Complaint·July 9, 2024

Page 2 Reporting Party (RP) reported observing a teacher on the facility camera handle their child in a rough manner. The RP mentioned approximately one month ago, observing the teacher throw a blanket at their child face. RP states the teacher then threw a stuffed animal at their child and hit the child in the face a second time. The RP states viewing staff on the facility camera grabbing and pushing children who were not listening. The RP mentioned observing a staff grab a 2-year-old child by the arm and shove him back. The RP states the children can be seen on the camera hitting each other with water bottles and biting while the staff are talking (distracted from supervision). The RP states that the classes are always over ratio (1 staff to 20 children). LPA interviewed the RP on 6/6/2024 via phone call. RP stated child #1 (C1) was handled in a rough manner on 6/5/2024 at approximately 1:00 PM. RP stated staff #7 (S7) ripped the blanket out of C1 hand and shoved C1 toward the cot. On 6/11/2024, LPA reviewed video footage provided by the childcare center that shows on 6/5/2024, S7 removed the blanket from C1, C1 then walked to the cot. RP mentioned observing S7 throwing a blanket at C1 and then throwing a stuff animal at C1. RP stated the stuff animal hit C1 in the face, causing C1 to cry. RP stated not knowing the exact date when the incident occurred but mentioned the incident occurred a month and a half ago. On 6/11/2024, LPA interviewed S7, S7 stated C1 was upset that day, crying prior to walking to the cot and was crying because C1 missed mom. S7 stated “the way I like to make children happy is by tossing them their blankets and stuff animal for them to catch it during nap time.” S7 did mentioned there was a day when the stuff animal bounce on the cot and hit C1 in the face but it was not intentional. S7 mentioned after the stuffed animal came into contact with C1 face, C1 started laughing but started crying again. RP mentioned the facility is out of ratio in the morning between 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. RP mentioned the classes are always over ratio (1 staff to 20 children). On 6/11/2024, LPA arrived at 8:15 a.m. and did not observe preschool staff being out of ratio. On 7/9/2024, LPA arrived at 7:55 a.m. and found the facility to be within ratio with three staff and nine preschool age children. On 6/11/2024, LPA interviewed nine staff. Staff interviewed stated they have never witnessed a staff handle children in a rough manner or throw stuffed animals at children. Two out of nine staff interviewed stated the have witnessed staff being out of ratio. All staff stated when supervising children, they are visually observing and positioning themselves to have children in sight. Continue to Page 3 Page 3 On 7/5/2024, parent interviews were conducted. LPA contacted 11 parents via phone call and four parents were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations. Based LPA video footage, observation, 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 Staff handled child in a rough manner, Staff yelled at children, Staff did not provide adequate supervision of children in care, and Staff are operating over ratio: 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 Christina Naffziger. Notice of Site Visit was provided to Director Christina Naffziger and posted on the door. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. The licensee was provided a copy of their appeal right (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Page 2 The RP mentioned staff yell at children who were not listening. On 6/11/2024, LPA interviewed nine staff. Staff #1 (S1) stated hearing staff #2 (S2) talking loud in a unnecessary voice and if S2 kept their regular voice, children wouldn't be scared. S1 mentioned S2 was issued a verbal warning for raising their voice. On 7/5/2024, parent interviews were conducted. LPA contacted 11 parents via phone call and four parents were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. On 7/9/2024, LPA reviewed S2 file and observed S2 was talked to regarding raising their voice too much with some of the children. In the areas that were evaluated, one Type B deficiency was observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. Based on LPA interview with S1 and S1 stating they have heard S2 talking loud in an unnecessary voice , the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation alleging staff yell at children is 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 101223(a)(1) Personal Rights . Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Christina Naffziger. Notice of Site Visit was provided to Director Christina Naffziger and posted on the door. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. The licensee was provided a copy of their appeal right (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.