complaint·February 16, 2022

During observations, LPA Hogue observed 74 out of 112 children in classrooms 342-352 wearing a face mask/face coverings, 13 out of 112 children were observed without a face mask/face covering and 25 out of 112 children had a face mask on, but did not have the face mask covering their mouth and nose. LPA Hogue observed staff members present in the classrooms encouraging child(ren) to pull up their face mask/face covering. During observations, LPA Hogue observed children's authorized representatives wearing face mask/face coverings and other children's authorized representatives were observed not wearing face mask/face coverings. LPA Hogue interviewed pertinent parties and it was disclosed that staff members encourage children to wear a face mask/face covering throughout the day and if a child refuses to wear a face mask, then staff members will not force a child(ren) to wear a face mask/face covering. According to interviews and records reviewed, some children have a waiver on file to opt out of wearing a face mask/face covering; however, per Director the Elementary School allows parents to sign a waiver if he/she does not want their child(ren) to wear a face mask/face covering and per written statement from Director the mask waiver does not apply to the preschool program and the preschool program does not promote a mask waiver. LPA Hogue reviewed facility records and based on records reviewed there was no face mask/face covering waiver on file. Per Director, staff members are required to wear face mask/face coverings throughout the day and children are encouraged to wear face mask/face coverings; however, staff members do not force a child(ren) to wear a face mask. Per Director, each classroom has extra face mask/face coverings available at the classroom entrance, in the event a child(ren) does not have a face mask/face covering at drop off. Based on the information obtained during this investigation, there is conflicting information on whether or not the facility is not following COVID-19 mask guidelines. Therefore, it has been determined that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. During this inspection, LPA provided Director Smith with a copy of Provider Information Notice (PIN) 21-29-CCP-Face Covering Requirements and Guidance for Child Care Providers…; CDPH-Guidance for the Use of Face Mask (updated 02/07/2022); CDPH-Guidance for Child Care Providers and Programs (released 06/29/2021); and CDPH-Guidance for local...Isolation and Quarantine of the...Public (released 01/08/2022) Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director.