complaint·March 7, 2022

The licensee stated that the facility requires all staff members and children over two to wear a face covering while indoors unless eating or napping. The licensee stated that the age range of the children she currently has enrolled are between birth to three years of age. The licensee stated that due to the young ages of children in care, most have difficulties correctly wearing a mask correctly and frequently remove their mask from their face, suck on the lining of their mask, or wear it around their chin. The licensee stated that the facility has attempted various techniques to make mask wearing fun for the children. The licensee stated that some of the children still refuse to wear a face covering while inside the facility. The licensee stated that child sized masks are readily available at the facility for the children to utilize. The licensee stated that all staff members are required to wear a face covering while inside the facility and working with children. The licensee stated that masks are never placed on children under two or while children are napping. The LPA observed that during both site visits, all staff members were wearing a face covering while inside the facility with the children. During the initial site visit, the children were napping and were not wearing face coverings. During today\342\200\231s visit, the LPA observed that children over two were playing outdoors without face coverings. However, their face coverings were available nearby inside the home. During the investigation, interviews were conducted with the facility\342\200\231s staff members S2-S4 on 01/27/22, 02/17/22, and 03/07/22 respectively, and childcare clients. Staff members that were interviewed all corroborated the licensee\342\200\231s statements. The clients that were interviewed all stated that they did not have any health and safety related concerns about the facility and that the facility requires face coverings. Clients stated that they believe the facility is taking the proper safety precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The licensee stated that there are no children or staff members present that possessed a medical exemption to mask requirements. Literature regarding COVID-19 guidelines and best practices from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division were provided to the licensee. Based on the information gathered during this investigation, there is not a preponderance of evidence to support the allegation. The allegation is determined to be unsubstantiated. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the facility\342\200\231s licensee, Andrea Deason. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.