Office review·October 12, 2023

On 10/12/23, Licensee Luz Valenzuela came to the office for an informal conference. Present during the conference were Licensing Program Managers (LPMs) Mariela Ramon, Claretta Yates, Licensing Program Analysts Babatunde Ibitoye and Kuliema Calloway. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Department’s concern with the operation of facilities: 364843655 (Infant license), 364843656 (Preschool license), and 364843657 (School Age license). The following items were discussed: 364843655, On 7/19/2023, a complaint alleging infants were not provided with a comfortable temperature while in care was received. The allegation was substantiated, and violation 101238(a) Physical Plant was cited. A type A deficiency. (Under Appeal). On 8/12/2021, a complaint alleging a daycare child sustained an injury while care was received. The allegation was substantiated, and violation 101429(a)(1) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision was cited. A type A deficiency. 364843656, on 9/15/2020, a complaint alleging the facility is commingling age groups was received. The allegation was substantiated, and violation 101161(a) Limitations on Capacity was cited. A type A deficiency. 364843657, on 08/17/23, a complaint alleging school aged children are not provided a comfortable temperature was received. The allegation was substantiated, and violation 101238 (a) Buildings and Grounds was cited. A type A deficiency. (Under Appeal). On 01/11/2023, a complaint alleging a staff member yelled at a daycare child and staff inappropriately handled the child was received. Both allegations were substantiated and violations 101223(a)(1) and 101223(a)(3) Personal Rights were cited. Type A deficiencies. LPM Yates provided information regarding the Technical Support Program (TSP) and explained the program is a non-cost benefit to assist licensees to come into compliance. The TSP consultant assistant is a neutral party that determines some areas of improvement and guides licensees to assist in operating within the bounds of regulations and statutes, developing systems for implementation, and providing best practice suggestions. Licensee agreed to the TSP services and stated that it will be beneficial for the facility to remain in compliance. The Licensee, Luz Valenzuela agrees to seek outside vendor training with Resource and Referral, or any other vendor, regarding Title 22 Regulations, with a focus on the above-identified sections. The Licensee shall provide proof of the training attendance to the Licensing Department by January 12, 2024. During this meeting, Licensee was provided with copies of Title 22 Regulations as follows: Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision, Limitations on Capacity, Personal Rights, Buildings and Grounds. LPMs Yates reminded Licensee Valenzuela that a safe environment for children must always be maintained, and children commingling may only take place during the first and last hour of operation from: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at any time to ensure their health and safety. There was a waiver granted 4/18/16. The Licensee was advised if the facility compliance plan is not maintained, the waiver issued on 4/18/16, will be rescinded. Licensee stated, any citation received is a learning opportunity for me to grow and learn from it. The licensee was further advised if facilities continue to operate out of compliance, the next step for our Department will be to seek legal advice for possible administrative action. A copy of this report was read, reviewed, and provided to Licensee, Luz Valenzuela.