complaint·February 8, 2024

It was alleged on an unspecified date, staff #2 (S2) spoke inappropriately to day-care child #2 (C2) by stating monsters live on the roof and were coming to get them. Facility staff denied the allegation, explaining it was determined that S2 read a children’s book to the class that mentioned monsters. According to facility staff, the incident occurred in late 2023. LPA was unable to verify if the book in question was age appropriate, as facility staff were unable to produce the book, stating the book had been removed from the facility. S2 is no longer employed at the facility and declined interview. Children interviewed denied being frightened or scared by any literature books read by facility staff, nor recalled any discussions about monsters. It was alleged that on 06/26/2023, day-care child #1 (C1) was picked up by a family friend, Adult #1 (A1), without authorization. According to C1’s mother, she and A1 arrived at the facility together; however, she was in a different location on campus when C1 was released to A1. A1 stated no identification or authorization was verified by facility staff. A review of the Sign in/out sheet for 06/26/2023, contained a handwritten notation, “mom’s friend”; however, staff interviewed were unable to recall specifics about the situation due to the six (6) month span of time that had elapsed. Staff explained that C1 would only have been released to A1, if they had received verbal authorization from C1’s mother or observed her and A1 together during their visit. Based on conflicting information, LPA was unable to determine whether or not, the incident occurred as alleged. It was also alleged that on 09/21/2023, facility staff did not provide first aid to C2 after falling on the playground and sustaining a palm abrasion. All staff interviewed denied the allegation, stating they were unaware of any incident that may have resulted in an injury to C2. All staff interviewed stated they were in compliance with teacher child ratios and maintain visual supervision of children during operating hours. According to staff, injuries are tended to promptly, documented in ProCare and available for parents to review. There were no other witnesses to the alleged incident and no written or photographic documentation to support that a specific incident had occurred. Children interviewed did not recall any child receiving an injury on their palm and reported that the staff typically administer first aid when a child is injured. Parents interviewed expressed a high level of satisfaction with the care the facility provides and feel it is a safe environment. Based on a lack of corroborating evidence and witnesses to the alleged incident, LPA was unable to determine if the incident occurred. Due to conflicting information obtained throughout the course of the investigation and no other witnesses to the alleged incidents, LPA was unable to determine whether or not the allegations occurred. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Administrative Director, Brenda Casillas. A copy of this report, along with Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22), was provided. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. LPA observed that the Notice of Site Visit was posted during the inspection. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.