complaint·December 19, 2024

On undisclosed date(s) or frequency of events, it was alleged facility staff were observed forcefully seating children during meals. Children were said to have stood up or left their seats during meals and staff would push children back down or pick them up and place them back in their seats in a forceful manner. It was stated staff would remove food and toys from children as a form of punishment or place children on time out away from activity. It was stated staff speak to children in a harsh tone or yell at children when they are off task. It was stated children were left unattended on changing tables and highchairs. Staff do not adequately supervise children during outdoor activities, staff are alleged to group and socialize, rather than directly supervise children. It was stated staff do not properly sanitize the changing table nor do they wash their hands after changing children. On 11/14/2024 LPA made an initial unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose of investigating the allegations made in this complaint. At time of this visit LPA conducted interviews with a total of six staff members as well as made direct observations of the functionality of the facility. LPA made a subsequent unannounced visit to the facility on 11/21/2024, conducting two additional staff interviews as well as noting direct observations of the facility, children in care and staff interactions. LPA conducted a total of eight staff interviews during this investigation. Staff deny forcefully placing children into their seats during meals or withholding food or toys as a form of punishment. Staff stated all the children are accorded the same time and ability to consume their food. Mealtime is a group activity which all the children participate in. Children are encouraged to stay seated and attentive during meals and are supervised by staff during this process. Staff stated they do not force children into their seats, if a child removes themselves from the table they are given verbal redirection, staff deny lifting children or placing them into their seats in a forceful manner. Staff stated food and toys are not withheld from children or used as a form of punishment. If a child becomes uninterested in their food, intentionally spills it or begins to play with it, staff will remove the food, clean the area and the child and offer the food items to the child again. Food items are still available for children’s consumption after the allotted meal period. Staff utilize verbal redirection and alternate activities to children as a corrective measure. Staff deny placing children on time outs from activity or speaking to children in a harsh tone. If a child is having a difficult day or is bickering with another child over toys/supplies staff will speak with the child, offer them an alternate activity, or take the child on a brief walk around the facility speaking with them until the child calms and can join the designated activity once again. Staff deny leaving children unattended during diaper changes or in highchairs during meals. Staff stated the facility has adequate staffed daily and visual observation of children is always provided. Staff deny grouping and socializing during outdoor play and stated the outdoor play area is large and staff spread themselves out to adequately provide visual observations of children at play. Regarding sanitization during diaper changes, staff stated the changing tables are sanitized after each usage, staff wear gloves and wash their hands after all physical interactions with children in this designated area. Based on interviews conducted, there was conflicting information received during the investigation from what was alleged. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging: Staff handled day care children in care in a rough manner, Staff utilize inappropriate form(s) of punishment with day care children in care, Staff speak to day care children in care in an inappropriate manner, Staff do not adequately supervise day care children in care and Staff do not adhere to proper sanitation practices. Although the allegations may have happened, or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS GIVEN. LEAD TEACHER WAS INSTRUCTED TO POSTED IT IN A PROMINENT LOCATION AT THE FACILITY. THE LICENSEE UNDERSTANDS THAT IT MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS. An exit interview was conducted, A copy of this report and appeal rights were given to the Lead Teacher, Sabrina Gomez on 12/19/2024.