Incident investigation·October 28, 2022

On 10/28/2022, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Ruby Ocegueda and Daniel Alvarez conducted an unannounced case management inspection to address an Unusual Incident that occurred on 10/12/2022. LPA's met with licensee Maria Bermudez. A tour was conducted, and a census was taken. On 10/13/2022, Licensee reported to the Department that on 10/12/2022, child #1 opened the door in the day care room and ran towards the mailbox at the end of the driveway. At the time of the incident, licensee stated she had visual observation of the child and chased after him and brought him back inside. The parent was contacted immediately to discuss the child's actions. Today, licensee discussed the safety measures she had in place during the time of the incident and what extra measures she has implemented since the incident. LPA confirmed that licensee has a door alarm at the door and that this helps alert her of anyone coming into the facility and out of the facility. Licensee stated that she is always near the children, even when she cooks or eats her lunch. Since the incident, licensee closes the wooden gate that separates the entrance to the day care from the driveway area so that if a child gets out there will be an extra barrier from the driveway and street. LPA's advised that she maintain the wooden gate unlocked as to not prevent her or the children from exiting in case of an emergency. Licensee also stated that she regularly reminds child #1 of safety and rules. LPA's reminded licensee to continue to provide adequate care and supervision of children and that she should continue to report any unusual incidents to the Department. Today, LPA's determined that the facility met all reporting requirements and that the incident was an isolated incident and not a result of lack of care and supervision. An exit interview was conducted with licensee Maria Bermudez. Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations, no deficiency is cited today.