Incident investigation·November 6, 2023

On 11/6/23 at 9:15 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Sherylnn Banas and Keturah Lane conducted an unannounced case management visit to follow up on an unusual incident reported by the facility on 10/27/23. Upon arrival, LPAs met with Director Doreen Dumont and toured the facility. Census was 34 children in 4 classrooms with 5 staff members. All staff were cleared and associated to the facility. On 10/26/23, a child was injured while playing near the play structure and fell on a piece of loose equipment (a slide) that had been removed from an old Little Tykes play house. The piece of equipment was on the ground next to the end of the structure slide and was an immediate tripping hazard. After the incident, the Director immediately removed the loose piece of equipment and disposed of it. LPAs also observed other playground potential hazards and advised Director to fix or replace the following items (see LIC9102TV). LPAs observed sufficient material for cushioning under the play structure which is age appropriate and securely fixed to the ground. Area has canopies and trees for shade. Children take their water bottles outside for drinking water which can be refilled by classroom Brita filter pitchers. There are no bodies of water at the facility or on the playground Because the loose piece of equipment the child was injured on was not being used appropriately, the facility is receiving a Type A citation as it was an immediate health and safety risk to the children. See LIC809-D for deficiency cited. (continued on LIC809-C...) LPAs Keturah Lane and Sherlynn Banas informed facility representative Doreen Dumont that this report dated 11/6/23 documents 1 Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there was an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPAs Keturah Lane and Sherlynn Banas informed the licensee facility representative to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 11/6/23 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. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with facility representative Doreen Dumont. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.