Incident investigation·December 13, 2024

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today 12/13/2024 at 1:05pm by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Kayla Danielson. LPA met with facility representative Director Lisa O'Neal. In response to an Unusual Incident Report reported by the facility to Community Care Licensing on 11/26/2024. The Director reported Child (C1) took the lock off a playground gate, opened it and processed to step out when Staff 1 (S1) saw him and ran to get him to bring him back inside the gated play yard. The child never made it off the premises. C1's parents were contacted immediately and gate was secured. The facility representative was interviewed on 12/13/2024 at 01:55pm and stated that on 11/26/2024 at approximately 3:30pm it was brought to her attention that C1 had taken the pad lock off the partially locked gate. The gate is partially locked due to it being the fire emergency exit gate and is located on the south side in the play yard. C1 is one of the tallest children in care and they were unaware C1 was able to reach the lock to remove it. C1 stepped foot outside the open gate but not off the premises and was unable to go any further before S1 noticed and brought him back inside the gated area of the play yard. The gate was secured and fully locked after the incident and staff were informed that someone shall be in front of the gate at all times when outside with the children. 3 staff were outside during the incident and located throughout the play yard. C1's parents were notified of the incident upon arrival. C1's parents were previously called before the incident occurred due to their children being emotional and not feeling good. 4 staff and 1 child were interviewed on 12/13/2024. All staff interviewed state they were at different points of the play yard and had were watching all kids in care. All staff stated S1 was who noticed when C1 had opened the gate and had stepped just outside the opening of the gate door before they were able to bring C1 back inside. C1 stated they were missing their mom and wanted to see if their mom was out in the parking lot. They were not scared and did not want to leave their school. During today’s inspection, the facility was toured at 1:08pm. LPA observed 13 children in care while napping and 2 staff. No children were in the outside play yard and the south side gate was secured and unable to be opened without the key. The facility representative informed LPA Danielson that all staff responded appropriately to the situation and were reminded of the importance of watching all exits while children are in care. Facility representative has now secured the gate at a higher point with a chain and carabiner lock that can be freely opened in case of emergency but also prevents the gate from being opened by children in care. There were no deficiencies cited during today’s inspection. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Lisa O'Neal.