Incident investigation·August 17, 2023

An unannounced case management visit was made to the facility by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Y. Yang in response to a self-reported, lack of supervision incident involving child C1 and C2 and staff S1 that occurred on 08/07/23. During today’s visit, the LPA met with the center director, Alex Pepper to discuss the incident. It was reported by Center Director Pepper that on 08/07/23 at approximately 05:00pm, child C1 and C2 were left on the center's fully fenced, main playground without staff supervision as their classmates and teacher (S1) transitioned indoors. The center director reported that the two children were without supervision for approximately two minutes. The center director stated that staff S2, who was cleaning her empty classroom at the time, heard the two children crying outdoors and went to retrieve them and provided them with comfort. The center director stated that a parent observed this and notified her. The center director reported that based on the “Child Supervision Record” (CSR) for the day, Staff S1 was supervising a total of 10 children at the time. The center director reported that as S1 opened the door to prepare children to transition inside the facility, several children ran inside and down the center’s main hallway. The center director stated that S1 then went inside the facility and shut the door behind her, leaving C1 and C2 on the playground. The center director stated that a name to face check should have been performed before the children were allowed inside the facility. The center director stated that staff are required to perform “name to face” checks at every transition and update the CSR. The center director reported that the checks were completed during the indoor to outdoor transition. The center director reported that the outdoor to indoor name to face check was performed when they returned to the classroom instead of on the playground, as required. This self-reported incident was reported to CCLD as required per regulations. The center director reported that the authorized representatives for C1 and C2 were also notified. During today’s case management visit, no children were observed to be left without supervision. Based on available information, it has been determined that preschool staff S1 did not provide adequate supervision to child C1 and C2 during the incident on 08/07/2023. The following violation of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22; Division 12, was observed: see LIC 809D. This is a repeat violation, and a civil penalty will be assessed. This report was read and reviewed with the center director, Alex Pepper. Notice of site visit shall be posted for 30 days. Appeal rights provided.