complaint·December 14, 2022

Page 2 of 3 During initial 10-day visit, on 09/30/2022, LPA interviewed Staff #4 (S4). S4 informed LPA that they were never out of ratio in their classroom, although Staff #5 (S5) would try to convince them that it was okay. Former Director provided copies of updated children’s roster, correspondence between parents and staff, weekly facility staff highlights, and recent staff meeting agendas. LPA also reviewed Employee/Faculty Handbook. LPA observed children and staff in classroom #4. On, 10/25/2022, LPA received a telephone call from Staff #1 (S1) to inquire about teacher to child ratios at the facility. S1 stated they want to make sure they are following licensing regulations especially during their weekly staff meetings. S1 stated they have a meeting for lead teachers that usually runs way over the time allotted and a separate meeting for the assistants. S1 stated their meetings start between 1:30pm-2:00pm are supposed to be only 30 minutes but can last up to one hour. S1 says scheduled nap time for children is 12:30pm-2:30pm and there have been several occasions the assistants are alone while the children are already awake. On 10/26/2022, LPA conducted an unannounced visit to facility at 2:20 pm. As LPA entered at the facility, all lead teachers with Athana Howard, who was Interim Director at the time, and Regional Manager (RM), Marriah Pearson were seated around a table in the "Day-Care Room". RM approached LPA and stated they were having their weekly lead teacher meeting. LPA requested to be escorted to take census. All teachers had returned to their classrooms. All 7 classrooms LPA entered had a least four children that were not sleeping but instead doing activities with the assistants. Room 7 had children doing an arts and crafts activity that included scissors and glue. Room 4 had an assistant reading a book to a couple of children while two children sat on a couch reading a book individually. Room 2 had an assistant talking to five children huddled around them and another assistant was helping with restroom duties. LPA interviewed two staff members, Staff #2 (S2) and Staff #3 (S3) who both stated lead teacher meetings are held on a weekly basis. S2 and S3 informed LPA that a teacher’s assistant meeting was scheduled for 3:00 pm that afternoon but was likely cancelled due to LPA’s visit. S3 informed LPA that it is not unusual for assistants to be left alone for long periods of time during the lead teacher meetings. Page 2 of 3 Page 3 of 3 Based on the LPA’s observation, interviews conducted with Former Director, Staff #1, #2, #3 and #4, copies of meeting topics sent electronically, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the Ratio allegation that facility is operating out of ratio is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Teacher-Child Ratio 101216.3(a) is being cited on the attached LIC9099D. LPA Castanon informed Director Athana Howard that this report dated 12/14/2022 documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA Castanon also informed the Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 12/14/2022 that documents any Type A citations to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview was conducted with Director Athana Howard. 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) 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 . End of Report