Incident investigation·April 13, 2023

On April 13, 2023 at 10:05 a.m. Licensing Program Analyst, Leilani Curtis, conducted an unannounced inspection to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 4/4/23, wherein a child (C1) tripped and injured his arm. Upon arrival LPA met with Assistant Director La Tasha Hall, advised her of the purpose of the visit and proceeded to tour the facility. At approximately 10:20 a.m. Director Thilinie Messinger arrived. There were 46 children with 8 staff members present. Appropriate ratio/capacity was observed. Staff members have the required background clearances and are associated to the facility. At 10:30 a.m. LPA and Director observed a puddle of standing water approximately 4 inches deep in some areas in front of the stairs which lead to the playground. The director states that a plumber drained the water from the area yesterday, 4/12/23, but due to the rain this morning more water has accumulated in the area. LPA advised the director that the standing water is a hazard. The director called the plumber who will return on 4/14/23 to drain the water and determine how to keep the water from pooling in the area. The director states that the children will be observed and assisted when walking through the area to the playground. LPA interviewed the director, assistant director, staff #1 (S1), and child #1 (C1). Based on interviews, on 04/04/2023 at approximately 3:15 p.m. C1 was running outside on the playground when he tripped, fell and injured his arm on a plastic storage box. Facility staff consoled the child and tended to the injury. The parent of C1 arrived at the facility immediately after the fall to pick up the child and was notified of the incident. At the time of the incident there were 24 children on the playground being supervised by three staff members. Appropriate ratio/supervision was in place. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately and reported timely. LPA inspected the playground where the incident occurred. LPA observed the playground to be free from hazards. At the time of the incident the plastic storage box, which contains Legos, was on the playground under a canopy for children to play with. LPA inspected the storage box and found it to be free from sharp points or edges. The director states that the plastic storage box will be moved to another location against the fence to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. No deficiency cited. An exit interview was conducted with Director Messinger and Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were discussed. The director\342\200\231s signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. LIC 9213 NOTICE OF SITE VISIT FORM IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. LPA observed the director post notice of site visit.