complaint·December 6, 2023

one teacher supervising more four infants alone for various periods of time. On November 7, 2023, LPA Hamilton arrived at the facility at 6:12 AM and at 6:42 am. observed teacher to be alone with five infants. Based on observation and confidential interviews, the preponderance of evidence has been met and the allegation facility is operating out of ratio is substantiated. The facility is cited for Title 22, Section 101416.5(b) which poses a potential health, safety and/or personal rights risk to children in care. An exit interview was conducted, this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit was explained and provided to Director. Director was reminded that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days and failure to post the notice will result in civil penalties of $100.00. Confidential interviews also revealed that the child would not allow any staff near child or to touch the child. Confidential interviews also revealed that child was removed from the classroom and calmed down, parents were notified and provided with an incident report. During the time of the incident the facility maintained appropriate ratios and staff handled the incident appropriately. In regard to the allegation that staff does not meet teacher qualifications, it was alleged that there was a staff in the infant program that did not meet the qualifications for a teacher. A confidential interview disclosed that the lead teacher does not meet the minimum qualifications per Title 22; however, per interviews conducted and records review disclosed that the alleged teacher in question is actually an aide and does meet the minimum qualifications for a teacher per Title 22. Based on confidential interviews and records review, the allegations that a child received injuries due to staff neglect and staff does not meet teacher qualifications, may have occurred, however are not supported, or proven by evidence. Therefore, the allegations are unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, a copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Director. The director was reminded that the Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for 30 consecutive days.