complaint·November 28, 2023

Allegation: Staff did not provide adequate supervision resulting in child sustaining multiple bites LPA interviewed all pertinent parties, including staff, and reviewed documentation. Pertinent parties stated staff do their best to shadow children who are known to bite; however, sometimes it is hard to watch due to distractions from other children. Pertinent parties stated staff will provide soothing techniques to try and prevent children from biting. Pertinent parties stated at times extra staff will be in the classroom to shadow the children who are known to bite; however, this doesn’t occur all the time. LPA reviewed (4) injury reports from 9/25/23 to 10/2/23 and noted there were (2) biting incidents (1) on 9/25 and (1) on 9/27. The injury reports indicated there were children who bit other children. Based on interviews conducted and documents reviewed, there have been multiple incidents where biting has occurred; therefore, the above allegation is substantiated, meaning the preponderance of evidence standard have been met. California Code of Regulations cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Allegation: Facility not following their policies It was alleged the Facility was not following their policies by ensuring children are always wearing their shoes and the shoes are tied. LPA interviewed all pertinent parties, reviewed photos, and reviewed the facility’s policy regarding children wearing shoes. Staff stated children do remove their socks and shoes and when they notice, they will put them back on. Staff stated this is done all day because the children of this age group love to go barefoot. Staff stated when they notice, they will tie children’s shoes; however, there may be times when a child’s shoes are untied. Staff stated they communicate with other staff to ensure children’s shoes are tied at all times. LPA obtained and viewed ( 9 ) photographs, (4) of the (9) photographs showed children’s shoes untied, with staff present; (2) of the photos show a child without shoes and socks on. LPA reviewed the facilities policy regarding children wearing shoes. The facilities policy states children must wear shoes at all times. (Cont on 9099C) LPA reviewed ( 2 ) injury reports. All injury reports indicate staff provided first-aid and the child’s authorized representative was notified. There was conflicting information received during the investigation from what was alleged. This agency has investigated the complaint alleging child sustained multiple injuries due to staff neglect. Although the allegation may have happened, or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted with director report, appeal rights, acknowledgement of receipt and notice of site visit issued. Notice of site visit must be posted for 30 days. Based on photographs obtained and what the facilities policy states, the facility is not following their policy; therefore, the above allegation is substantiated, meaning the preponderance of evidence standard have been met. California Code of Regulations cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Exit interview conducted with director report, appeal rights, acknowledgement of receipt and notice of site visit issued. Notice of site visit must be posted for 30 days.