complaint·September 10, 2024

Page 9099A C Complainant alleged that the facility discouraged staff from reporting child abuse to appropriate agencies when a child states they obtained a mark/bruise from a parent and/or caregiver. During the staff interviews, Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) denied discouraging staff from reporting to the appropriate agencies but rather S2 was ensuring the needs of ratio and safety of the children were being met. Staff #4 (S4) was asked to pause the reporting and continue once the facility had the appropriate staffing to release S4. All other staff interviewed stated they do not feel that the facility would discourage staff from reporting. Staff also stated they are mandated reporters and if needed they would report to the appropriate agencies. On 8/12/2024, LPA called eight (8) parents requesting an interview. Four (4) parents were reached. The parents interviewed did not express any concerns related to the allegation and did not provide any information that could corroborate the allegation. The additional parents did not respond to the Department’s request for an interview. Based on LPA’s facility inspections, interviews conducted with complainant, 6 staff members, and 4 parents, the preponderance of evidence was not met, therefore the above allegation of licensee discourages staff from reporting incidents involving day care children as necessary is found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted with Director, Laura (Gabby) Johnson. 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 01/16) 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.