complaint·March 29, 2022

On March 29, 2022 Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) L. Habtom and K. Owens made an unannounced inspection to the facility. The purpose of today’s visit is to close a complaint investigation. LPAs met with assistant director Lucia Vargas. LPAs L. Habtom & K. Owens toured the facility and took a census of the preschool classroom 2’s, 3’s & 4’s. There were 40 preschool children being supervised by 5 staff members. During the investigation, LPA conducted interviews regarding the allegation that a child sustained an unexplained bruise. Interviews indicated that a few means of discipline used is using a color coded chart understood by children, contacting parents, seeking assistance from the director or assistant director and providing incentives like toys. LPA L. Habtom learned that staff will not place their hands on the children and will resort to other ways approved by title 22 regulations. LPA L. Habtom learned that the director was notified of the bruise 10 days after the date of the incident making it difficult for the LPA to determine the source of the bruise. Based on the investigation, LPA Habtom concluded that the allegation the child sustained unexplained bruises to be unsubstantiated. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegations did or did not occur. Exit interview conducted and notice of site visit posted. Appeal Rights provided.