Incident investigation·February 19, 2025

On February 19, 2025, at 10:05am Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Zirbes and Cha met with Administrator Lugene Springfield to conduct an unannounced case management inspection. The purpose of the case management was to follow up on a self-reported unusual incident report (UIR) submitted to the Department on December 18, 2024. The unusual incident report was regarding a potential supervision violation involving child 1 (C1). Upon arrival, there were 31 preschool age children, with seven teachers providing supervision. Additional supportive staff was on site. During this inspection, interviews were conducted with child 1 (C1), and three staff members, staff 1 (S1), staff 2 (S2) and staff 3 (S3). In addition, LPA reviewed staff and child files. Furthermore, LPAs completed a safety inspection of the Center. The information received from the UIR reported that on December 17, 2024, C1 was leaning over the edge of the slide and fell off. As a result of falling over the edge of the slide, the staff provided comfort to C1, C1s authorized representatives were contacted and C1 received medical attention. C1 returned to the Center the following day, with no injuries. Based on LPAs record review and interviews, at the time of the incident, S1, S2 and S3 were in the outdoor activity space at the time of the incident. 12 children were in attendance on this day; therefore, the Center was meeting the ratio requirements. Confidential interviews reported all the children are reminded of the rules of playground throughout the day, which include specific rules regarding the slide. Interviews and facility records did not reveal C1 had a history of failing to follow the rules of the slide. LPAs toured the outdoor activity space and observed the climbing structure is approved for ages 2-5. Therefore, the slide was age appropriate. The climbing structure was anchored to the ground and placed on rubber matting to cushion falls. Based confidential interviews and record review at this time, the incident does not appear to have been the result of a violation of the Title 22 regulations. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Administrator Lugene Springfield.