complaint·April 16, 2024

Page 2 Reporting Party (RP) alleges stated Staff did not take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of illness, staff did not ensure that the facility was kept in a clean condition, staff forced day care child to use the bathroom while in care, staff handled day care child in a rough manner while in care, staff did not ensure personal possessions were safeguarded for child in care, staff did not ensure that day care child was not bullied while in care, and unqualified staff are working at the facility. During the investigation on 3/21/2024, LPA interviewed four staff, reviewed seven staff files, toured the facility inside and outside, and took pictures. (RP) alleges staff did not take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of illness. RP stated in January of 2024, for a period of 2 weeks, 60% of the staff was sick and 75% of the entire student population was sick. During staff interviews, it was determined two staff were out sick in the month of January at separate times and two children were out sick. Both staff members returned with doctors note and the two children took time off due to running nose and coughing symptoms. Both children returned after being cleared by their doctor. (RP) alleges staff did not ensure that the facility was kept in a clean condition. During staff interviews, LPA was told there is a janitor that cleans the facility every night and has been doing so for six years. While touring the facility inside and out, LPA found the facility to be clean and sanitary. The children's bathrooms were clean and sanitary as well. (RP) alleges Staff forced day care child to use the bathroom while in care and staff handled day care child in a rough manner while in care. RP stated their child was forced to attempt to urinate and as the child cried and the child stated they didn’t need to go to the bathroom and the teacher responding aggressively, hurting the child hand (unclear if intentional or not) in the process when removing the child from the toilet. During staff interviews, all four staff stated they have never forced a child to use the restroom. Staff stated they have restroom times and children line up. Children are encouraged to use the restroom and if they do not use the restroom, children can go at a different time. All staff stated they have never handled a child in a rough manner and has never witnessed other staff handling children in a rough manner. Continue to page 3 Page 3 (RP) alleges staff did not ensure personal possessions were safeguarded for child in care. While touring the facility, LPA observed each child has their own cubby where personal belongings are placed. During staff interviews, staff stated when children arrive, items are placed inside the cubby and taken home at the end of the day. (RP) alleges unqualified staff are working at the facility. During staff interviews, LPA reviewed staff files and found teachers and staff to be qualified. LPA reviewed college transcripts, mandated reporter certifications, and other required documents. LPA found staff files to be complete. (RP) alleges staff did not ensure that day care child was not bullied while in care. During staff interviews, two staff stated they bring both children in to talk to them to figure out what caused the problem and if its physical they contact the parents. One staff stated, some children are not verbal, so we teach them simple terms and simple phrases. On 4/11/2024, parent interviews were conducted. Four parents were able to be interviewed. All four parents indicated they were satisfied with the care given by the facility staff and their children like it. Parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations. On 4/16/2024, LPA interviewed two preschool age children. Children interviewed stated they like school and didn’t provide any information regarding being hurt by staff or being forced to use the restroom. Children interviewed stated they line up for restroom breaks or ask the teacher when they have to use the restroom. Based LPA observation, interviews with staff, parents, and children, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegations. The Orange County Child Care Office has investigated the complaint alleging stated Staff did not take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of illness, Staff did not ensure that the facility was kept in a clean condition, Staff forced day care child to use the bathroom while in care, Staff handled day care child in a rough manner while in care, Staff did not ensure personal possessions were safeguarded for child in care, Staff did not ensure that day care child was not bullied while in care, and unqualified staff are working at the facility: although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not enough preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Continue to page 4 Page 4 In the areas that were evaluated, no deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Yuki Ishida. 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 discussed. Director 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. Page 2 RP alleges the school wakes children from their naps daily. During staff interviews on 3/21/2024, four staff stated they open the blinds and turn on the lights when nap time is over. All staff stated if children are still asleep after opening the blinds and turning on the lights, staff will wake the child up by placing their hands on the child back or shoulder and tell the child nap time is over. On 4/11/2024, parent interviews were conducted. Four parents were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not divulge and information pertaining to the allegations. Based on LPA interviews with staff and staff stating they wake children up once nap time is over, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation alleging staff interfered with child(rens) sleep by waking them up during naps 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 101230 Activities. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Yuki Ishida. 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.