Incident investigation·November 5, 2024

On November 5, 2024, at 11:55am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Zirbes, met with facility representative Liliana Velasquez and Licensee Saleena Smith to conduct an unannounced case management inspection. The purpose of the case management was to follow up on a self-reported unusual incident report (UIR) submitted on to the Department on November 1, 2024. The unusual incident report was regarding a supervision incident involving child 1 (C1) and child 2 (C2). Upon LPAs arrival, there were six preschool age children, five toddlers, and four staff members present at the facility. During this inspection, interviews were conducted with staff, and records were reviewed. In addition, a safety inspection was completed at approximately 12:00pm. Based on interviews and record review, C1 and C2 were left unsupervised in the Grand Hall classroom on October 28, 2024. While C1 and C2 were left unsupervised, inappropriate contact occurred between C1 and C2. Interviewees reported C1 and C2 were left unsupervised for approximately 15 minutes. The Licensee observed the inappropriate contact on the internal video monitoring system, and immediately went to the classroom and separated C1 and C2. Staff interviews reported this is the first time the children have been left unattended during nap time. A total of seven children were present at the time of the incident. Interviewees reported Staff 1 (S1) stepped out of the Grand Hall classroom during nap time prior to another staff member stepping in. After the incident, the Center obtained walkie talkies and intercoms for each classroom to enable better communication between staff. Per LPA record review and interviews, (S1) meets the qualifications of a teachers aide. Based on interviews conducted on this date, S1 has supervised t he preschool children in the classroom and in the lobby while S1 was not under the direct supervision of a teacher. A technical advisory notice was issued for regulation, 101216.2 (e) Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties . The Center was issued a type A citation for California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1, 101229 (a)(1) Responsibility for Providing. Refer to the attached LIC 809D. Report continued page two Report continued from page one LPA Zirbes informed facility representative Liliana Velasquez that this report dated November 5, 2024, documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Zirbes informed the facility representative to provide a copy of this licensing report dated November 5, 2024, 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 (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and this report and appeal rights were reviewed with facility representative Liliana Velasquez.