Incident investigation·January 28, 2025

An unannounced case management inspection was conducted today at 08:46am by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Kayla Danielson. LPA met with licensee facility representative Director Lisa O’Neal. In response to a follow up after further investigation on Unusual Incident Report (UIR) received by the Department on 12/05/2024. Director reported that it was brought to their attention a UIR needed to be submitted for an incident on 11/08/2024 where a staff member (S2) needed assistance on the playground due to another staff member (S1) being aggressive with a child (C1) by grabbing their wrist and holding their hand down. The facility representative was interviewed on 12/13/2024 at 3:26pm and stated that on 11/08/2024 they were informed by S2 that at approximately 8:30am S1 was being aggressive to C1 by grabbing them by the wrist and holding their hand down after they were having an outburst. S2 was requesting assistance outside due to not knowing how to handle what they had witnessed with C1 and feeling overwhelmed with the rest of the children while S1 attempted to handle C1's outbursts. There were 12 children outside during the incident and 2 staff members. Facility representative stated when they went to assist C1 they did not show any signs of distress and made no mention of the incident. Facility representative stated S1 was assisting C1 with tying their shoes when they came outside and nothing seemed abnormal. Facility representative stated they reminded S1 of personal rights and took C1 to be with them to assist with the children outside. 2 of staff were interviewed on 12/13/2024 and 12/20/2025. S1 denied being aggressive with any child in care or yelling at them. S1 stated they are taught to redirect or defuse situations with children and C1 was throwing wood chips at them and other kids at the time. S1 stated they calmed C1's hands by grabbing just the hands and redirecting them to play with something in a nice way. S2 stated S1 was aggressive with C1 and yelled at C1 for an unknown reason they couldn't hear because they were across the play yard. S2 stated they went to get the facility representative to assist with the situation. 1 child was interviewed on 12/13/2024 and stated they liked their teachers at school. They have nice teachers. They have fun at school. Sometimes they have to sit in time-out. They like outside time at school. During today’s inspection, the facility was toured at 09:06am. LPA observed 12 children having breakfast and activity time inside. Based on interviews and the unusual incident report submitted the incident may have happened or is valid, however, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove any violation occurred. There were no deficiencies cited during today’s inspection. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Director Lisa O’Neal. Appeal Rights were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.