complaint·August 26, 2021

LPA Hogue interviewed pertinent parties who were involved in the physical altercations, and disclosures report, while in care at the facility, a child(ren) was hit and choked by another child(ren). According to disclosures and records reviewed, there has been one or more incident involving a child being hit, kicked, bitten, and/or choked by another child(ren) in care. Throughout the course of the investigation, LPA Hogue reviewed Incident/Ouch reports which documents more than one child being hit, kicked, bitten, and/or choked by another child(ren) in care. LPA Hogue interviewed Director and discussed the behaviors occurring in the preschool classroom. Director stated, the preschool classroom had issues with children being disruptive and destroying facility property. Director stated she is responding to these incidents by meeting one on one with parents, and if behaviors continue to occur, then a decision is made by the Director, whether the child(ren) will be disenrolled from the preschool program. Teachers and Administrators (Director and Assistant Director) reports incident/injury reports by telephone and text message (KinderCare app). If a child(ren) is misbehaving and/or disrupting the classroom (ex: fighting, hitting, name calling, etc.) Director Tracy will have the child sit in her office and/or have the parent pick up the child for the remainder of the day. Director Tracy stated she has met with parents and children involved in physical altercations (i.e. hitting kicking, biting, and/or choking). It is reported, there is no additional staff support in the classroom and staff are not able to meet the individual needs of the children enrolled in the preschool program. It is reported that there is only one teacher assigned to classroom. Interviews disclosed, staff in the classroom are attempting to prevent and de-escalate the physical altercations from occurring by separating the child(ren), sitting child(ren) in the corner or sitting child(ren) at separate tables or areas. However, it was disclosed, the physical altercations are continuing to arise in the classroom. Based on interviews with pertinent parties, incident reports reviewed, and interview disclosures, staff are not adequately trained on handling children with challenging and/or developing behaviors, and the facility is not adequately staffed in the classroom to prevent the physical and verbal altercations from occurring. Incident/ouch reports obtained from the facility document there has been more than one physical altercation occurring at the facility. Therefore, the department has determined the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. See LIC809D for cited deficiencies. LPA Hogue conducted an exit interview and provided a copy of this report to Director Tracy. A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND LPA VERIFIED THAT IT WAS POSTED IN A PROMINENT LOCATION AT THE FACILITY BEFORE LEAVING. THE LICENSEE UNDERSTANDS THAT IT MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS ALONG WITH A COPY OF ALL TYPE A DEFICIENCIES (LIC9099D) CITED DURING THIS INSPECTION. A COPY OF ALL TYPE A DEFICIENCIES CITED DURING THIS INSPECTION MUST ALSO BE IMMEDIATELY (WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE CHILD’S NEXT DAY IN CARE) GIVEN TO THE PARENTS OF ALL CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE CHILD CARE FACILITY AND ANY CHILDREN ENROLLED INTO THE CHILD CARE FACILITY OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS (AT THE TIME OF ENROLLMENT). Appeal rights discussed, and a copy of this report was provided to Director Tracy on this date and must be made available to the public upon request for the next 3 years.