Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Director Richardson stated that the center recently had an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease. She clarified that children with hand, foot, and mouth disease are allowed to return to the center either with a doctor’s note confirming recovery or if they did not have any oozing sores, and appear well enough to participate in normal activities. Director Richardson stated that if a child began showing symptoms, the classroom teacher would notify her, and she would then assess the child and contact the child’s authorized representative if necessary.
A follow-up visit was conducted on July 29, 2025, during which the new center director, Nicole Del Calvo (staff S2), was interviewed. Director Del Calvo stated that her official start date was June 23, 2025. She explained that she could not comment on the alleged incidents, as they reportedly occurred before her employment at the center. Since assuming her role, Director Del Calvo stated that no sick children have been allowed to attend the center. Director Del Calvo stated that staff members use walkie-talkie radios to promptly communicate any illness-related concerns to the front office. If a child becomes ill while in care, Director Del Calvo is notified, and the child is isolated from other children, awaiting pickup in the front office. Either Director Del Calvo or another teacher remains with the child during this time.
During the investigation, the LPA conducted unannounced visits on June 20, July 29, and August 6, 2025. Classroom observations and interviews with staff members S2 through S15 provided corroborating evidence supporting the allegation. The majority of staff interviewed reported that, on multiple occasions, sick children remained in their classrooms with symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease including mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. Several teachers expressed concern and frustration that these children were allowed to stay in the classroom for extended periods, sometimes several hours, while awaiting pickup. During the initial visit on June 20, 2025, the LPA asked Director Richardson to identify the center’s isolation area. Director Richardson stated that the center did not have one. The LPA reviewed relevant regulations with her and observed that she created an isolation area in her office during the visit.
Based on information obtained from interviews during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the facility’s director, Nicole Del Calvo. Appeal rights were provided. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.
A follow-up visit was conducted on July 29, 2025, during which the new center director, Nicole Del Calvo (staff S2), was interviewed. Director Del Calvo stated that her official start date was June 23, 2025. She explained that she could not comment on the alleged incident, as it reportedly occurred before her employment at the center. Since assuming her role, Director Del Calvo stated that no sick children have been allowed to attend the center. Director Del Calvo stated that staff members use walkie-talkie radios to promptly communicate any illness-related concerns to the front office. Director Del Calvo stated that if a child becomes ill while in care, the director or assistant director are immediately notified, and the child is separated from peers and waits in the front office area until pickup. Either Director Del Calvo or another teacher stays with the child throughout that time. Director Del Calvo stated that the child's authorized representative is always notified if the child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, or if the teacher observes any unusual behavior or discomfort.
During the investigation, the LPA conducted unannounced visits on June 20, July 29, and August 6, 2025. Classroom observations and interviews with staff members S2 through S15 did not provide corroborating evidence to support the allegation. While many staff expressed general concerns about the lack of consistent isolation practices for sick children, only staff member S5 reported direct involvement with child C1 on the date in question.
Staff S5 stated that the classroom thermometer initially showed C1 had a temperature between 101°F and 102°F. However, upon reassessment using the office thermometer, the reading was under 100°F. Staff S5 reported that she took a photograph of the classroom thermometer reading and promptly contacted C1’s authorized representative to share her observations. Assistant Director Alex Pepper (staff S3) stated that C1 appeared fussy and was behaving unusually, which she attributed to teething. She stated that she provided C1 with a cold teether for comfort and reported checking on C1 multiple times throughout the day. Assistant Director Pepper reiterated that, had a fever been confirmed, C1’s authorized representative would have been notified immediately.
Based on available information and interviews conducted, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegation is determined to be unsubstantiated at this time. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the center director Nicole Del Calvo. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.
