Incident investigation·November 7, 2022

On November 7, 2022 at 10:07 a.m. Licensing Program Analyst, Leilani Curtis, conducted an unannounced inspection to follow up on two self-reported incidents. The first incident occurred on 9/14/22 and the second incident occurred on 10/31/22. LPA met with Assistant Director Hannah Stehling and proceeded to tour the facility. There were 100 children with 17 staff members present. Appropriate ratio/capacity was observed. Staff members have the required background clearances and are associated to the facility. LPA interviewed the assistant director, staff #1 (S1), staff #2 (S2), staff #3 (S3), staff #4 (S4), staff #5 (S5), staff #6 (S6), child #1 (C1), child #2 (C2) and child #3 (C3). Facility staff state that on 9/14/22 a 5-year-old daycare child (C1) was left unattended in a classroom bathroom. Staff members do not know how long C1 was left unsupervised in the classroom bathroom/classroom, but they state that he was probably alone for a very brief amount of time. During afternoon outside play time, between 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. , S1 was on the playground when she noticed S2 walking away from the classroom. A few moments later she observed C1 open the classroom door and exit the classroom by himself to join the class which was outside on the playground. Proper ratios were in place at the time of the incident. The assistant director states that she was not aware of the incident until it was reported to Director Ford on 10/10/22. The parent of C1 was notified of the incident on 10/10/22. The assistant director states that each staff member in this "teaching pod" was spoken to individually about the incident. All staff members facility wide received an email regarding Title 22 regulations, bathroom supervision and Child Supervision Records. Ms. Stehling states that the facility "program specialists" are now supporting more in the classrooms and on the playground. In addition each class will have a formal observation done conducted by administration staff to ensure that adequate supervision is being provided. A report of this incident was not received by Community Care Licensing within the Departments next working day following the date of the incident, nor was a written report received with seven days following the incident. The department received written notification of the incident on 10/11/22. On 10/31/22 at approximately 9:40 a.m. a child (C2) was running on the playground when she tripped and fell onto the ground. Another child (C3) fell over C2 and landed on the ground, injuring her right shoulder. Facility staff assessed C3 and applied ice to her shoulder. C2 was not injured. At the time of this incident proper ratios and supervision were in place. The parent of C3 arrived at the facility at approximately 9:45 a.m. for a previously scheduled, unrelated event and was notified of the incident. C3 was taken to the doctor later that day where she was diagnosed with a fracture to her right collarbone. LPA inspected the playground where the incident occurred. LPA observed the area to be free from hazards. The area where the fall/injury occurred is covered with rubber surfacing material that absorbs the impact of a fall. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately and reported this incident timely. See LIC809D for cited deficiencies. A civil penalty has been assessed. LPA Curtis informed assistant director Hannah Stehling that this report dated 11/7/22 documents one Type A citation. Type A citations shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Curtis informed Assistant Director Stehling to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 11/7/22 that documents any 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 with Assistant Director Stehling and Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were discussed. Ms. Stehlings 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 Assistant Director Stehling post notice of site visit.