Incident investigation·January 16, 2025

On 1/16/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) K. Navar conducted an unannounced Case Management visit to investigate an unusual incident. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Assistant Director Mariah Pilmar and informed them of the purpose of the visit. LPA then completed the investigation with Kenya Meneses. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary shows all facility staff or individuals who require caregiver background checks have received a criminal record clearance and a child abuse index clearance or an exemption clearance. The census at the time of the visit was 36 children (28 in the preschool classrooms and 8 in the infant classrooms) supervised by 8 staff. The Department received an incident report on 1/07/2025 stating that on 1/06/25 Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) ran past staff 2 (S2) and used the emergency exit to access the parking lot. 3 (three) staff (S2-S4) were on the playground and 2(two) staff pursued the children when the emergency exit was accessed, and 1 (one) staff stayed and supervised the children playing on the playground. The children were promptly escorted back to the playground. On 1/16/2025, LPA interviewed 4 four staff, including 3 (three) staff who were supervising children on the day of the incident. 4 (four) staff stated that the children (older 2s/3s) were on the preschool playground being supervised by 3 (three) staff and that C1 and C2 ran past S2 through the emergency gate. S2 and S3 then ran after C1 and C2 brought them back to playground as S4 was on the playground supervising children playing. On 1/16/2025, the LPA obtained photos and a copy of the children attendance sheet showing the number of children and the staff present the day of the incident at around the time it happened. Assistant director stated an active supervision reminder to staff was provided (a staff attendance sheet or agenda was not available). Continue to page 2. Page 2 On 1/16/2025 LPA and assistant director toured the playground and observed the gate (emergency exit) that C1 and C2 had pushed open. Gate is located next to entry of playground from hallway. Assistant director showed LPA the sliding latch that was added to the gate and slid it back and forth and a baby gate that was added to the door since the incident took place to prevent children from exiting. Assistant director showed LPA a second exit leading to a shed off the playground that was inaccessible to children in care. Based on the LPA’s observations, interviews, and records, no deficiencies will be cited today. An exit interview was conducted with Director Kenya Meneses. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The 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. END of report.