Incident investigation·March 14, 2023

On March 14, 2023 at 8:25 a.m. Licensing Program Analyst, Leilani Curtis, conducted an unannounced inspection to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 03/02/2023, wherein a child (C1) left the facility and was observed unsupervised outside of the facility building. Upon arrival LPA met with Director Rochelle Buckley and proceeded to tour the facility. There were 45 children with 8 staff members present. Appropriate ratio/capacity were observed. Staff members have the required background clearances and are associated to the facility. LPA interviewed the director, staff #1 (S1), staff #3 (S3) and staff #4 (S4). On 03/02/23 at approximately 4:40 p.m. staff #1 (S1) observed C1 standing outside of the facility, unsupervised with another child’s parent (P1). S1, who was driving away from the facility, stopped, got out of her vehicle and took the child back into the facility. At the time of the incident there was one staff member supervising 11 children in C1’s classroom, room #6. Appropriate capacity and ratio was in place. The supervising staff member, S2, did not prevent the child from leaving the classroom or building and did not notify other staff members that the child had left. LPA observed the area where C1 was found unsupervised. The child was found standing next to a bench with another child’s parent outside of the building next to the parking lot. The child was not injured. The parent/guardian of C1 was notified of the incident the same day at pick up. This incident was reported to Community Care Licensing timely. The director states that the classroom teacher, S2, was terminated from the school. Due to previous concerns about C1 leaving the classroom the child was disenrolled. The director states that earlier on the same day (3/2/23) C1 left the classroom but was stopped in the hallway in front of the classroom door by facility staff. The director states that on 3/9/23 all classroom door springs were adjusted so the doors will not open as easily. The director has scheduled a staff meeting for Thursday, 3/16/23 to discuss supervision. See LIC809D for cited deficiency. LPA Curtis informed Director Buckley that this report dated 3/14/23 documents one Type A citation. Type A citations shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Curtis informed Director Buckley to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 3/14/23 that documents a Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Director Buckley. Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were provided. The director’s signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. LIC 9213 NOTICE OF SITE VISIT FORM IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. LPA observed the director post notice of site visit.