Incident investigation·December 6, 2023

On December 6, 2023 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lea Habtom met with director Jestine Attaran for the purpose of a Case Management Incident inspection. At 1:05 pm there was a census of 11 transitional kindergarten children being supervised by 6 staff and the director. Around 1:50 pm 4 staff picked up 12 kindergarten children. An Unusual Incident Report was submitted to the office on November 15, 2023. LPA Habtom interviewed director Jestine Attaran regrading the incident. It was reported that on November 14, 2023 around 1:52 pm 51 children were outside in the playground being supervised by 5 staff. Staff were getting ready to transition back into the art room when the staff realized 4 children did not respond to their name during role call. Staff went into lock down and notified the Principal and Assistant principal. Two STAR staff members and the Principal, Assistant principal and office staff were searching for the children around campus. The four children walked to a nearby home of one of the children and they were safely returned to the campus by a family member. The children were away from the program for approximately 15 minutes. Based on the self reported unusual incident and an interview with the director, Jestine Attaran, a Type A deficiency was cited on 809-D. Civil penalty assessed. The director stated a staff meeting was held during work hours that went over changes made to avoid future incidents such as staff placement's on the playground. The director stated the playground perimeter was reduced to allow more staff visibility and h ighlighter yellow caution barricades were purchased to use as a barrier closed off to children. Report continued on 809-C This report was reviewed with the director, Jestine Attaran, and an exit interview was conducted. Appeal Rights and a Notice of Site Visit were provided. LPA Lea Habtom informed director Jestine Attaran that this report dated 12/6/2023 documents one 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 Lea Habtom informed the director Jestine Attaran to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 12/6/2023 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.