Incident investigation·December 10, 2024

On 12/10/24, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kelli Waters, arrived at the facility unannounced for the purpose of conducting a case management visit regarding an unusual incident report (UIR) submitted via email on 10/28/24. LPA met with Director, Katrina Wanemacher, to discuss the reported incident. LPA Waters conducted a facility tour, took census, gathered documents and interviewed staff. Per the UIR, on 10/23/24, the director stated that the parent of Child #1 (C1) informed the assistant director that the parent witnessed, via a live feed from the center’s ‘Sprout About’ app, a staff member (S1) put their hand under C1’s chin to speak with or get the attention of the child. The parent of C1, as well as the Director, Katrina Wanemacher and District Manager, Tammi Reliford, watched the video feed of the incident together. Director Wanemacher did confirm that they did witness S1 touch C1’s chin, however the context could not be determined and no distress was evident by either C1 or S1. LPA Waters was unable to view the video feed. Director Wanemacher also stated that an internal human resources investigation was conducted. The parent was also provided information for Community Care Licensing in case the parent wanted to lodge a complaint as well. Director confirmed that once the internal investigation was concluded, corrective action was taken. In addition, S1 along with all preschool staff were retrained on Positive Guidance and Redirection. LPA Waters determined that the facility took the necessary steps to ensure children safety. Based on the information obtained during the visit, there appears to be no violation of Title 22 Regulations pertaining to the reported incident. An exit interview was held with the Director. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided. A Notice of Site Visit was issued and must be posted for 30 days.