Complaint·September 1, 2021

LPAs also observed that staff members were not encouraging any of the children to put on a mask/face-covering. On 8/12/2021, the licensee sent a \342\200\234Parent & Staff Masking Update\342\200\235 to staff and parents, stating that they would be adopting \342\200\234a \342\200\234Parent-Choice\342\200\235 \342\200\234Staff-Choice\342\200\235 approach in determining how [they] will engage further masking within [their] centers and within [their] corporate offices.\342\200\235 The licensee later retracted this statement and replaced it with a policy which requires masks to be worn by all individuals over 2 years of age while at their preschools in accordance with the California Department of Public Health Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings. Although during the inspection most staff were observed to be wearing proper facial coverings, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove or disprove that the alleged violation occurred previously. Therefore, the finding is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was posted, appeal rights were discussed and provided, and a copy of this report was given to the facility representative below. A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND LPAs VERIFIED THAT IT WAS POSTED IN A PROMINENT LOCATION AT THE FACILITY BEFORE LEAVING. THE LICENSEE UNDERSTANDS THAT IT MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS.