The LPA met with director Richardson today at 3:00pm via tele-visit to discuss the complaint findings. A follow-up video tour of the facility was conducted at 03:17pm today. There was 13 school-age children present being supervised by 2 staff members. During the 06/09/21 interview, director Richardson denied the allegation that the center utilized unqualified staff to provide care and supervision to school-age children. Richardson stated that S6 was never assigned to work in the school-age classroom and was never asked to supervise school-age children in any capacity. Richardson stated that S6 is currently not working at the facility. Richardson stated that teacher’s aides are never left alone with school-age children.

Richardson, however, did acknowledge that there may have been an inappropriate touching incident that occurred between child C1 and C2 at the center. Richardson stated that although active supervision is provided to the children in the classroom and on the playground, the touching incident was not observed by any staff members or reported by any child. Richardson stated that staff are trained to provide active supervision to the children in care. Richardson stated that she was not aware any incident had occurred until it was brought to her attention by a guardian of one of the children involved. Richardson stated she believes this to be an isolated incident.

During the complaint investigation, interviews were conducted with facility staff (S2-S5) on 06/09/21 beginning at 12:46pm. The staff that were interviewed all stated that they have never observed any inappropriate interactions between school-age children in care. Staff interviewed all stated that they have never observed staff S6 or any teacher’s aide being left alone with school-age children in care. Staff stated that they believe the center is providing adequate care and supervision to meet the children’s needs. Staff stated that they position themselves so that they can observe all the children: watching, counting, and listening. During transitions, staff account for all children by conducting name-to-face checks. Staff interviewed stated that they use their knowledge of each child’s development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. The staff interviewed all corroborated the center director’s statements.

Interviews with daycare children were conducted during the investigation. The children interviewed all stated that they felt safe while attending the center and that they did not have any concerns about their own safety while at the center. The children that were interviewed all indicated that adequate care and active supervision was being provided at the center. The children interviewed stated that staff members walk around the classroom and playground to monitor and engage with children. The children stated that they enjoy attending this facility.

Although it was corroborated that child C1 and C2 engaged in inappropriate interactions with one another, based on available information and interviews conducted, the inappropriate interactions were likely not caused by a lack of supervision or any other violation of regulations. Furthermore, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation that the center utilized unqualified staff to provide care and supervision to children in care. Therefore, the allegations are unsubstantiated. All licensing reports are public information and must be made available upon request for at least three years. This report was read and reviewed with the director. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited during today's inspection. Appeal rights were provided.

This report was emailed to the center director.