Incident investigation·January 28, 2026

On 01/28/26, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Kelli Waters, conducted an unannounced subsequent Case Management visit to follow up on an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) that was submitted to Licensing by the Learning Jungle (CCC) on 12/05/25, regarding an incident that took place on 12/01/25. LPA met with Center Assistant Director, Daviana Navarro , to discuss the incident. The facility reported the following: on December 1, 2025, during a transition time from outdoor to indoor, children were washing hands, Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) went to a sensory mud kitchen located in the home living area, and stuck their hands into the sink area. C1 sustained a deep cut from the exposed metal edge, requiring medical attention. During the investigation, LPA Waters interviewed staff, reviewed records, and gathered documents. Interviews and record review revealed that several newly assembled furniture pieces, including two sensory mud kitchen tables, were present outside in the morning during staff arrival and were brought inside and placed in the classrooms by staff. At approximately 10:30am, Staff #1 and Staff #2 were transitioning back into Room PS 2 and assisting children with washing hands when the incident occurred. C1 and C2 were playing with the new sensory mud kitchen table in the classroom as the remaining children were washing hands. C1 and C2 placed hands down the mud kitchen\342\200\231s metal sink drain hole and were injured. C1 required medical attention and received 5 stitches on their left thumb. C2 was cut on their left hand and treated with first aid at the facility. Staff stated they assumed that all furniture was fully assembled and did not have any unsafe pieces. Staff then realized once C1 and C2 were injured that the drain covers were not installed, leaving sharp metal edges exposed. Director Ortega-Guachena immediately removed the sensory mud kitchens from both areas and placed them in an off-limits area. After investigating, LPA Waters determined that CCC did not take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the children. Based on the information obtained during the visit, a violation of Title 22 Regulations 101238(a) Building and Grounds. This is a repeat violation and will be assessed a civil penalty. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided. A copy of this report must be made available to the public, at the facility site, for 3 years.