Incident investigation·August 30, 2023

On August 30, 2023, at 3:07 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Anastasia Flores, arrived at the facility on a case management inspection to follow-up on an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) which occurred on August 10, 2023. At the time of inspection, LPA toured the facility, took census, met with Assistant Site Supervisor, Stephany Lopez, to discuss the purpose of the visit. LPA observed the infant classroom and the child in question. The reported incident took place on 8/10/23, Site supervisor Kelli Murphy was notified on 8/11/23 of the incident that occurred. The information that was obtained indicates staff #1(S1) pushed child #1 (C1) backwards once with her hand and once with the soft block that landed on S1’s lap. C1 then was shaking the baby gate making noise and, S1 places a soft block over her head in a threatening manner talking to C1 and S1 then threw the large soft block at C1 from across the room, hitting C1 on the left side of the head. LPA observed video footage, of said incident. LPA observed after the block hit C1 from across the room, C1 was hit, and a bit shaken up, then C1 walked away to another area away from S1. Staff #2 (S2) got up from her spot on the carpet, to tend to C1 and observe for injuries. There were no visible injuries. Site supervisor, Kelli Murphy was informed on 8/11/23 and she informed S1 via telephone on 8/11/23 that she would be suspended for five days for an investigation. After reviewing the camera footage and interviewing other staff members in the room at the time of incident, the facility chose to fire S1. Site supervisor notified parent of C1 on 8/15/23, via zoom meeting due to parent unable to come in that day and then in person on 8/16/23. Parent was informed that S1 would no longer be in the classroom and that S1 was let go. S1 is still present at facility due to having a child currently enrolled in the preschool program. Based on the information provided during interview and record review, the facility is being cited for Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, article 06, section: 101223(a)(3) Personal Rights, pertaining to the reported incident. An exit interview was conducted with assistant Site Supervisor, Stephany Lopez. A Notice of Site visit was issued, along with a copy of this report, 809D and appeal rights. This report shall be public record for three years.