complaint·October 16, 2025

LPA reviewed video footage obtained that was from the facility. The footage showed the subject staff member aggressively rubbing an infant’s back and repeatedly forcing the infant’s head down onto the floor. The infant appeared visibly distressed, as evidenced by crying and kicking movements. Based on interviews and the review of the video footage, LPA determined that the staff member handled the infant in a rough and aggressive manner, violating the child’s personal rights. In regard to the allegation that staff did not ensure infants were appropriately supervised, LPA reviewed the same video footage, which showed a supervising staff member with their back turned to several infants in care, leaving them without appropriate supervision during that period of time. Please note that all determinations were based on the same video footage that was collected and willingly provided by the facility. Based on interviews conducted, documentation reviewed, and direct observations of the video footage, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the allegations regarding Personal Rights and Supervision are SUBSTANTIATED. See LIC 9099-D for cited deficiencies. Due to the seriousness of the violations observed, LPA conducted a consultation with the Director regarding staff training requirements related to Supervision and Personal Rights regulations. The Director agreed to implement corrective action, including re-training all staff on supervision expectations and reinforcing appropriate interaction techniques with children. The Director also stated that the facility has already implemented the following actions: 1.) Facility conducted trainings regarding Supervision for all teachers 2.) A new group of infant teachers for the subject classroom has been re-established 3.) A new setup within the subject classroom has been implemented, with division of age groups A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Director Mariana Mitroi. LPA observed documentation and photographs of the subject child’s ears. It was observed that there was visible bruising on the inside of the child’s ears. Pertinent interviews disclosed that staff members did not observe any bruising on the child while in care, nor was anything reported or noticed during pick-up time. It was reported that the bruising was first observed by the subject child's parent, after arriving home from the facility. The subject child's parent stated that they did not notice any marks when dropping the subject child off that morning. Upon returning home that evening, the subject child's parent reported that they noticed "purplish" bruising inside both ears of the subject child. The subject child's parent contacted the pediatrician, who advised them to seek urgent medical evaluation at. The child was seen, where a full medical assessment was completed. Medical results did not identify a clear cause or origin for the bruising, and the physician was unable to determine how or when the injury occurred. LPA reviewed all available information, including medical documentation provided by the parent, staff statements, and relevant facility records. Based on the evidence gathered, LPA was unable to determine that the bruising occurred while the child was in care or that it resulted from the manner in which the infant was handled by staff. This agency has investigated the complaint regarding the above allegation. Based on interviews conducted, documentation reviewed, and the absence of corroborating evidence, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that the allegation is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred. No deficiencies were cited in regards to this allegation. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Director Mariana Mitroi.