Complaint·December 20, 2024

On 10/15/24 the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging (1) Facility is operating out of ratio. Reporting Party (RP) stated the following: there are currently 3 teachers at the facility, for two classroom the prek-classroom with 23-24 children, and the toddler classroom with 16 and plus children. RP knows that that one teacher is left alone with at least 16 pre-k children due to the staff shortage. During the investigation, LPA inspected the facility, interviewed 6 staff members, attempted to interview 3 children but the children did not qualify for an interview, and 4 interviewed parents. LPA also reviewed staff files, and obtain copies of the children's roster, staff timecards and children's sign in/out sheets for September 2024 and October 2024. On 10/23/2024, LPA Nunez interviewed 6 staff members. 6 out of 6 staff members stated they have not been out of ratio. 6 out of 6 staff members knew the teacher-child ratio. The 6 staff members stated the teacher-child ratio is 1 qualified teacher with 8 children. Staff#1 (S1) stated only in emergencies their ratio will change to 1 staff with 12 children and S1 knows it can only be for a day and up to 120 minutes and staff will also inform the supervisor. 5 staff members stated that if a staff member calls out sick Staff#6 (S6) will step in and cover for that staff member or they will call an agency to get a substituted teacher. On 10/23/2024 at 8:57am LPA Nunez arrived at the facility and observed the preschool classroom (Room#8) and the 2 year old classroom (Room#7) outside on the playground with 5 staff members supervising 26 children. In classroom#7 there were 20 children with 3 staff members present and in classroom# 8 there were 6 children with 2 staff members present. On 11/7/2024 LPA Nunez arrived at the facility at 9:10am and observed classroom#7 with 3 staff members supervising 18 children and classroom#8 with 2 staff members supervising 6 children. LPA reviewed the staff timecards and children\342\200\231s sign in/out sheets for the months of September 2024 and October 2024 and did not observe any concerns. On 12/18/2024, LPA called 8 parents and was able to interview 4 parents. The 4 parents did not disclose any concerns and were satisfied with the facility. Page 2 of 3 Based on information gather from LPA\342\200\231s interviews with 6 staff, 4 parents, and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation (1) Facility is operating out of ratio did or did not occur; therefore, the allegation s is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted with Principal, Maria Garcia. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Director was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The Director was provided with 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 Page 3 of 3