complaint·February 16, 2024

Record review revealed that C1 began attending the CCC in August 2023 and was attending at the time the complaint was received. Further record review revealed C1 had twenty-nine incident reports on file at the time of review, with twenty-four of them documenting C1 biting other children as well as staff. It was additionally disclosed while LPA was in the facility opening the complaint on 1/17/2024, that C1 bit two different children earlier that day. All interviews revealed that C1 had problems with biting and staff were told to keep an extra eye on C1. The interview with Director revealed, C1’s parents had been talked to about C1’s biting, however, there was no documentation of these conversations nor was there an action plan put into place to address the issue and prevent C1 from continuing to bite other children. Based on confidential interviews and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. The department has determined the allegation that staff does not prevent C1 from biting other daycare children is substantiated. The facility is being cited for violation of the California Code of Regulations Title 22 Section 101229(a) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report, LIC 811 and appeal rights were provided to Assistant Director Jacquelyn Negrete. A notice of site visit was also provided and must remain posted for 30 days. Regarding the allegation that staff are not providing adequate supervision, confidential interviews conducted revealed that there is an electrical outlet in the Twos Room that the children are attracted to and often try to plug power cords into. Staff interviews revealed that they are aware the children gravitate to the area so they do try to keep children away from the area. LPA observed an uncovered electrical outlet near a table with a power cord in the Twos room. At that time, no children were engaged in that area as they were napping. LPA also reviewed evidence of one occasion where a child could be seen attempting to either plug or unplug a power cord from the same outlet. It is unknown if staff redirected the child in any way in the incident. Regarding the allegation that the facility is operating out of ratio, some interviews with staff revealed there are no issues with operating out of ratio and they have not been out of ratio. Other interviews revealed there may be an approximately 2-3 minute window when they are out of ratio at morning drop off, while waiting for another staff to assist. All interviews revealed that when teachers/classrooms are approaching going over ratio, staff call up front to inform Director so that the Director can step in or have another staff step in to ensure ratios are being met. Based on conflicting statements, the allegations that staff are not providing adequate supervision to the daycare children and the facility is operating out of ratio may have occurred, however is not supported or proven by evidence. Therefore, the above allegations are unsubstantiated. A copy of this report, LIC 811 Confidential Names List and appeal rights were given and explained to Assistant Director Jacquelyn Negrete.