Incident investigation·February 9, 2024

On February 9, 2024 at 8:10AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) William Chancellor arrived unannounced to the facility to conduct a case management visit due to an unusual incident report received on 2/2/24. The incident involved a child tripping over gross motor "River Stones" stepping blocks, causing child to fall and hitting their head. LPA met with Director Chantal Uhrich and conducted a tour of the facility. Appropriate ratio's and supervision was observed. During the visit, LPA conducted interviews with Director and two staff, (S1-S2) all who were involved with the incident. Interviews revealed that staff were in ratio at the time of the incident and S1 observed C1 running, tripping over river stones and falling forward hitting their forehead. LPA determined that the facility staff took the necessary steps to immediately remove the remaining toddler aged children from the area, applied first aid and notified the parents of C1 immediately. However, reviewing the manufacture website, Director and LPA confirmed that the toddler class were not using the "River Stones" in an age appropriate manner. The manual states children who are younger then two often use their hands and interviews revealed, C1 was not instructed to use their hands and instead was running when they fell. Furthermore, there was no padding or cushion directly surrounding the river stones. Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the Department finds the facility did not comply with regulation where age appropriate play equipment and materials should be provided. Facility is cited under Title 22, Section 101238(m) Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment and Supplies . See 809-D for cited deficiency. An exit interview was conducted, a copy of this report, LIC 811 (Confidential Names List) and appeal rights were reviewed with and provided to Director Chantel Uhrich. A notice of site visit was also provided and must remain posted for 30 days.