complaint·October 25, 2023

LPA investigated the above allegation (s) and gathered the following information: During inspection conducted on 09/27/23 and 09/29/23, LPA interviewed staff and records were reviewed at the facility, the following was reported: On or about the first week of 09/2023 a parent/legal guardian dropped off an infant at approximately 6:45 a.m. Infant was new ly enrolled at the facility and recently started walking. One hour later, the administrator , Megan Peveler informed the parent/legal guardian of a minor incident that occurred at 7:40 a.m. , it was stated that the infant had a \342\200\234 minor injury that looked like a small knot in the forehead , but nothing concerning. \342\200\235 Per staff \342\200\231s own admission and facility records obtained during the investigation, an infant was hitting the classroom door with their hands and head for approximately 3-5 minutes, \342\200\234 so hard that the infant bumped their forehead in borders of the edge of the classroom door \342\200\235 which resulted significant bruising and swelling; an additional injury occurred a few hours later causing a second injury in the same area on the forehead . At 10:14 a.m. facility recorded another incident outside on the playground , where the same infant tripped and scraped the ir forehead again , in the same location. At pick up point, child was taken to the doctor immediately due to parent concerns of internal head bleeding and behavioral changes due to the child's allegedly \342\200\234 lethargic \342\200\235 state. Information obtained during interviews with pertinent parties revealed that during the first incident , staff at the facility w ere present, but attending to another infant who needed a diaper change . Staff interviews indicated extra time was needed to clean the infant completely; therefore, direct visual supervision was not provided to the infant in question along with other infants in the room. At the time of the incident, it was reported by the facility that there was one staff member to four infants in the room. When the second staff arrived to the room (unknown time), the injury on the infant's forehead was explained by the second staff as \342\200\234 noticeable, significant, and concerning \342\200\235 ; however, both staff were reportedly reassured by the administrator that the parent of the child had been contacted and explained details of the incident(s). The infant participated in all regular activities of the day without staff anticipating a second accident, where the same infant tripped and scraped the ir forehead again , in the same location while on the playground. When the parent(s) of the infant arrived to pick up the child at approximately 2:20 p.m. , the administrator attempted to explain the second incident; however, parent took the child home. LPA obtained pictures taken at pick up time showing significant swelling and bruising on the infant\342\200\231s forehead. The c hild was taken to the doctor immediately after the parent left the facility . It was disclosed during the investigation , the facility is currently utilizing the "Bright Wheel \342\200\235 application to communicate with parents regarding infants\342\200\231 daily activities, routine, and important milestone s . H owever, there is no evidence that pictures related to the incident were uploaded for the parent to assess the injury after information was provided to the parent by phone. In addition, information pertain ing to the infant's activities and times during the day were allegedly inaccurate. When administrator was asked the reason for not providing pictures to the parent pertain ing to the incident in question, it was stated that the parent did not request any pictures when they call ed to inform of the first incident. Parents of the infant emailed the administrator to obtain details on how the injury occurred but did not receive a response with additional details from both incidents. The subject infant is no longer in care. Based on interviews conducted, facility documentation, and additional pertinent information obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation (s) are found to be Substantiated. See LIC 9099-D for cited deficiency. LPA informed administrator, Megan Peveler that this report dated 10/25/23 documents (2) Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there was an immediate risk to the Health, Safety, or Personal Rights of children in care. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224) was provided to facility during this inspection. The Lic 9224/Type A citation must be provided to parents/guardian of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for the verification. A Civil Penalty has been assessed during this inspection. Payment is due when billed and the check(s) or money orders shall be made payable to the \342\200\234California Department of Social Services\342\200\235. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVOICE IN THE MAIL. DO NOT SEND MONEY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR INVOICE. DO NOT SEND CASH. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days.Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Administrator, Megan Peveler.