Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
During the initial investigation on 03/21/25, LPA Mindy Mohr toured the facility, made observations, and received documents pertaining to the investigation. Mohr conducted interviews with D1, two staff (S1 & S2) and 4 children (C1-C4), only 3 who were qualified to be interviewed (C1, C2 & C4). Documents obtained during the 03/21/25 visit contained a typed letter dated 03/12/25 written by D1 stating that on 3/10/25 she took C1’s slippers off and tossed them and that she did tell C3 that if they continued to pull at and play with their slippers, they would break, and she would throw them in the garbage and they wouldn’t have them anymore. During the interview with LPA Mohr, D1 denied the allegations stating that nobody raises their voices to the children, staff get down to eye level with the children if they don’t do what we ask of them, children are asked to sit in a chair when asked to leave circle time, using positive language and re-direction. S1 did not make any statements to corroborate the allegations during the interview. S2 specifically stated that she has not seen anyone handle a child in a rough manner, or talk to them in a rude tone, only a firm tone. S2 stated that staff get down to eye level and talk to the children and sit with them while they are in a chair to help them calm down. During interviews with children, C1 confirmed that D1 did remove their slippers, and stated that they have been sent to the Spanish room when in trouble or sent to the snack room to sit with Ms. Michelle in a chair. C1 stated that D1 yells at all the kids at circle time. Child, C2 stated during the interview with LPA Mohr that if the children are too loud they have to sit in a chair in the classroom, that D1 yells a lot, they don’t like it, and that the other teachers do not yell. C2 stated that D1 took C1’s slippers off when C1 wasn’t listening and threw them during circle time. During LPA Mohr’s interview with C4, C4 stated that they sit in time out chairs, in different classrooms; sometimes in a chair by the tables at circle time, and sometimes in the Spanish room or the other classroom by themselves. Based on LPA Mohr’s observations made during the 03/21/25 visit, D1 became frustrated with the children during circle time, raising her voice, using a stern tone when talking with the children, telling the children to stop moving, sit still, and hands belong in your laps. During the same circle time, LPA Mohr observed the following: D1 had all of the children stand up, one child did not want to stand up. D1 told him multiple times to stand up. He did not. D1 walked over to the child grabbed his hands and pulled him up to stand, the child fell back down to a sitting position. D1 stated “You need to stand up”, and pulled his arms up again to make him stand. The child fell back down to a sitting position. D1 told the child one more time to stand, child stood up and then sat back down when D1 turned her body away from him.
LPA Strother conducted interviews between 05/12/25 and 05/14/25 with five adults (A1-A5) and one staff (S3).
Continue on LIC9099-C
A1 stated that D1 yells at the children out of frustration, particularly during circle time when children are not sitting up straight, talking, or touching their shoes. A2 stated that they have observed D1 pull on children’s arms and pull them close because they weren’t listening at circle, telling them that they needed to listen to her right now. A2 stated that they observed D1 yell at children, yelling commands like, sit down, stop, be quiet, don’t do that, raising her voice often. Lastly, A2 stated that they witnessed D1 discipline two different children, C10 and C11 on separate occasions, by holding them in her lap during circle, holding their arms or using her knees to hold them there, while sitting on the floor, restraining them. During an interview with A3, A3 stated that her child, C5 has mentioned teachers yelling and pulling their arm and grabbing them, but was not sure if it was a safety reason or discipline. A4 did not have any concerns to report. A5 reported that her child has expressed being scared of teachers, but didn’t have any specific details to report, stating that her child seems bothered but unable to articulate what is going on. S3 did not have any concerns about staff to report.
Based interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is cited on the attached LIC9099-D.
LPA Strother informed licensee, Jeannine Hextrum that this report dated 05/22/25 documents one Type A citation. Type A citations shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there are immediate risks to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.
Also, LPA Strother informed the licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 05/22/25 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.
A notice of site visit was given to licensee and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with licensee, Jeannine Hextrum.
LPA Strother conducted interviews between 05/12/25 and 05/14/25 with five adults (A1-A5) and one staff (S3). A1 has alleged that D1 stood in front of a chair at the front of the circle of children while the children performed a standing activity. Child C5 was kneeling, patting the chair with open palms behind D1, when D1 turned, noticed C5 touching the chair, and leaned down to scoop her hand/forearm across C5’s chest and armpit area, pushing them in a sweeping motion with enough force for their body to lose control and land on the ground from their position on their knees. It was reported that C5 traveled a short distance across the floor, such that their body landed outstretched with one side of their hip and chest to the ground. C5 got back up, did not cry or appear injured, but appeared disoriented. During the 05/12/25 interview with LPA Strother, A1 stated that she was unsure if A5 would remember the incident, since it’s been a while and no other staff witnessed D1 push A5. There were no other disclosures of D1 pushing children during interviews conducted by LPA Strother.
Based on interviews conducted between 03/21/25 and 05/14/25 there is not a preponderance of evidence to support that staff D1 or any other staff pushed child C5. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that an alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
This report was reviewed and discussed with Facility Representative, Licensee/Director, Jeannine Hextrum. Appeal Rights were provided.
