Incident investigation·August 13, 2024

On 8/13/24, at 1:00 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Elvin Baddley conducted an unannounced Case Management Inspection of the abovementioned Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with regard to an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) received by the Department on the present. LPA met with Christina and Christopher Raj , Licensees of the FCCH and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. LPA, notes 11 children are present. LPA also notes all children are is different phases of sleep/nap during the time of the inspection. Circumstances of the UIR involved a child in care, herein C1, going unaccounted for a period of 30-35 minutes in the FCCH and ultimately being found in an excluded area of the home (bedroom). The Licensees provided LPA an account of what transpired and re-enacted the incident. LPA observed the location where C1 was found in the FCCH as well as the common area where child care activities take place in the FCCH. Licensees acknowledged a child safe gate was not positioned in the area where child care activities normally occur. The absence of the child safety gate was discussed as the contributing factor which lead to C1's location being unknown within the FCCH. The Licensees informed LPA Licensees looked throughout the FCCH for C1. The search for C1 even extended to outside area in proximity to the FCCH. Licensees informed LPA Licensees contacted local law enforcement within five minutes of the initial search of C1. Licensee informed LPA the notification was made to law enforcement to assist in the search of C1 as there was a genuine concern for the safety and well being of the child. The parents of C1 were also notified of the incident. The Licensees, local law enforcement and neighbors of the FCCH searched the area for C1. Ironically, the Licensees and local law enforcement also searched the exact bedroom where C1 would ultimately be found. As noted in the UIR, C1 was discovered in a bedroom of the home, standing/hiding behind an open door. The incident was an unfortunate accident which appear to have originated with a child safety gate not being (CONT. 809-C, Page 2) is place. As such, C1 was able to access an excluded area of the FCCH for 30-35 minutes and stand/hide behind an open door. A Type B Deficiency is being cited based on LPAs' observation/interviews pursuant to Title 22 of the CA Code of Regulations and CCR 102423(a)(2) (refer to LIC 809-D). Licensee was provided a copy of their Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Facility representatives Chistina and Chistopher Raj.