Incident investigation·October 28, 2022

On 10/28/2022, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Destinee Hogue arrived at the facility to conduct a case management inspection. A case management inspection is being conducted in response to the receipt of an unusual incident report (UIR). Two UIRs were received by the licensing agency on 10/18/2022. During this inspection, LPAs toured the facility (including the location where the incident took place), gathered evidence including additional documents. Census of children present was taken on this date, along with facility associations. LPAs discussed the following with Assistant Director, Ruth DeAnda: On or about October 17, 2022, opening staff members arrived at the facility and attended to opening classroom duties. When a staff member(s) went to throw an item in the trash, he/she observed two empty small bottles of tequila in the trash can. LPA Hogue interviewed involved parties and there was no disclosure about how the alcohol bottles got in the trash can. According to interviews, management and opening staff have keys to the facility. Per interviews, with management approval, staff members can access the facility on the weekends. Interview disclosures stated staff member(s) visited the facility on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from approximately 7:00am to 9:30am; however, staff member(s) interviewed deny drinking alcohol while at the facility. Per interview with Director, Emily Calhoun, vendors (i.e. KInderCare maintenance, cleaning crew, and utility service workers) have access to facility. According to Director, vendors will visit the facility during closed hours and weekends. However, LPA Hogue reviewed records and there was no documentation that vendors visited the facility between Friday, October 14, 2022 - Monday, October 17, 2022. Even though, the bottles of alcohol were found in a classroom trash can, at this time, there is conflicting information on how the alcohol bottles were in the trash. On or about October 11, 2022, a child(ren) was on the playground when a staff member(s) observed a child scratch themselves while playing on the outdoor play equipment (Plastic tree house). Interview with staff member(s) disclosed that a staff member(s) observed the child(ren) scratch themselves and staff member(s) immediately responded to the child(ren). Staff member(s) disclosed that the child(ren) had a red scratch on the left side of their nose. Staff members(s) cleaned the wound and comforted the child(ren). Later in the day, staff members observed the child(ren) picking/playing with the scratch on their nose. Staff member(s) stated after the child(ren) woke up from nap time, the redness of the scratch got worse. LPA Hogue interviewed staff members present on October 11, 2022 and staff members denied observing a child(ren) biting children in care. LPA Hogue reviewed records and there were no incidents documented on October 11, 2022 involving a child(ren) biting another child(ren) in care. Based on the above information, at this time, there are no violations of Title 22 Regulations. No deficiencies were cited during this inspection. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Assistant Director, Ruth DeAnda .