complaint·April 23, 2025

LPA conducted an internal (at the facility) record review of recent incidents involving bites at the facility and found (4) incidents involving Child One (C1) being the one who had bitten children. The dates were as follows: 4/3/2025, 4/7/2025, 4/16/2025, and 4/17/2025. LPA reviewed Child to Teacher ratio records and found that on 4/3/2025, there were 14 children (at max) to 4 teachers that day. On 4/7/2025, there were 15 children (at max) to 4 teachers. On 4/16/2025, there were 11 children to 3 teachers, and on 4/17/2025 there were 13 children to 3 teachers. LPA then interviewed Staff One (S1), Staff Two (S2), Staff Three (S3), and Staff Four (S4). S2, S3, and S4 are assigned to the Toddler area. 3 of 3 staff who are assigned to the area all concluded that their ratios are always met, and if the area will be short staffed, other facility sites are relied upon to provide coverage to maintain supervision of children. On 4/16/2025, S4 stated they were near C1 and C3, and upon hearing the commotion, S4 turned around, to see C3 with teary eyes. S4 engaged the situation, and found that C3 had been bitten by C1. S4 redirected C1 with a book, and explained to them that hurting their friends is not appropriate. On 4/17/2025, S3 was in the area and although did not directly witness the incident, was assigned to the room with S2, S3, and S4. S1 feels that C1 began displaying biting behaviors after they had new teachers come in to replace teachers who were no longer employed on or near 04/01/2025. S1 plans to meet with C1's parent on 4/24/2025 to discuss a behavioral plan moving forward in an attempt to divert any further incident of biting other children. S1 explained that parents are notified either through a communication system called Learning Genie, if they cannot be reach via telephone call after an incident occurs involving their children. If still not reached, they'll talk to parents when they pick up their child. LPA attempted an interview with C1, but was unsuccessful at reaching anything relevant to the investigation. LPA observed camera footage inside the Toddler Room on 04/16/2025, and found 3 teachers and 11 children. LPA observed C1 participating in a water activity with a teacher and several other children. LPA could not exactly identify the incident; however, ratio of 3:11 paralleled the facility's records. LPA then observed camera footage on 4/17/2025; and although could not locate the exact incident, LPA observed 3 teachers with approximately 6 children in the area of the alleged time-frame. This was also confirmed via record review. Thus, due to record review and interviews conducted, the Department found the allegation Unsubstantiated. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. LPA concluded today's investigation with noting staffing levels are 17 preschool children to 4 teachers, and 7 Toddlers to 3 teachers. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed with and provided to Child Development Specialist Lizeth Ouellette along with copies of the LIC9099C, LIC811 (confidential names list), LIC859, and Appeal Rights. Director Margie Sanchez was on-site, and approved Child Development Specialist Lizeth Ouellette to sign the report.