Complaint·May 24, 2022

During staff interviews, the facility staff denied the allegations advising children did not throw their masks in an open flame. Staff provided detailed information on how the incident transpired. The Pastor of the church where the facility is located was standing in the middle of the cement basketball court with a metal wheel barrel. Children who's parents gave permission allowing them to participate were allowed to go place their disposable face masks in the wheel barrel. Once all the children that were allowed to participate had placed their masks in the wheel barrel, they had to sit down at the edge of the cement basketball court. The Pastor then conducted a religious sermon for the children, staff, and parents that participated. At the conclusion of the sermon, the pastor briefly burned the masks symbolizing removing sin and stopped the fire. During the first inspection, LPA measured the distance from the center of the basketball court to where staff advised children were sitting. Children were about 13 feet away from the wheel barrel when the Pastor temporary burned the masks. Parent interviews collaborated that they were informed about the sermon and some parents confirmed that they were in attendance. At no point were the children's safety at risk. LPA spoke with the Director about the sermon and communication to parents. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.