complaint·January 6, 2023

According to the incident that the assistant director reported, AD stated around 10:30 am on 12/22/2022, 8 children were under the supervision of Staff 1 (S1) and Staff 2 (S2). Staff and children were transitioning to the playground for an outside activity. S1 conducted a "name to face" check once the children were outside and noticed they were short 1 child. S1 located Child 1 in the classroom and stated C1 must have opened the classroom door and went back inside when the children were transitioning to the playground, the classroom doors that exit to the playground does not latch and can be opened from both inside and outside of the classroom.According to Assistant Director, C1 was without visual supervision for a minute or less. C1 was retrieved and joined the rest of the children on the playground. According to interviews with additional staff and pertinent individuals, when the children were transitioning out to the playground at approximately 11:00am, statements were inconsistent regarding the time frame that the child was found in the classroom. Interviews revealed C1 was in the classroom unattended anywhere between one to eight minutes and the child was found standing by the door in no distress. In reference to the door that leads outside of the classroom being opened by C1, LPAs had C1 come to the door and attempt to open the door, C1 touched the door knob and tugged it down with little force but had no interest in opening the door. LPA had an additional child attempt to open the door as well and the child was also unable to. LPAs observed the door to have a handle that needs to be pulled down and pulled with some force to open due to the door being weighted. Based upon the information gathered and interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and therefore, the allegation, Staff left infant unattended in classroom is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. See LIC 9099D for deficiency cited. A an "Immediate $500" civil penalty was assessed for Lack of Supervision. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to the Assistant Director, Ruth DeAnda . Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for the next 30 days. Director must have parents of all current and any newly enrolled clients within the next 12 months, complete the Parent Notification Requirements form LIC 9224, and place the completed form in the child’s facility file. A civil penalty of $100 per violation will be assessed for noncompliance