Incident investigation·October 2, 2024

On October 2, 2024., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van conducted an announced case management in response to the unusual incident reported to the Department on September 25, 2024. LPA met with the Site Director, Erica Almaguer, and the Preschool Assistant Director, Lorelei Ballesteros. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and entrance to the facility was granted. Niner teachers and the Preschool Assistant Director were supervising 37 preschool children. The facility met the teachers/children ratio. While conducting the inspection, the LPA thoroughly examined the outdoor area and made detailed observations. Additionally, LPA interviewed the staff members who were present when the incident occurred. According to the information gathered, a child had stepped on what seemed to be a rusted screw sticking out from a wooden plank under the playhouse. The child received immediate attention, including antiseptic first aid, and the parents were promptly notified. Subsequently, the wooden plank was properly disposed of as a preventive measure. Furthermore, the staff thoroughly inspected both wooden structures to ascertain that there were no potential risks to children. The Site Director has confirmed that a teacher conducts a thorough visual inspection of the yard daily to ensure it is safe for the children to play. Records showed that the teacher-to-child ratio was maintained on the day of the occurrence, and no absence or lack of supervision was identified. LPA informed the Site Director that no further action would be taken at this moment. A copy of this report was given to the Site Director. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the Site Director, Erica Almaguer.