Incident investigation·September 30, 2024

On 9/30/24 at 2:00 pm, Licensing Program Analysts, Gerald Poindexter and Mahjoba Raofi, made an unannounced visit to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 9/11/24 at approximately 4:55 pm wherein Child #1 was injured falling from the playground slide equipment, sustaining an injury. Upon arrival, LPAs met with director Evelyn Kensel. LPAs toured the facility. There were 49 children present at naptime with 9 staff, in 5 rooms – #104 through #108. Facility is within ratio and capacity. LPAs examined the area of the fall, inspected the equipment and surrounding cushioning, interviewed staff present at the time of the incident and Child #1. Child #1 described the incident as the facility reported it. There were 2 staff members with 11 children at the time of the incident. Based upon information obtained today, staff supervision was present during the fall but was unable to intervene quickly enough to prevent it. The facility has appropriate cushioning, age-appropriate equipment, direct supervision was in place, ratios were met, and staff responded appropriately with first aid and limited the child’s activity. The extent of the injury was not immediately apparent and was not diagnosed until the next day. Subsequent to the incident, staff reinforced existing rules of safe play to children prior to each time they play – specifically “no walking up the slide.” Staff were also repositioned at all times at bottom of the slide. No deficiencies are cited. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with director Evelyn Kensel. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal rights were provided.