Follow-up on corrections·May 24, 2024

On 05/24/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Justin Giese made an unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose of concluding an investigation pertaining to the submission of an Unusual Incident Report (UIR). The UIR outlined an incident which occurred on 05/06/2024 pertaining to Outdoor Activity Space. LPA met with Assistant Director, Monique Abeyta. The UIR submitted to the Regional Office outlined an incident which occurred on 05/06/2024. UIR stated two children in care sustained cuts on their fingers due to razor blades found scattered throughout the facility's preschool playground area. On 05/10/2024 LPA made initial unannounced visit to the facility. Upon arrival to the facility, LPA observed a construction crew removing the existing wood chips from the facility's playground. LPA later conducted interviews with Assistant Director and Staff present. It was stated the wood chips on the preschool playground were being fully removed and replaced due to the discovery of multiple razor blades scattered throughout the playground and the potential hazards that may persist since the submission of the UIR. It was stated the playground was off limits after incident and would not be available until the completion of wood chip removal. The children in care have been utilizing available indoor space in the absence of outdoor space. LPA recorded corroborating statements from Staff interviewed pertaining to how the razor blades may have made their way onto the facility's playground. Staff stated on the weekend leading up to the incident, 05/04/2024 and 05/05/2024, the facility had made arrangements for a construction crew to replace/maintenance the turf grass and substrate on the toddler playground area. It was stated it was later discovered (after incident) the crews working on the toddler playground were observed via surveillance cameras entering the preschool playground area unauthorized, and it is believed a box full of razor blades were left behind by the crew. Staff interviewed stated the facility's playgrounds are walked in their entirety and a routine safety check for hazards/litter or trash is conducted daily. Staff stated a safety check of the preschool playground was conducted the morning of the incident, however; staff did not observe/locate any loose razor blades or a box containing razor blades during their safety inspection. It was stated the incident occurred shortly after children were released onto the playground area around 9:00am. It is believed children found a small cardboard carton/box of razor blades near the sidewalk where it meets the wood chips. The box was then opened, spilling multiple razor blades onto the sidewalk, as the children walked or ran with the box in their hands it is believed the remaining razor blades fell out and were disbursed around the playground area. Two children discovered the blades near the sidewalk area and each cut their fingers attempting to pick up or play with the razor blades. The children reported their injuries to staff present at time of incident. All of the remaining children were removed from the playground and moved into their respected classrooms. First aide was rendered to the injured children and calls placed to their authorized representatives to report the injuries. It was instructed the playground was to be off limits as a result of the incident. Staff then walked the playground in its entirety afterwards and discovered multiple razor blades scattered throughout the playground. A small cardboard carton/box which was labeled for razor blades was also located on the playground. Although the Facility self reported the incident and employed remediation efforts by removing/replacing all wood chips and substrate on the preschool playground, the incident still occurred resulting in the injury of two children in care. Staff stated they walked the playground in its entirety prior to incident and did not observe any potential hazards. Children in care were able to locate the box of razor blades shortly after entering the playground, resulting in two injuries and the closure of outdoor play area. Additionally, the facility did not report the scheduled outdoor playground maintenance or temporary closure to Licensing as required. The maintenance and closure of the playground has prevented the use of licensed and permitted outdoor play space for children in care. The facility was found to be in violation of the following Title 22 regulations: 101238.2(d)(2) Outdoor Activity Space (d) The surface of the outdoor activity space shall be maintained: (2) Free of hazards including, but not limited to, holes, broken glass and other debris... that pose a... hazard. See LIC809D for Type A Deficiency Cited 101221(C) Reporting Requirements (c) The licensee shall notify the Department in writing of his/her intent prior to making any structural changes that reduce the total amount of indoor or outdoor activity space... See LIC809D for Type B Deficiency Cited An exit interview was conducted, A copy of this report and appeal rights were given to Assistant Director, Monique Abeyta during this inspection on 05/24/2024 LPA issued a Notice of Site Visit and verified it was posted in a prominent location at the facility. Licensee understands that the Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for the next 30 days along with a copy of all Type A deficiencies cited during this inspection. A copy of all Type A deficiencies cited during this inspection must also be immediately (within 24 hours of a child’s next day in care) given to the parents of all children enrolled in the childcare facility and any children enrolled into the childcare facility over the next 12 months (at the time of enrollment). Licensees are required to have all parents sign and date the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports (LIC9224) and maintain a copy in each child’s file. A copy of this report, LIC9224 and Appeal Rights (LIC9058) were provided during this inspection.