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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197402054
Report Date: 05/21/2024
Date Signed: 05/21/2024 12:25:00 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/01/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Lilia Hernandez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240301102853
FACILITY NAME:LASSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
197402054
ADMINISTRATOR:MOORE, LANCEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:15017 SUPERIOR STREET K-3,K-4TELEPHONE:
(818) 892-8618
CITY:SUPELVEDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91343
CAPACITY:46CENSUS: 14DATE:
05/21/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:04 AM
MET WITH:Uchenna Okereke, PrincipalTIME COMPLETED:
12:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not adequately supervise day care children.
Staff did not ensure that unsafe items are inaccessible to day care children.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lilia Hernandez conducted an unannounced complaint inspection on 05/21/2024 to investigate the above allegation. LPA arrived at the facility at 9:04AM and met with Uchenna Okereke, Principal, who approved for LPA to singularly tour the facility. There were 14 children and 7 staff upon arrival.

The purpose of the visit is to deliver findings for the above allegations.

During the investigation conducted by the LPA, interviews were conducted, records were reviewed, observation of care and supervision were made. LPAs also obtained copies of the facility roster and other pertinent information and documents.

Details provided by the reporting party indicates that staff did not adequately supervise day care children and staff did not ensure that unsafe items are inaccessible to day care children. ---Page 1 of 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Rita Ramos
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilia Hernandez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/01/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Lilia Hernandez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240301102853

FACILITY NAME:LASSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
197402054
ADMINISTRATOR:MOORE, LANCEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:15017 SUPERIOR STREET K-3,K-4TELEPHONE:
(818) 892-8618
CITY:SUPELVEDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91343
CAPACITY:46CENSUS: 14DATE:
05/21/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:04 AM
MET WITH:Uchenna Okereke, PrincipalTIME COMPLETED:
12:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff did not report illness to child's authorized representative
Staff did not isolate sick day care child from other children in care
Staff handled day care child in a rough manner
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lilia Hernandez conducted an unannounced complaint inspection on 05/21/2024 to investigate the above allegation. LPA arrived at the facility at 9:04AM and met with Uchenna Okereke, Principal, who approved for LPA to singularly tour the facility. There were 14 children and 7 staff upon arrival.

The purpose of the visit is to deliver findings for the above allegations.
During the investigation conducted by the LPA, interviews were conducted, records were reviewed, observation of care and supervision were made. LPAs also obtained copies of the facility roster and other pertinent information and documents.

Details provided by the reporting party indicates that staff did not report illness to child's authorized representative, staff did not isolate sick day care child from other children in care, and staff handled day care child in a rough manner. ---Page 1 of 2

Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Rita Ramos
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilia Hernandez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 58-CC-20240301102853
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: LASSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197402054
VISIT DATE: 05/21/2024
NARRATIVE
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During an interview with the reporting party, reporting party was not able to recall the incident that occurred when staff did not report illnesses to child's authorized representative. Reporting party was also not able to recall when a sick child was not isolated from other children as first reported. Reporting party was also not able to recall the incident when a staff handled a child in a rough manner.

Principal was not able to provide information regarding the allegations.

During interviews with staff, staff disclosed that the facility has an isolation area located in the nurse's office. Staff also disclosed that children who show signs of illness while in care are taken to the nurse's office and parents are called should the child need to go home due to illness. Staff made no disclosures of children being handled in a rough manner.

During the investigation, LPA observed the isolation area for children in the nurse's office. LPA also conducted an observation of care and supervision of children in care. At no time did LPA observe staff handle children in a rough manner or use physical redirection.

Based on the investigation conducted by the Department it has been determined that although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated.

A copy of this report, appeal rights, and Notice of Site Visit was provided.

Exit interview was conducted with Uchenna Okereke, Principal. ---Page 2 of 2
SUPERVISORS NAME: Rita Ramos
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilia Hernandez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 58-CC-20240301102853
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: LASSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197402054
VISIT DATE: 05/21/2024
NARRATIVE
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Principal was not able to provide information regarding the allegations. Principal did disclose that there were recent changes to staff assignments in Rooms K-3 and K-4.
During interviews with staff, disclosures were made of Staff#5 not able to find Child#3 during outdoor play. During an interview with Staff#5, Staff #5 disclosed that they in fact could not find Child#5 but Child #5 was not lost because Child #5 was found in Room K-3 playing hide and seek. Staff #6 disclosed that Child #1 and Child #2 were observed with thumb tacks in their mouth. Staff #6 also disclosed that thumb tacks are used in the classroom to secure documents on the board for children to view.

During LPA’s observation of care and supervision, LPA observed Staff#5 telling children to throw their trash away and clean up. Staff #5 was helping a child clean when Child #4 fell from their chair and injured their head. Staff #5 did not see Child#4 fall. Staff#5 heard Child #4 cry and Child#4 was taken to the nurse’s office to administer first aid and contact their parent. LPA observed the use of thumbtacks on the walls where documents are posted. LPA also observed thumbtacks accessible to children on the floor near the areas children use for play. During the observation, LPA advised Staff #5 to make thumb tacks inaccessible children to ensure children do not place thumb tacks in their mouths.

Based on the investigation conducted by the Department which includes interviews, observations, record reviews, and other pertinent information and documents, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

The following deficiencies listed on the attached deficiency pages are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22.

A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled children for the next 12 months (1 year). The Acknowledgement form must be maintained in each child’s file immediately upon receipt from parent. Principal was provided with a copy of the parent Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports Form during this visit.

A copy of this report, appeal rights, and Notice of Site Visit was provided.

Exit interview was conducted with Uchenna Okereke, Principal. ---Page 2 of 2
SUPERVISORS NAME: Rita Ramos
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilia Hernandez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 58-CC-20240301102853
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: LASSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197402054
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 05/21/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
05/31/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)(1)
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Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision(a)The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs.(1)No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time..Supervision shall include visual observation.
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Per Principal, staff meeting will be held to remind staff of care and supervision. Principal will submit an agenda, and sign in sheets of all staff who participated via email to LPA by POC due date.
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This requirement was not met as evidenced by observations, interviews conducted, and disclosures made indicating that Staff#5 was not able to find Child#3 during outdoor play. Staff #5 disclosed that they in fact could not find Child#5, Child #5 was found in Room K-3 playing hide and seek. LPA observed Child #4 fall from their chair and injured their head. Staff #5 did not see Child#4 fall which poses an immediate health, safety, and personal rights risk to children in care.
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Type A
05/21/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)
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Buildings and Grounds (a)The child care center shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors.
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Per Principal, staff meeting will be held to remind staff of child care center being clean, safe and sanitary. Principal will submit an agenda, and sign in sheets of all staff who participated via email to LPA by POC due date.
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This requirement was not met as evidenced by observations, interviews conducted, and disclosures made indicating that Staff #6 observed Child #1 and Child #2 with thumb tacks in their mouth. LPA also observed thumbtacks accessible to children on the floor near the areas children use for play which poses an immediate health, safety, and personal rights risk to children in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Rita Ramos
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilia Hernandez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/21/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5