Incident investigation·October 12, 2023

On October 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Licensing Program Analyst’s (LPA’s), Leilani Curtis and Renita Rodriguez, conducted an unannounced inspection to follow up on a self-reported incident that occurred on 10/4/23, wherein a child (C1) injured her foot playing in the sand area of the playground. LPA's met with Co-Director Kendra DeGroot and proceeded to tour the facility. There were no children in care. The co-director states that they are conducting parent conferences today, 10/12/23, and tomorrow 10/13/23. LPA’s interviewed Co-Director DeGroot. On 10/4/23 at approximately 10:00 a.m., C1 was observed playing with a small metal shovel in the sand area. C1 was not wearing her shoes when she accidentally cut her toe with the shovel. The children are allowed to decide whether they will wear shoes at the facility for developmental/sensory purposes. The co-director states that facility staff inspect the facility and playground prior to it's use. Facility staff elevated C1’s foot and applied a clean paper towel with pressure to the wound. The parent of C1 was contacted and picked up the child. The parent was given an incident report at the time of pick up. C1 was taken to the doctor where a “glue type bandage” was applied. At the time of the incident there were 12 children on the playground being supervised by two staff members. Appropriate ratio/supervision was in place. The staff members responded to the injury appropriately and reported timely. C1 has not returned to care due to unrelated reasons. LPA’s inspected the playground sand area. Ms. DeGroot states that the small metal shovels that the children played with have been removed and are no longer in use. LPA’s observed that the facility is now using light weight plastic shovel’s for the children to play with. No deficiency cited. An exit interview was conducted with Co-Director DeGroot and Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were discussed. Ms. DeGroot’s 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’s observed Ms. DeGroot post notice of site visit.