Incident investigation·February 7, 2024

On this date and time, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Laura Mejorado arrived at the facility to conduct a case management visit in response to the receipt of an unusual incident report (UIR). The UIR was received by the licensing agency on 02/02/24. The UIR documented an incident involving a child being released to an unauthorized representative. Upon arrival, LPA met with lead teacher Sonya Duran and stated the purpose of the visit. Records were reviewed and interviews were conducted. On 02/02/24 facility staff released a child to a relative who was no longer listed as an authorized representative to pick up the child as of 11/01/23. The child's authorized representative arrived shortly after the child was released and was informed the child had already left with another relative. The authorized representative was upset and stated that relative was no longer listed as an authorized individual who can pick up. Staff stated they recognized the relative who also had the child's siblings and the child was excited to see them and the child was released based on the staff member recognizing the relative. However, that emergency card had been updated to remove the relative and staff stated they were unaware of the change. The Early Education Administrator (EEA) contacted the authorized representative and apologized for what happened and asked if the child was safe. The authorized representative stated the child was safe but that they did not want this to happen again. The EEA verified the individuals listed on the child's updated emergency card with the authorized representative who confirmed it was correct. The EEA also spoke to staff and ensured everyone is aware of the update and went over the importance of pick-up procedures. On 02/05/24 Staff stated the child returned as normal and was dropped off by their other authorized representative, staff apologized again and authorized representative stated it was ok but to make sure it doesn't happen again. Based on the information gathered, staff released a child to a relative who was no longer listed as an authorized representative to pick up the child, which is a violation of California Code of Regulations, Title 22. See LIC809D for cited deficiency. 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. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Lead Teacher, Sonya Duran.