complaint·May 17, 2023

Page 2 Reporting Party (RP) indicated the facility is operating out of ratio during nap time. RP stated “A few times I counted and one time there were 37 children and only 1 teacher because the other teachers go to lunch. Most of the other days I count 33 34 35 in one room.” During the investigation on 5/5/2023, LPA arrived at 11:45 am, shortly before lunch and close to children’s nap time. LPA interviewed five staff and obtained the facility roster. While touring the facility on 5/5/2023 at 12:05 PM, LPA observed staff #2 (S2), staff #3 (S3) and staff #4 (S4) caring for 28 children inside Pre K room #6 classroom during story time. At 12:32 PM on 5/5/2023, LPA observed S4 exit the facility, leaving S2 and S3 with 28 children. Children were observed walking, running, sitting on chairs, and some children were on their cots. 101216.3 Teacher-Child Ratio (a) There shall be a ratio of one teacher visually observing and supervising no more than 12 children in attendance. on 5/5/2023, at 1:56 PM, LPA observed S2 alone with 26 children napping on their cots inside Pre K room #6 classroom. A teacher-child ratio of one teacher supervising 24 napping children is permitted provided that the remaining teachers necessary to meet the overall ratio specified in Section 101216.3(a) are immediately available at the center. Staff interviews were conducted on 5/5/2023 and 5/17/2023, eight staff in total were interviewed. During staff interviews, all staff were asked; Do you know what the teacher to child ratio is? Have you been out of ratio or have witnessed other staff being out of ratio? All staff had similar answers and knew the ratio of 1 teacher to 12 children. Out of eight staff interviewed, six staff expressed being out of ratio and six staff mentioned they have observed other staff being out of ratio. On 5/11/2023, LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA contacted 12 parents via phone call. Out of 12 parents, five parents were able to be interviewed. Parents were asked: During nap time, how many children would you say are present along with how many staff? During their interviews, two parents gave answers that indicated the facility being out of ratio during nap times. Continue Page 3 Page 3 Based on LPA observations, interviews with staff and parents, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation 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 sections 101230(c) Activities and 101216.3(a) Teacher child Ratio. LPA Thompson informed Director Michelle Miller that this report dated 5/17/2023 document(s) two Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Thompson informed the Director Michelle Miller to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 5/17/2023 that documents any Type A citation(s) 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 conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Michelle Miller . A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided 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. Page 2 Reporting Party (RP) stated “beds are too close together and the kids almost trip when they go use the bathroom”. During the investigation on 5/5/2023, LPA arrived shortly before nap time. LPA interviewed five staff, obtained the facility roster, took pictures inside the facility of children sleeping arrangements, restrooms, toys, and outside play yard. During staff interviews, staff were asked do staff provide a safe and comfortable environment for children in care? All staff interviewed had similar answers and no one expressed any concerns about a safe and comfortable environment. On 5/11/2023, LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA contacted 12 parents via phone call. Out of 12 parents, five (5) parents were able to be interviewed. Four (4) parents indicated they were satisfied with the care given by the facility staff and had no concerns to report. One (1) parent express concern about the number of teachers their children has had and felt the facility is a little chaotic at times. Four out of five parents stated they have or would recommend the facility to friends and family. Based LPA observations, interviews with staff and parents, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegation. The Orange County Child Care Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Staff did not provide a safe and comfortable environment for day-care children: 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 Michelle Miller. Notice of Site Visit was provided to Director Michelle Miller 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. Exit interview was conducted.