Incident investigation·August 16, 2024

On 08/16/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Raymond Moorehead conducted a case management inspection with Tracy Bierman, Director. A case management inspection is being conducted in response to the receipt of an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) from the facility. The UIR was received by the licensing agency on 08/15/2024 as the incident was self-reported. The UIR documented an incident where a child reportedly walked out through the Infant-Toddler's main gate. It was reported that no injuries occurred and that the child was safely brought back to their class by the Assistant Director within 30 seconds to 1 minute. During today's visit, LPA investigated the incident. Facility staff members were interviewed, documentation was obtained, a tour/census was taken. The following was disclosed. It was reported that the facility's gardener completed maintenance work for the day and did not completely lock the playground's gate when leaving. LPA observed the area in which the subject child was able to walk out of. LPA observed that the Infant-Toddler's main gate has a latch with a chain. LPA also observed that the facility installed a door alarm on the gate, on the same day of the incident. The door alarm makes a very loud noise whenever the gate opens. At the conclusion of the visit, it was determined that the child was able to walk out of the Infant-Toddler's main gate, as it was left open by the gardener. Further, it was determined that the child was safe and brought back to their classroom in a quick manner. However, since the child was without constant visual supervision for a brief period of time, the facility has been cited for Title 22 Regulation 101229 (a)(1) "Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision". See LIC 809-D for cited deficiency. A Civil Penalty of $500.00 for Absence of Supervision has been assessed during this inspection. Payment is due when billed and the check or money order shall be made payable to the “California Department of Social Services”. You will receive an invoice in the mail. Do not send money until you receive your invoice. Do not send cash. LPA informed Director that this report dated on 08/16/2024 documents 1 Type A Citation. Any Type A citation shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there was an immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. 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. Also, LPA informed the Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 08/16/2024 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians 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 verification. LPA conducted an exit interview with Tracy Bierman, 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 discussed and provided to Director.