staff mentioned that they were under the impression that children laying on their cots awake or asleep is allowed for them to be in ratio during nap time and some staff mention that children are required to stay on their cots even if children refuse to sleep. On September 07, 2023, LPA conducted interviews with 3 children. Three out of the three children interviewed on that date were assessed using a combination of color related questions and a truth/lie series. LPA attempted to interview 3 of 3 children but was not able to qualify any of the children due to children being nonverbal or limited vocabulary. During the initial visit LPA requested an activity schedule for the classroom, the scheduled nap time begins is 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm in the 4's and 5's classroom . On September 07, 2023, LPA reviewed footage of 09/06/2023, of children in the classroom during nap time. The video footage showed two children C2 and C3. C2 was observed to be lying on their cot around 12 pm and lights were also observed to be off. C2 and C3 were observed to be awake and lying down on their cots during the napping period of 12:00 pm to 3 pm. LPA observed C2 getting up to use the restroom and then being redirected by the staff to their cot. C1 and C2 were not observed to be given an alternative activity while being on their cot or given the opportunity to leave their cot. On 11/27/2023 the LPA discussed the time stamp of the video footage to confirm the time and date of the footage. It was observed on 11/27/2023 that the time of the live footage reflected the correct time and date. The director also mentioned that the time stamp is accurate and has not had issues before despite when there is a time change but outside of that the time matches the footage. On November 27, 2023 the LPA observed children having lunch in the 5's and 4's room at the beginning of the tour. The 2's classroom had 16 sleeping children and 9 children doing alternative activities on a table. The 3's classroom had 17 children with 6 awake on their cots and 1 staff member. Nap time for the 3's Page 2 room begins at 12pm. At the end of the tour at 12:25 p.m the 4's and 5's classroom lights were off. The director mentions that upper management and her agreed that children will lay on their cots for a rest period for 1 - 1.5 hours until they are offered an alternative activity. It is also mentioned that the policy is specified of the required rest time in the parent handbook. Based on LPA’s interviews conducted with the complainant, 7 staff members, and records reviewed of video footage the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation of daycare children are not provided with alternate activities when awake during nap period is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted with Director, SOLORIO, ALANNAH. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The director was informed that the notice of the site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. The 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.