Incident investigation·June 2, 2023

On June 2, 2023 at 10:30 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jessica Rubio arrived unannounced to the La Petite Academy, Inc. (CCC) to conduct a case management visit due to an unusual incident report (UIR) that CCC submitted for an incident that occurred on 5/11/2023. The UIR reported a parent of child (C1) seeing a teacher (S1) push C1's head down onto a cot during nap time and another teacher (S2) grab C1 by the arm to sit C1 down in a chair. LPA met with Director (AD) Suriati Cafaro and conducted a tour and census of the facility. During the visit, LPA conducted interviews with Director and two staff (S1 and S2). Interviews revealed that C1's parent saw the incidents occur over the live-stream classroom camera. Director stated she did not have access to review the video footage, however, District Manager (DM), Deanne McCashland did review it. LPA attempted to contact DM by phone, however DM did not answer. Interviews with staff revealed although C1 did not want to remain in the cot or at the table, S1 did try to keep C1 in the cot for nap time and S2 tried to keep C1 at the table for snack time. S1 denied pushing C1's head down onto the cot, however, did state S1 was kicking the wall and S1 took C1's leg and placed it back onto the mat as well as held C1's hands when C1 tried to get into S1's pockets. S2 stated she placed C1 in a chair by grabbing C1 by C1's bicep. Interviews also revealed staff believed that children had to remain in their cots at nap time and at the table during snack time, even if the child does not want to. LPA determined the facility is in violation of Title 22 Regulation Section 101223 Personal Rights. See LIC 809-D for cited deficiencies. 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 Suriati Cafaro. A notice of site visit was also provided and must remain posted for 30 days.