Incident investigation·February 8, 2023

On 2/08/2023 at 10:50am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Selina Siao conducted an unannounced case management visit to follow-up on a self reported incident regarding an injury incident that happened on 1/30/2023 around 10:15am where a child had to seek medical care. Upon arrival, LPA met with Core Facilitator Sasha Starosadcheva who was at the front lobby area. Four classrooms were toured and appropriate ratios were observed. All staff members present has the required background clearances and are associated to the facility. The facility submitted the written incident report to the Licensing office within the seven days requirement on 02/07/2023 but facility failed to report the incident to the department within the required 24 hours. On 1/30/2023, while at the playground, the injured child went up to her teacher to show that the a piece of small wood chip had went through her shirt and was sticking out of her chest area. Staff members stated that the child did not cry when the incident happened and she didn't cry until the parent arrived to take her to the doctor. Per information obtained, there were 12 children supervised by one teacher as the other staff was on a break. During today's inspection, LPA conducted interviews with the teacher that was supervising the children at the playground, Director and Core Facilitator that has knowledge of the incident. LPA obtained a picture of the child's injury from the facility along with the child's confidential information. Per the child's teacher and other staff members, it is unsure how the incident happened but based on information gathered by staff, the wood chip is most likely from the wooden dome shape climbing structure. After the incident, the sand dome area and other nature wood area was reinspected and all chipping pieces were removed to be replace. LPA inspected the playground today and photos of the playground was taken. The playground needs additional cushioning under and around all high climbing structures. Based on information obtained, the facility took prompt action by bringing the child into the office to assess the wound to ensure that the area is kept clean and free of dirt and notifying the child's parent immediately to take the child to the doctor. The child was taken to the doctor and the wood chip was safely removed from the child's chest as it was deep under the skin. The parent kept the child home for one day and the child returned to care on 2/1/2023. See LIC809D for citations issue. Exit interview conducted with the director and core facilitator. Notice of site visit was posted and it must remain posted for 30 days.