Office review·October 12, 2023

On 10/12/2023, an office conference was held this date with Licensee Claudia Garcia and Lizette Lerma, Administrator . Present during the conference were Licensing Program Managers (LPMs) Mariela Ramon, Claretta Yates, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Justeene Tamayo, Donna Maddox, Kuliema Calloway, and Babatunde Ibitoye. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Department’s concern with the operation of facilities: License #367750031, 367750030, and 367750029. The following items were discussed: 367750031: Preschool license –violations of over capacity were cited on 06/27/23, 06/28/23, 09/22/23, 09/26/23, and 10/03/23. Civil penalties for failure to correct deficiencies, repeated violations within a 12-month period, and fire clearance violations were also issued. A violation for Personal Rights - Staff do not ensure comfortable accommodations to children in care was also cited. The violation for an comfortable accommodations is currently under appeal. On 09/05/23, Licensee submitted a temporary waiver request to increase the preschool capacity by 24 children and utilize the outdoor area for children to nap and use as a classroom. The licensee was informed that our Department cannot approve the waiver and application for a capacity increase at this time due to repeated violations and failure to correct deficiencies. The Department can reconsider the waiver and application after one year of substantial compliance. The licensee was given the option to withdraw the application for the increase and reapply within one year or the Department will seek an administrative action to deny the application. In addition, the facility will receive increased unannounced visits from Licensing for the next 12 months to ensure substantial compliance. Licensee stated she will be withdrawing her capacity increase application. 367750030: School Age license – personal rights violation was cited as of result of two children engaging in inappropriate conduct. 367750029: Infant license – violations of over capacity were cited on 06/27/23, 06/28/23, 09/22/23, 09/26/23 and 10/03/23. Civil penalties for failure to correct deficiencies, repeated violations within a 12-month period, and fire clearance violations were issued. LPMs Ramon and Yates reminded Licensee Garcia and Administrator Lerma that a safe environment for children must always be maintained, including license capacity limitations, and fire clearance, to ensure the health and safety of children in care. LPM Ramon 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 Claudia Garcia 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. Training will include: maintaining capacity, personal rights regulations, and fire clearance requirements. The proof of training will be submitted to the Department within 90 days, no later than 01/11/2024. 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.This report was reviewed and given to licensee Claudia Garcia.