Incident investigation·June 3, 2025

Page 1 of 2 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Mahnaz (Nancy) Malek conducted an onsite case management inspection for the purpose of investigating an incident that the facility self reported to our office on 5/29/2025. LPA met with director, Vanessa Sener. Census was taken. There was a total of 33 preschool children with 10 staff observed on the outdoor space in different zones. Three classrooms Bears, Coyotes, and Tortoise were inspected. According to the self reported incident, a child on the playground found Nicotine Vapor Pen Belonging to Staff Member which had fallen from their pocket. The child handed the item to a staff member. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. The LPA conducted interviews with individuals who had direct or supporting knowledge of the incident, including Staff #1 (S1), Staff #2 (S2), and 4-year-old, Child #1 (C1). Additional interviews conducted with Staff #3 (S3), Staff #4 (S4), Staff #5 (S5), and Staff #6. Staff #1 (S1) reported returning from lunch at approximately 1:15 PM. S1 stated that they typically use a vapor pen during lunch break off-premises and store it in a purse placed in a locked closet, inaccessible to children. However, on May 28, 2025, S1 returned to the facility wearing a fanny pack diagonally across the shoulder, in which the vapor pen was stored. S1 unintentionally, forgot to secure the fanny pack in the locked closet. While engaging with children, S1 was unaware that the vapor pen had fallen from the partially Continued on page 2 Page 2 of 2 unzipped fanny pack. S1 did not observe the behavior of C1 on the playground holding any objects. Staff #2 (S2) stated they were on the playground when Child #1 (C1) brought the vapor pen to their attention around 1:43 PM, stating it was found in the sandbox. C1 also reported to S2 that they placed the item in their mouth. S2 did not confirm observing C1 holding or putting the item in their mouth prior handing the object to them. S2 stated they had never seen any body use or hold the vapor on the premises. Staff #3 (S3) informed LPA that they talked to C1 after the incident stating C1 put the item in their mouth. S3 submitted their school policy for staff regarding keeping personal items inaccessible to children. Staff #4 (S4), Staff #5 (S5), and Staff #6 (S6) were present on the playground at the time of the incident but stated they had not seen any staff members using or dropping a vapor pen on the premises. They did not observe any foreign objects falling into the sandbox and did not see C1 holding or using the vapor pen. They stated they keep their personal items in a locked closet inaccessible to children. Child #1 (C1) confirmed finding what they described as a medium size object in the sandbox and stated they put it in their mouth, which resulted in throat discomfort. According to C1 this happened for a little bit and they handed it to S2 on the playground. Based on the self reported incident, staff and child interviews, and review of relevant documentation, it was determined that the facility staff failed to observe the behavior of the child in care adequately. Therefore, California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Section 101226.3 (a)- under Observation of the Child is being cited on the attached LIC 809D. The facility representative, Vanessa Sener was informed that the \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit\342\200\235 must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit\342\200\235 must be posted on or adjacent to the door. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalty of $100.00. The facility representative, Vanessa Sener 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. The exit interview was conducted with the facility representative, Vanessa Sener. End of report