Incident investigation·November 9, 2021

On November 9, 2021 at 10:45 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Francisco Pedroza conducted an unannounced Case Management inspection. LPAs met with facility Director Cheryl Curtis and advised her the purpose of the inspection. Director provided LPAs a tour of the facility inside and out. There were 85 children in care at the time of the inspection. On November 8, 2021, Director contacted Community Care Licensing (CCL) to report an incident that occurred on November 5, 2021. Director advised that a child was found outside in the playground alone by another staff of the facility. The child was then escorted by the staff to their classroom. LPAs observed the video footage of the incident, measured the distance from the fence to the playground structure, record reviews, and conducted staff interviews with the staff involved in the incident. On November 5, 2021 at 11:03 AM LPAs observed C1 on Camera # 1 was playing by the fence on their side of the yard. At 11:07 AM C1 was observed slipping through/under the gate into the next yard unnoticed by staff. C1 began to play with others. At 11:09 AM C1 was observed leaving the area out of view from Camera # 1. At 11:09 AM on Camera #2, C1 came into view and was observed going to play on the playground structures. LPAs observed two parents entering through the gate and one facility member at separate times not not observing the child. At 11:31 two staff observed C1 was playing on the playground alone without supervision. They entered trough the gate and escorted at the child to another teacher. The teacher and two staff then escorted the child to the other side of the gate to their classroom. C1 was unsupervised on the playground for 24 minutes. LPAs measured the distance from the gate C1 came in from to the beginning of the playground structures which was 85,70 feet. During record reviews it was estimated there was 20 to 25 children out in the playground with three (3) to four (4) staff. C1's parent was notified on 11/5/21 at 5:20 PM when they arrived to pick up the child. Continued on 809-C Staff advised that C1 returned back to the facility on 11/8/2021. Since the incident the facility had a meeting with all staff. They implemented new precautions and accountability requirements. On November 9, 2021 at 2:07 PM, LPAs determined that there was an Absence of Supervision for 24 minutes. Staff interviews and statements confirmed that they were unaware C1 was missing until they were escorted back to the playground. Director advised that she understood. LPAs advised California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 12) 101229(a)(1) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision will be cited. A closing interview was conducted with Director Cheryl Curtis. Director was provided and advised of their right to appeal. A copy of this report was provided to the Director. Director advised that it is a posting requirement. Each parent is required to receive a copy of the report and sign a LIC 9224 to be place in their child's file on next day their child is brought to the facility. One type A deficiency was cited during today's inspection. Notice of site visit posted.