Incident investigation·September 9, 2024

Page 1 of 2 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Mahnaz (Nancy) Malek conducted an onsite case management inspection for the purpose of a self report Unusual Incident Report (UIR) sent to our office by the facility on 8/30/2024. LPA met with director, Athana Howard. LPA took census. There were a total of 52 preschool children with total of 8 staff in different classrooms and outside on the playground. Room # 1 four children with one staff on the playground, Room # 2 thirteen children with three staff on the playground, Room # 3 not in use, Room # 4 not in use, Room # 5 sixteen children with two staff, and Room # 6 nineteen children with two staff observed. According to the self incident report, on Thursday August 29, 2024 at approximately 5:30 pm it was witnessed that Staff # 1 grabbed the back of Child # 1's neck during outside time. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. LPA interviewed the director, staff # 1 and staff # 2, staff # 3. and C1 who had knowledge regarding the incident. During the course of interviews with staff, S1 admitted that they grabbed C1 with the side of the neck and pinched C1 on the right side of the neck. S1 stated they were stressed out because C1 was not listening. LPA interviewed S2 who was with S1 on the playground during the incident time. S2 stated they did not observe the incident but S1 admitted to S2 that they pinched C1. LPA also interviewed Adult # 1 who was a witness for this incident. A1 stated S1 grabbed C1 from back of C1's neck pushing C1 from backwards. The incident was observed on the playground. Continued on page 2 Page 2 of 2. LPA interviewed seven other staff who were present today. LPA interviewed nine qualified children including children who were present during the incident. LPA also interviewed C1 today. Children did not disclose any information regarding the incident. LPA reviewed the outside camera with the director for the mentioned times and date. The area of the incident where the incident happened was out of the capture of the cameras. Type A under California Title 22 Regulations Section 101223(a)(3) Personal Rights of children is cited on 9099D next page. The director, Athana Howard was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Notice of Site Visit must be posted on or adjacent to the door. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00. LPA Malek informed the director, Athana Howard that this report dated 9/9/2024 documents type A citation shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Malek informed the director, Athana Howard to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 9/9/2024 that documents any Type A citation 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. The director, Athana Howard 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 director, Athana Howard.