Incident investigation·May 25, 2021

On 5/25/2021 @ 11:35AM, LPA Nancy Diaz conducted an unannounced case management inspection with Acting Director, De'Nisha Polite. This inspection was conducted via Facetime due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. A tour of the facility was conducted. Observed present were 55 in the following rooms: Room 5 with 12 children and staff Demooa Almashkour Room 6 with 13 children and staff Joy Langlois & Fatin Aboona-Habi Room 7 with 15 children and staff April Bryan & Junior Salacup Room 4 with 15 children and staff Reynaldo Garcia & Shuhad Althabiti The purpose of this inspection is in reference to a self-reported unusual incident that happened on 4/20/2021 wherein a staff was observed patting two children on the bottom (diaper area). Person who witnessed this described it as a "hard pat". Ms. Polite stated that this was a violation of HR Policy (Appropriate Child Guidance). Staff involved was suspended for 5 days and was required to complete trainings on OP300 (Guidance Protection and Respect for Children) and On-boarding training. Ms. Polite stated that staff was reminded not to pat bottoms. Staff will have an ongoing training on child's personal rights and will be guided by the director on appropriate redirection. Technical assistance was provided today. No deficiency cited today. An exit interview was conducted with the applicant. Appeal Rights (LIC9058) will be sent along with the report (LIC809) via e-mail to Ms. Polite. She will confirm receipt of this report via e-mail and the reply of confirmation will serve as the signature acknowledging these rights. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC9213) must remain posted for 30 days.