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13 | On 10/22/24 at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Kiriko Lynch and Noah Wheeler conducted an unannounced complaint inspection and met with lead teacher Debbie Sotelo-Mattax. It was alleged that the licensee handled daycare child in a rough manner, staff left daycare children in soiled urine and feces, staff left daycare child crying for an extended period of time, the licensee made inappropriate comments to daycare child, and the classroom is operating out of ratio. The Licensee was interviewed on 07/26/24 and they stated she has never witnessed staff doing any of the above allegations, and denied all allegations. She stated that they use redirection instead of verbal or physical discipline, and talk to children or send them home when they bite. Diapers are checked every half hour, before nap and after nap. The licensee also stated that children are comforted when they are crying and offered hugs, and they have a book area used as a calm area. They are careful to follow ratios. The Director and two staff (S1-S3) were interviewed on 09/20/24 and denied the allegations. One staff stated that there was a child that needed changing at lunch time, but wanted to finish eating before their diaper was changed. One staff stated that some children do not like to be physically comforted and prefer to “cry it out” so they will give them space. Two staff stated that they were out of ratio in the past, but have corrected it and there is now additional staff. Four parents (P1-P4) were interviewed on 10/21/24. Parents stated that they have not witnessed any of the allegations, with the exception of one parent that stated a staff grabbed a toy roughly and there was an issue with diaper changing on one occasion. Four children (C1-C4) were interviewed. Children stated that they have a time out when they are in trouble, and one child stated that a teacher yelled and pulled on children. During the complaint inspection visits, LPAs observed the facility staff were providing adequate care and supervision to children and operating within ratio. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated. Exit interview conducted, notice of site visit posted, and appeal rights provided.
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