According to the self-report incident sent to our office, a Community Member who is also the Reporting Party (RP) witnessed a Teacher put her hands on a child. The witness stated the Teacher pushed a child into the building and step over the child. The UIR also states that the child cried and that the Teacher did not attempt to help the child get up.

LPA Corral also interviewed the District Leader, Charlotte Deschenes on 03/19/2021. Charlotte stated she attempted to interview other staff regarding the incident but was unable to because no other staff saw what happened. According to Charlotte, the Community Member is the only one stating she witnessed the incident. RP stated that when she was sitting in her car, she heard children playing, and she looked up and saw the incident where she described a child being shoved in to building by a Teacher and stepped over.

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District Leader stated that from where the RP was sitting, there is no way she could see into the building. According to District Leader no matter what position you are outside, there is not a parking spot that allows you to see inside the building or classroom. District Leader also informed LPA Corral that she interviewed Alleged Teacher, the interview was requested and provided to LPA Corral.

LPA Corral contacted Community Member on 03/23/2021 who was the Reporting Party (RP) who witnessed the alleged incident. RP stated she was sitting across from KinderCare having lunch in her car about 40 feet away from door, when she heard a child yelling and crying as the teacher was ushering other children inside. Community member believes the child was upset because child didn’t want to go inside. RP stated she then witnessed a child be shoved into the building and fall down face first and teacher did not try to help child up.

Child’s Father was also contacted by LPA Corral on 03/26/2021. Father stated he was informed of the incident verbally and in writing by Director Shannon. Father stated his child is happy and nothing has changed. Child is non-verbal and was unable to be interviewed but Father stated child is happy to go to care and play with other children.

Lastly, the alleged Teacher was also interviewed by LPA Corral on 03/26/2021. LPA Corral and teacher discussed length of employment, Teacher’s work schedule and job duties. The alleged incident was also discussed. Teacher stated that she was working with the toddlers and it had rained the day prior to the incident. Teacher was redirecting the children away from puddles to avoid the children from getting wet. Teacher stated it was a busy task and after a couple minutes the children were taken to the playground because there were less puddles there. Teacher took 2 toddlers by the hand, C1 and C2 but they did not want to go inside. Teacher stated C1 cried but there was no pushing, and nobody fell. Teacher only redirected the children to make sure they didn’t fall in any puddles. According to Teacher C1 didn’t pull away, he only cried when they left the playground, but he stopped crying before they entered the center.

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On 03/26/2021 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Corral conducted a Tele- inspection via Zoom to deliver findings for an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) which was self-reported to our office on 03/11/2021. LPA Corral met with Director, Shannon Valdez via Zoom application. LPA notified the director that due to COVID-19 and Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines of Social Distancing a Tele-Inspection would be conducted. The COVID-19 Emergency Response questions were asked. During the Tele-Inspection there were 4 children with 2 staff present in the facility. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 03/26/2021 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

Due to the information that was obtained during the Director, District Leader, Teacher and Parent Interviews, no citation is being issued. The Notice of Site Visit was not posted due to Tele-Investigation COVID-19 State of Emergency. Appeal Rights were explained. A copy of Appeal Rights will be provided through email and signature on this report acknowledges receipt of these rights. (The "Read Receipt" is in lieu of a signature). Director was informed first level appeal is to Regional Manager. Exit interview was conducted.

End of Report.