complaint·October 28, 2025

There is an allegation that Owner of facility yells at staff in front of children. Interviews with staff and children indicated that the facility owner frequently visits classrooms and is periodically present on the premises throughout the day. While the owner seldom interacts directly with the children, interviews revealed that the owner communicates with staff in a loud tone. It was further reported that the owner has yelled at staff to correct them in the presence of preschool-aged children on several occasions. Based on interviews reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and the allegation is substantiated. The facility failed to ensure the child’s personal rights were not violated as required by Title 22, Section 101223(a)(1), posing a potential risk to children in care. A citation was issued; please refer to LIC 9099-D for details of the cited deficiency. The second allegation is that Staff serve the children expired food and milk. On 08/20/25, during the initial visit conducted by LPAs Habeebulla and Waters an inspection was conducted of the meal prep area, refrigerator, and kitchen. During the inspection, LPAs observed a large tub of ranch dressing inside the facility refrigerator labeled with an expiration date of 07/30/2020. Interviews confirmed that the dressing was store-bought, not made in-house. According to staff, they were unaware of the expired product. LPAs also observed a box of Yoplait Go-Gurt in the refrigerator with a "Best By" date of June 23, 2025. L PA Habeebulla contacted General Mills for clarification regarding the product's shelf life. According to information provided by General Mills, it is highly recommended that the product be consumed on or before the indicated Best By date. They further stated that they cannot guarantee the quality of the product or provide guidance on its use beyond that date. Additionally, LPAs observed a storage tub labeled "pretzels" on the storage shelf; however, the container actually contained Cheerios. The facility was advised that when using storage containers originally labeled for a different product, the current product's name and information must be clearly labeled on the container. It was also recommended that the original packaging be either inserted into or attached to the container for accurate identification and compliance with food safety practices. LPA Waters informed the facility director of the expired products observed and the director was advised to remove the products immediately. See LIC 9099 C for continuation. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and the allegation is substantiated. The facility failed to ensure meeting the food services requirement by Title 22, Section 101227(a)(8), posing a potential risk to children in care. A citation was issued; please refer to LIC 9099-D for details of the cited deficiency. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the report, along with appeal rights, was provided to Director Yasmin Rawlins. A Notice of Site Visit was also issued and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days in a location visible to the public, families, and guardians. There is an allegation that Staff yell at children in care and Staff use inappropriate language with daycare children. Interviews revealed that, as a form of discipline, staff members get down to the children’s level and use redirection to address their behavior. LPA was unable to verify the allegation, as interviews did not substantiate claims of inappropriate disciplinary practices. Additionally, the Reporting Party was unable to provide specific incidents or verify claims that staff yelled at children or used inappropriate language toward them. There is an allegation that Staff uses inappropriate discipline with child in care. Interviews revealed that staff use re-direction as a primary method of discipline. It was revealed during the interviews that staff verbally communicate with the children to re-direct them and ask them to sit to take a break and think about the behavior. The next allegation is Facility staff do not follow the daily menu. On 08/20/2025, during a visit conducted by LPAs Habeebulla and Waters, the facility’s posted lunch menu listed chicken nuggets, fries, seasonal fruits, and seasonal vegetables. LPAs observed that the children were served the items as stated on the menu. However, the menu had not been updated with the correct month; the facility director updated the month during the visit. On 09/09/2025, LPA Habeebulla returned to the facility for an unrelated matter and observed that children were served sandwiches, bananas, and spinach for lunch. Upon inquiry, staff reported that ham sandwiches were served, but according to the posted menu, the scheduled lunch for that day was turkey sandwiches. LPA did not observe any issues with the food being served, however, staff were reminded to ensure that the posted menu is kept up to date and accurately reflects the meals being served each day. The last allegation is Staff physically restrain the children on their mats to nap. Interviews revealed that staff sit beside children and rub their backs to help them fall asleep but do not force children to sleep. Children who choose not to sleep during nap time are encouraged to rest quietly. Interviews with children did not indicate any concerns, and the LPA was unable to corroborate the allegation. From the information received by interviews with pertaining individuals the above allegations cannot be verified. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegations did or did not occur, therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted with Facility Director Yasmin Rawlins, a Notice of Site Visit posted, and a copy of this report was provided to the facility on this date and time.