Incident investigation·July 10, 2025

On 07/10/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Raymond Moorehead arrived at the facility to conduct a Case Management Visit. This Case Management Visit was conducted in response to the receipt of an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) that was received on 07/01/2025, which documented an allegation of violation of Personal Rights of a child by the Subject Teacher. Please note that the UIR was self reported to the department, by the facility. LPA met with Interim Director DeDe Simpson, toured the facility, took census, and discussed the following. The UIR reported that the Subject Teacher was heard from an adjacent room yelling at the subject child and patting the child\342\200\231s back with excessive force. Several pertinent interviews stated that the loudness of the yelling and the forcefulness of the patting were audible from the next room. Interim Director stated that she intervened by entering the classroom and offering to switch places with the subject teacher to allow them to calm down. However, it was stated that Interim Director advised the Subject Teacher that their manner of patting the child\342\200\231s back was too rough and requested the teacher pat the child more gently. It was stated that the subject teacher responded that they typically pat children in that manner. When the patting continued, Interim Director stated that she returned to the classroom and instructed the subject teacher to rub the child\342\200\231s back instead of patting. Several pertinent interviews stated that there appeared to be no malicious intent by the Subject Teacher and that the teacher did not intend to harm any children. Further, the Subject Teacher denied patting the child too hard. It was also reported by the facility that the Subject Child had no visible marks or bruises related to the patting. Additional information noted that the Subject Child was crying and screaming during nap time because they did not want to stay down for nap, not as a reaction to the back patting. Based on the information gathered during this visit, it was determined that Title 22 Regulation 101223(a)(2) Personal Rights was violated, which requires children to be accorded safe, healthful, and comfortable accommodations and treatment to meet their needs. This determination was made as evidenced by reports that the subject teacher was heard yelling at the child and patting the child\342\200\231s back with excessive force, actions that could cause discomfort and do not meet the requirement for gentle and respectful treatment. Although the teacher denied the allegations and the interim director reported no visible marks or injuries, the repeated intervention by the interim director to change the teacher\342\200\231s behavior shows that the child\342\200\231s comfort and well-being were compromised. See LIC 809-D for cited deficiency. LPA conducted an exit interview with DeDe Simpson, Interim Director and provided a copy of this report. A Notice of Site Visit was issued and must remain posted for the next 30 days. Appeal rights were provided and discussed with Interim Director.