complaint·February 6, 2024

The child continued running from the carpet and then on over to the wood floor area. Once on the wood floor area, the child slipped and fell on their side, hitting their head on the floor. Staff went over to the child, which was on the floor and crying, placed the child on their lap, checking the child from head to toe. Redness near and around the ear was observed. The child then walked over to the library area of the classroom and sat on the ground with his head between his legs, still crying. Front office staff were informed of the incident so that parents/guardians could be notified. Staff provided first aid by placing ice on the injured area, but the child refused and after insisting, staff discontinued placing the ice because the child appeared to cry even more. The child walked over to a carpet area in the classroom and laid on the floor for a few minutes and then sat up. Shortly after, the child’s parent/legal guardian arrived and wondered why staff did not seek emergency medical attention (9-1-1). Staff did not believe the incident and the child’s demeanor afterwards required a 9-1-1 call. LPA also obtained another account of the incident, in where the child fell and sustained a bump in the back of the ear, laid on the floor, unattended, for about five minutes. The staff refused to seek medical attention and when the parent/legal guardian arrived, they called emergency services (9-1-1). Prior to Paramedics arriving, the child was at the front office of the facility, responsive and eating. The child was evaluated by Paramedics while at the facility and eventually transported to a hospital, via ambulance. The recommendation for follow up by the Paramedics and why the child was transported could not be verified due to conflicting information obtained. First, LPA was informed that the Paramedics required/requested the child to be taken to a hospital. Then, LPA was informed that the paramedics did not feel the need for the child to be further evaluated however, parents/legal guardians requested it. Furthermore, medical reports were not provided to the facility and the child returned to the facility the next day without limitations and/or restrictions. Based on the conflicting information obtained, it was 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. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door 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 Director Margaret (Gale) Van Duzer.