complaint·June 23, 2022

Regarding the allegation that C1 sustained an unexplained injury while in care, it was alleged that parent was not provided an explanation why C1 was limping. A confidential interview disclosed that a C1’s parent contacted the CCC after picking up C1 and asked staff for explanation why C1 was limping. Confidential interviews disclosed to LPA that CCC staff could not provide the parent an explanation due to none of the staff at the CCC witnessed the C1 fall or injury self. Another confidential interview disclosed that C1 fell often at home and school and was taken to doctor for an examination. Confidential interviews also disclosed that parent revealed C1 often complained to parent of leg pain and did sometimes walk funny. CCC does have cameras but did not offer to review footage for an explanation and another confidential interview confirmed the cameras were not reviewed due to confirmation from staff that C1 had not fallen that day. Regarding the allegation staff handled C1 day care child in a rough manner, it was alleged that a staff member (owner) tapped/hit a child on the top of child’s head. A confidential interview revealed that a staff’s name was mentioned in regard to the allegation, but interviewee did not want to confirm the information received about the allegation. Other confidential interviews disclosed to LPA that none of the CCC staff had been witnessed or accused of handling any of the children in a rough manner. LPA Hamilton was unable to obtain any information from the reporting party specific to this allegation. Regarding the allegation that staff did not prevent C1 from being hit by another child, it was alleged that C1 was being hit and kicked by another child in care. Confidential interviews revealed that staff are aware that children were sometimes hit or pushed by other children and staff would always redirect the children and talk to them about not hurting their friends. LPA Hamilton conducted visits to the CCC on April 14, 2022, and June 2, 2022, and observed the CCC was using the appropriate child to staff ratio. Confidential interviews disclose that C1 and the other child with often played together and would have conflicts, but staff would separate them, talk to both and then the children would find their way back to playing with each other. Confidential interview also disclosed that the child that did the hitting did have some behavioral challenges but that is no longer an issue. In addition, C1’s parent has removed C1 from CCC’s program. Based on confidential interviews, the allegations that child sustained an unexplained injury while in care, staff handled child in a rough manner and staff did not prevent child from being hit by another child, may have occurred, however are not supported or proven by evidence. Therefore, the allegations are unsubstantiated . See LIC 9099C (pg.3) for a continuation of this report. A copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Director. The Notice of Site Visit was posted by the Director prior to LPA leaving the facility and the Director was reminded this notice must be posted for 30 days.