Incident investigation·December 28, 2022

On December 28th, 2022 at 7:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jo Ann Legaspi conducted a case management inspection to follow-up on an incident that occurred on or about 10/19/2022. LPA advised Director Jennifer Quintero of the meeting\342\200\231s purpose and was granted facility entry. Director Quintero provided LPA with a facility tour. This facility serves children aged 2 years through kindergarten. The following ratios were observed in 3 classrooms: Room 100 had six (6) preschool children (aged 2 years) supervised by with two (2) staff members. Room 110 had eight (8) preschool children (aged 3 years) supervised by one (1) staff member. Room 120 had seven (7) pre-kindergarten children (aged 4 years) supervised by one (1) staff member. LPA observed the children to be involved in indoor activities. Appropriate ratios were maintained, and visual observation noted. On or about 10/19/2022, Staff 1 (S1) reportedly pushed Child 1 (C1) down in the bathroom striking their face onto the ground resulting in their dental damage. (See LIC 811 Confidential Names). The incident was self reported by the facility and a written report was received in the Licensing office within the required reporting period. Only S1 and C1 child were in the bathroom during the time of the incident. S1 denied the incident occurred. The facility terminated S1\342\200\231s employment after meeting with the child\342\200\231s parents. The director previously reported that the facility does not have camera videos. LPA attempted to interview C1, but they were either unable or unwilling to provide their statement possibly due to their developmental level. LPA interview C2 - C8. Some children were either unable or unwilling to provide their statements, but verbal children denied any maltreatment by any staff or S1. LPA interviewed S2 - S5. The director and staff denied C1 disclosed the incident to themselves or any children have made any concerning complaints regarding the potential use of adverse force by S1. C1\342\200\231s parent reported their child disclosed the incident to them. Due to conflicting obtained statements, the allegation of a personal rights violation has been determined to be unsubstantiated. A finding that the allegation is Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. Staff was provided with A Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213), which is to be posted for thirty (30) days. An exit interview was conducted with Director Jennifer Quintero. Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC 9098 03/22) along with a copy of this report was provided to Director Quintero and their signature on this form confirms receipt of these rights.