complaint·August 20, 2024

On 07/30/24, LPA Kelly Gerth made an unannounced visit to conduct investigations regarding the above allegations. During the investigation, confidential interviews were conducted with staff (S1-S6), LPA toured the areas of the facility inside and out as well as where specifically referenced incidents were alleged to have occurred on the premises, obtained copies of pertinent records that included: facility roster, LIC 500 Personnel report, Employee Handbook, staff schedules, training certificates for 7 staff members, pictures and communication records. Regarding the allegation Staff are under the influence of marijuana while caring and supervising day care children. While conducting the investigation, on 07/30/24 LPA Gerth confirmed that 6/6 staff interviews conducted revealed that at no time have any staff members knowingly observed any teachers or staff to be under the influence of any substance, including the allegation of Marijuana. Furthermore, interviews also confirmed that at no time have staff alleged in the complaint to be suspected of being under the influence of any substance while at work and on premise of the Child Care Center. The Staff that were interviewed confirmed that should an allegation such as this be suspected, they would report immediately and clearly articulated an understanding of the requirements to do so. Observations made by LPA Gerth during the investigation also did not reveal any evidence in support of the allegation. Additionally, the employee handbook provided by the assistant director outlines the zero-tolerance policy of the CCC. LPA also reviewed staff records and did not observe any staff in violation of this policy in their files. While conducting inspection of CCC, LPA inspected different areas of the facility and observed staff members to be using all areas of the site, including indoor and outdoor break areas, appropriately and observed that the facility had clear postings outside the entrance stating that smoking is prohibited on or near the facility premise. LPA did not find a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Regarding the allegation Staff are not following mandated reporting requirements, specifically overhearing statements of children being home alone. Based on interviews conducted, observations and evidence collected, LPA Gerth was unable to corroborate the allegation. During the interviews conducted, staff members stated that they had not heard any statements made by children in any classroom or by any other staff members about children being left home alone and/or unsupervised. All Staff members interviewed reported that if they had this knowledge, they would report this immediately due to staff being mandated reporters and acknowledgment their understanding of these requirements. Evidence of certificates of completion for current mandated reporter training for each staff member was on file. At this time there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. A copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Assistant Director Angela Hunt was reminded that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00