complaint·March 28, 2023

It was alleged that facility staff did not ensure day care child(ren) have water to drink, and that facility staff handled day care child(ren) in a rough manner. Allegedly, during the time a parent picked up their child, their child was observed as being "parched". Additionally, on or about June 2022, it was alleged staff grabbed a child's arm and yanked them into their chair. Another alleged incident was that a staff grabbed and pushed a child's face to make them stop a behavior. During children interviews, a child was able to demonstrate how they ask for water and where they get water from in the outdoor area. The child stated, "I want water please" and proceeded to walk to the water fountain outside and drank from the fountain. The child followed it up with telling a teacher they drank some water. Additionally, there were no known witnesses to the alleged incidents. During observation, LPAs observed a water container in the classroom with plastic cups nearby for children to drink out of and dispose of after use. In the outdoor area, LPA observed a child drinking from the water fountain, which is available to daycare children. As for the allegation pertaining to staff handling day care child(ren) in a rough manner, at this time LPAs were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to prove that this incident occurred. Interviews conducted with staff and other pertinent individuals were inconclusive. Based on information obtained during this investigation and through interviews conducted, the review of pertinent documentation, and Interviews revealing conflicting information, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that the allegation is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegation occurred. An exit interview was conducted with the director, Margaret Gale Van Duzer . Appeal Rights were discussed and issued, a copy of this report was provided, and a Notice of Site (NOS) Visit was issued. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC9213) shall be posted where the parent/guardian of children enter and exit the facility. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC9213) must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00 A copy of this report must be made available for the next three years It was alleged that facility staff did not properly supervise day care child(ren) at all times. Allegedly, on or about September of 2022, there was a child splashing and playing in the toilet in the 2's room. This incident took place during the time the child's parent came to pick up the child. During interviews, it was disclosed th at facility staff did not properly supervise day care child(ren) at all times. Interviews revealed that the facility now has locks on the bathrooms because the subject child would "get into the toilet". The child would "play with the water in the toilet", and staff would be able to "grab them in time". Additional interviews disclosed that "they put a door guard on the door" due to the subject child splashing in the toilet. The splashing incident mentioned occurred during pick up. During children interviews, and based on the ages of the children allegedly involved, LPA was unable to obtain pertinent information or evidence relating to the above allegation. Due to the subject child being able to splash in the water and staff admitting to 'grabbing them in time', this proves that the child was not properly supervised at all times. Based on the information received and collected over the duration of this investigation, there is evidence corroborating the allegation above, therefore the allegation is ruled SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations (Title 22, Division 12) are being cited on the attached LIC9099D. LPAs Sharma and Zeron informed the director that this report dated 03/28/2023 documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. LPAs Sharma and Zeron also informed the director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 03/28/2023 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the children's file for verification. An exit interview was conducted with the director, Margaret Gale Van Duzer. Appeal Rights were discussed and issued, a copy of this report was provided, and a Notice of Site visit was issued. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) shall be posted where the parent/guardian of children enter and exit the facility. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a civil penalty of $100.00. A copy of this report must be made available for the next three years.