Incident investigation·November 23, 2021

An unannounced case management inspection visit was made to the facility by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Y.Yang to follow-up on a self-reported, unusual incident report (UIR) received by the department on 11/19/2021. During today’s inspection visit, LPA met with acting center director, Megan Brown at 02:05pm to discuss the incident. Per the incident report submitted by the facility, on 11/16/21, it was alleged that staff S1 put their hand underneath child C1's armpit in order to lift up C1 from their chair and walk C1 to a different area of the classroom after the child declined to cooperate. Brown reported that this incident was observed by staff S2, who was also interviewed by the LPA during today's visit. Brown reported that an internal investigation into the allegation was conducted and the allegation was found to be substantiated. Brown reported that C1 did not sustain any injuries as a result of the incident but notated that this was inconsistent with KinderCare policies. Brown reported that S1 is no longer employed by the center. Brown reported that the authorized representative of C1 was notified of the incident. Based on information obtained and the acting center director’s admission, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 809-D. Appeal rights were provided. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the facility’s acting center director, Megan Brown. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.