complaint·January 24, 2024

All staff interviewed on 01/08/24 worked at the facility during the summer months of 2022 and denied the allegation. Staff interviewed stated that they can\342\200\231t recall a time when a child was ever picked up and taken to the bathroom, stating that children walk themselves to the bathroom and can\342\200\231t recall a child ever \342\200\234falling\342\200\235 into the toilet. Only two of the staff interviewed stated that they help the children with bathroom and diapering needs, stating that aides and substitutes do not help the children in the bathroom. Staff reviewed the roster of children that were enrolled at the facility during the period of the alleged incident and were asked if they recalled any bathroom incidents occurring during that time. During interviews, three staff separately stated that the only incident that came to mind was a child, all naming the same child, had been sent home on two separate occasions due to two incidents of diarrhea or due to stomach upset, adding that the child wore diapers and was never put on the toilet while in care. Staff interviewed stated that it is a routine response and, in their policy, that any child who has two loose bowel movements is sent home and during the summer months of 2022, diarrhea was listed as a symptom of COVID-19. Staff corroborated that staff never force children to have their diapers changed, stating if a child is resistant, they can wait for the child to be ready if the diaper is wet, but call the child\342\200\231s parent or authorized representative if the child has a bowel movement in a diaper and the child refuses the teachers help. Staff stated that they have had to call parents to come and change a bowel movement diaper on more than one occasion. LPA reviewed records documenting detailed notes taken by staff about sending a child home on 05/23/22 due to two loose bowel movements, requesting a doctor\342\200\231s note to return to school and a second incident about sending the same child home due to an upset stomach on 06/21/22, corroborating staff interviews. Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited during today's inspection. This report was reviewed and discussed with Facility Representative, Mary Steele. Appeal Rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.