Follow-up·November 22, 2022

On November 22, 2022, at 9:15am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Zirbes conducted an unannounced case management inspection to Mc Donald Learning Center. The purpose of the unannounced inspection was to follow up on a matter unrelated to this inspection. LPA announced the reason for the unannounced inspection and Assistant Director Courtney Pinkerton granted LPA access to the center. LPA Zirbes conducted a walk through of Mc Donald Learning Center at approximately 9:20am. LPA observed a total of 31 preschool age children in three separate classrooms. Classroom 1 (Tiger) had a total of 10 two-year-old children with Staff 1 (S1) proving supervision Classroom 2 (Zebra) had a total of 11 three-year-old children with staff 2 (S2) providing supervision. The Main room had a total of ten four-year-old children with staff 3 (S3) providing supervision. LPA observed the Assistant Director walking around the Center, greeting parents, and walking between the Zebra room and Main room. LPA observed the door between the Zebra room and the Main room was open however the Assistant Director was not stationed within the classrooms. Assistant Director stated she was providing supervision over the two aides (S2, S3). When asked what positions S2 and S3 qualify for the Assistant Director stated S2 and S3 were teacher aides. Assistant Director stated the Center had one teacher call out at 8:30am and the Center was in the process of finding additional staff to meet the ratios. During the inspection, LPA completed a review of S2 and S3 staff files. Based on LPAs record review, S2 and S3 qualify as teacher aides and not as teachers therefore both aides must work under the direct supervision of a teacher. Additionally based on LPA's observation the center was not meeting the teacher-child ratios. As mentioned, the Assistant Director continued to leave the classrooms to attend to other duties. Therefore, the Assistant Director was not fulfilling the role of a teacher. Therefore, the center had two aides (S2, S3) and one fully qualified teacher (S1) caring for a total of 31 preschool age children. At approximately 9:45am, LPA observed an additional teacher and the Licensee arrive on grounds. Report continued on page two Report continued from page one Based on LPAs observation, interview and record review the facility is being issued two type B citations for California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1, 101216.2 (e) Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties and 101216.3 (a) Teacher-Child Ratio. Refer to the attached LIC 809D. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Facility Representative, Lisa Burtner.