Incident investigation·October 31, 2024

On 10/31/24 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Saraliz Velando, conducted an unannounced inspection to follow up on 3 self-reported unusual incidents. Two incidents occurred on 10/9/24, the third incident occurred on 10/11/24. LPA met with Director Letisia Ford and toured the facility. There were 117 children with 26 staff members present. Appropriate ratio/capacity was observed. Staff members have the required background clearances and are associated to the facility. LPA interviewed the Director, staff #1 (S1), staff #2 (S2), and staff #3 (S3). On 10/9/24 at approximately 8:15am, child #1 (C1) was having eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast when staff #1 (S1) noticed C1 coughing and possibly choking. S1 being CPR certified, performed a Heimlich maneuver and was able to dislodge a small piece of turkey bacon. C1 appeared normal but taken to the Director for further evaluation. The Director called parents for pickup and C1 returned to school the following day. At the time of the incident, there were two staff supervising 8 children. Appropriate ratio/supervision was in place. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately. Also on 10/9/24, at approximately 11:15am, child #2 (C2) was on the floor working with a puzzle and started crying while favoring her right elbow area. C2 was unable to move or bend the arm. Staff #2 (S2) did not observe any injury or markings. Parent was called for pick up and stated C2 would be taken to the doctor. C2 returned to school on 10/14/24. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately. Appropriate ratio/supervision was in place. LPA inspected the classroom and found the area where the incident occurred to be safe and free of hazards. On 10/11/24, at approximately 3:45pm, child #3 (C3) was climbing up the ladder on playground equipment, missed the top step and fell off sustaining a laceration to the right eyebrow. S3 cleaned the wound, applied an ice pack, and comforted the child. Parents were called and arrived within an hour. Parent stated they would seek medical attention. C3 returned to school on 10/14/24 with no restrictions. Appropriate ratio/supervision was in place. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately. LPA inspected the playground and found the area where the incident occurred to be safe and free of hazards. All 3 incidents were reported to the Department timely. The director states that she met with staff members to discuss proper supervision and classroom safety. No deficiencies are cited. An exit interview was conducted with the Director, Letisia Ford and appeal rights were provided. A notice of site visit was posted and must remain for 30 days.