Incident investigation·February 21, 2024

A follow-up case management visit to the facility was made today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Y. Yang in response to a child elopement incident at the facility on 01/24/24. During today\342\200\231s follow-up visit, the LPA met with the site supervisor, Claudia Avalos. During the initial case management visit on 02/14/24, the LPA interviewed facility staff S1-S5. The LPA interviewed adult A1 on 02/15/24 and A2 on 02/21/24. Based on the incident report submitted by the facility, it was reported that on 01/24/24 at approximately 10:30am, child C1 eloped from the facility and was found outside by the classroom\342\200\231s entrance door closest to Golf Course Drive by adult A1, who was leaving the facility. Child C1\342\200\231s classroom is adjacent to the main road and public sidewalk. The front exterior area of the classroom is not fenced or gated. The site supervisor reported that there was a total of 26 children and four facility staff and three specialized aides from the Cotati-Rohnert Park School District in the classroom at the time of the incident. The site supervisor reported that this incident occurred during circle time, which was being held in the center of the classroom. The site supervisor reported that staff did not observe C1 leave the classroom or open the classroom door. The classroom\342\200\231s entrance door is in the corner of the room. Staff that were interviewed estimate that child C1 was left alone and without staff supervision outside the classroom for up to five minutes. Staff stated that they do not believe C1 left the area immediately outside the door. Staff stated that C1 did not appear to be upset or distressed when found. The site supervisor stated that C1 does not have a history of eloping or attempting to elope from the facility. The site supervisor stated that C1 has a history of getting up and walking around the classroom during circle time, however. The site supervisor reported that C1\342\200\231s authorized representative was notified immediately. This incident was self-reported by the facility on 01/25/24 and a written Unusual Incident Report (UIR) was received by the Department on 01/29/24. The site supervisor reported that after this incident, the facility added an electronic door chime on the exit door in the classroom and provided additional training to staff during a staff meeting covering the topics of care and supervision and communication. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. The exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the site supervisor, Claudia Avalos. Appeal rights were provided. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days. Reports citing Type A violations are to be provided to parents/guardians of children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility for the next 12 months from the date of this report. Parents/guardians must sign form LIC 9224 to be kept in each child's file.