complaint·June 15, 2021

According to the reported allegations, on or about April 22, 2021, a parent/guardian was contacted by their child(ren) because the Licensee became frustrated and pushed their child to the ground, causing the child to fall and land on backpacks in the hallway. LPA Hogue interviewed pertinent parties who allegedly were involved in the allegations and/or witnessed the reported allegations. Interview with the involved child was conducted and it is reported, a child was putting their stuff away when the Licensee exited the front playroom she used her hand to push the child, causing the child to fall backwards, landing on backpacks in the hallway. Allegedly, other daycare children present at the facility, observed the reported incident. Involved child(ren) contacted their parent/guardian and requested to be pick up from the facility immediately. The parent/guardian arrived and disenrolled the child(ren) from the facility. According to the reported information, the involved child did not have any marks or injuries from the alleged incident. LPA Hogue conducted additional interviews with pertinent parties who allegedly observed the Licensee push the involved child. Interviews conducted disclose, a child(ren) observed the Licensee yelling at the involved child, then he/she saw the Licensee walk by and push the child, causing the child to fall backwards. Additional interviews disclosed, a child(ren) heard the Licensee yelling at the involved child. It is disclosed, the Licensee yelled at, and raised her hand attempting to hit the involved child, however there was no observation of the Licensee hitting, bumping, or pushing the involved child. Interviews with pertinent parties, did not disclose observing the involved child falling in the hallway and landing on backpacks. It is also disclosed in interviews that two daycare children were yelling and arguing with each other, and it was not the Licensee yelling or arguing with the child. During LPA's interviews with alleged witnesses, there was no disclosure of observing the Licensee hit, bump, or push a daycare child(ren). According to Licensee, on or about April 22, 2021, when exiting the front playroom, she accidentally bumped the involved child with her hip, while walking through the hallway. Licensee disclosed the involved child was bending over, putting their stuff away when this occurred. Licensee admitted her hip hit the child's back, causing the child to fall forward. Licensee stated the child's back was facing the Licensee and the child's head was facing the wall. Licensee disclosed, she immediately apologized to the child and disclosed the child appeared to be unbothered from being accidentally bumped. After interviewing pertinent parties, reviewing facility records, and conducting facility observations, LPA Hogue was unable to determine if the Licensee intentionally or accidentally pushed, hit, or bumped a child in care. There is conflicting information on what occurred the day of the reported allegations. Involved parties made disclosures that the Licensee intentionally pushed the child, however the Licensee states she accidentally bumped the involved child. It is reported the involved child was facing the Licensee when they were pushed, however the Licensee is stating the child was bending over with their back to the Licensee. LPA Hogue's interview with additional parties, did not disclose observing the Licensee pushing, hitting, or bumping the child in question. Due to conflicting information found throughout this investigation, the department has determined that although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is no preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. LPA Hogue conducted an exit interview with Licensee, Alma Sanchez. Licensee understands that a copy of this report must be made available to the public, upon their request, for the next three years. LPA Hogue issued a Notice of Site Visit and verified it was posted in a prominent location at the facility before ending the inspection. Licensee understands that the Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for the next 30 days. No deficiencies were cited during this inspection.