Incident investigation·July 29, 2024

On 07/29/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Valerie Mireles met with Director Kim Hammond for an unannounced case management inspection. A file review was conducted prior to today's inspection. LPA toured the facility. LPA observed 38 children in care divided into four classrooms. The purpose of today's inspection was to address an unusual incident that took place at the facility on 05/06/2024. An Unusual Incident Report (UIR) was submitted to the Fresno Community Care Licensing Office regarding an incident that occurred, on 05/06/2024, involving a daycare child sustaining an injury while in care. Regarding the incident, Child #1 was being disruptive and kicking another child. Staff asked Child #1 to stop multiple times. Staff #1 assisted Child #1 out from under chair by holding their hand when the child dropped their weight. Staff #1 immediately let go of the child. Throughout the day, the child complained of arm pain and Director Hammond rendered aid to the child, the child was observed using their arm, was picked up by parent and taken to the doctor the following day. On 07/29/2024, LPA spoke with Director Hammond, who advised that Staff #1 is no longer employed at their facility for reasons unrelated to this incident. LPA spoke to Staff #2, who reportedly witnessed the incident as it occurred and was in proximity of the child when the incident occurred. The staff's account of the incident corroborated the UIR. According to Director Hammond, on 05/09/2024, the parents of child #1 stated that the child was seen by a doctor, reported that there are no limitations, and the child returned to day care without a doctor's clearance and no brace or cast. As of 07/26/2024, child #1 no longer attends the daycare due to graduating the preschool program. Director Hammond reported that they took additional precautions with the child, even without having the documented restrictions. At the time of the incident there were two teachers present and approximately 18 children present in the classroom where the incident occurred; therefore, adequate supervision was in place. Continued to LIC809-C Based on the information obtained, LPA determined staff handled the incident correctly and reporting requirements were met. After interviewing staff and reviewing facility records, LPA determined this was an isolated incident, facility staff took appropriate measures to address the child’s injury, following proper policies and procedures and no regulations were violated. Per the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, no deficiency was cited during today’s inspection. Exit interview conducted with the Director, Kimberly Hammond. Appeal Rights were provided.