complaint·August 17, 2023

Page 2 On 8/7/2023 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging (1) Facility staff operate out of ratio, (2) Facility staff are not properly supervising children when transitioning out of the classroom, (3) Staff handle day care child in a rough manner. On 8/7/2023, LPA contacted the reporting party (RP) to gather more information about the allegations. RP mentioned in the morning hours is when the facility is operating out of ratio. RP stated there are seven to eight children with two to three staff inside the quad area. LPA mentioned to RP, toddler ratio is one staff to six toddler children and one staff for every four infants and based on the information provided by RP, the facility is operating within ratio. RP stated staff are not properly supervising children resulting in child #1 (C1) being injured. RP stated no medical attention was required, and C1 was not taken to the hospital or to his doctor because it only required basic first aid. RP mentioned, observing a staff member pick up C1 aggressively and move C1 outside of the view of the window. LPA asked RP, when the incident occurred, did RP report it to the director or any staff. RP stated \342\200\234no.\342\200\235 On 8/8/2023, LPA reviewed the file belonging to C1. LPA observed an \342\200\234oops\342\200\235 report for C1 occurred at 2:50 PM inside the classroom and the parent notification was conducted at 3:00 PM. The incident involving C1 did not break skin or require medical attention. LPA observed staff applied ice and a bandage. During staff interviews on 8/8/2023, four staff were interviewed. All staff interviewed stated they have never been out of ratio of witnessed other staff being out of ratio. Staff also stated when transitioning kids inside and outside of the classroom, children line up next to the door and enter with their teachers. All staff also stated they have never handled children in a rough manner or witnessed other staff handling children in a rough manner. LPA was told there are no cameras on the play yard or inside the classrooms. LPA did not observe cameras. On 8/10/2023, LPA contacted 13 parents. Three parents were interviewed via phone call. Parents were asked the following questions: How many children do you observe during drop off/pick up? How many staff are observed with the children? How do you feel about the care and supervision your child/children receive at Milestones Montessori? All parents indicated they were satisfied with the care given by the facility staff and had no concerns to report. During their interviews, there was nothing stated by the parents to support a preponderance of evidence for the above allegations. Continue to page 3 Page 3 Based LPA observations, interviews with staff and parents, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegations. The Orange County Child Care Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Facility staff operate out of ratio, (2) Facility staff are not properly supervising children when transitioning out of the classroom, (3) Staff handle day care child in a rough manner: 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 is UNSUBSTANTIATED. 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 Jamie Patopoff. Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with the posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights discussed. The Director was provided with 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.