Non-compliance follow-up·July 29, 2022

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Melchisedeck Augustin conducted a Case Management - Legal/Non-Compliance visit to the facility and met with Center Director, Donje Fields (CD). On 02/12/21, the facility attended an Informal Conference with the Department to discuss concerns relating to prior substantiated complaints and compliance with CCL/local public health COVID guidelines. On 12/21/21, the facility attended a Non-Compliance Conference (NCC) with the Department to discuss multiple citations which were issued for four separate complaint investigations that resulted in substantiated findings. The concerns discussed were related to a type A violation and $1000 civil penalty for repeat immediate civil penalty of the same violation within a 12-month period. The issue focused on lack of care and supervision resulting in a consistent pattern of children sustaining injuries, lack of staffing which prevented staff from consistently checking children's diapers, facility not maintaining the required staffing ratios, the facility allowing unqualified staff to supervise more children than permitted, and not notifying parents of unusual incidents. The Department previously referred the facility to the Technical Support Program (TSP) which is a non-enforcement program that consists of on-site consultation visits and during the NCC and at that time, the facility voluntarily agreed to participate in TSP to receive additional training, resources, and address concerns in areas discussed in the NCC. During today\342\200\231s visit, the facility was toured inside and outside, and staffing ratios were being met. There were 46 children being supervised by five teachers and one Aide, and the facility was operating within the licensed capacity. CD claimed since the facility attended the NCC, management provided support to each class and additional qualified staff were hired to accommodate the children's needs, maintained teacher-child ratio of 1:12 or 2:18 in each class; and address staffing shortage and lack of supervision. (Continue to LIC 809-C) CD stated the facility conducted monthly training for staff which included online/virtual or in-person to discuss topics related to CCL regulatory requirements and updates, and staff redirected children, and consulted with inclusions services in an effort to reduce or prevent challenging behavior(s) such as biting and/or hitting; as well as notified parent(s) of all unusual incident(s) and provide parents with a written incident report. CD informed is currently not participating in TSP, however; CD expressed interest and agreed to participate in TSP. 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. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Center Director. The were no violation(s) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22; Division 12, observed.