197750149-8-2-2023-12-CC-MRAN-CUSVFG-20230817162356

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197750149
Report Date: 08/02/2023
Date Signed: 08/02/2023 06:49:42 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CHILD CARE, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
07/31/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Andrea Pittman

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 12-CC-20230731155244

FACILITY NAME:	ARK ACADEMY		FACILITY NUMBER:	197750149
ADMINISTRATOR:	VONDA PERRY		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1146 COMMERCE CENTER DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(661) 504-4034
CITY:	LANCASTER	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	93534
CAPACITY:	15	CENSUS: 13	DATE:	08/02/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	01:29 PM
MET WITH:	Director Vonda Perry		TIME COMPLETED:	07:00 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff are reusing disposable eating supplies/utensils for the children in care.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 8/2/2023 at 1:29pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrea Pittman conducted an unannounced visit to conduct the complaint investigation and deliver findings. Upon arrival, LPA was met by the Director Vonda Perry and permitted entry into the facility. LPA observed 13 children in care with 1 staff providing care and supervision, fingerprint associated to the facility.

LPA conducted an investigation into the allegation including observations, interviews, and record reviews. LPA interviewed the children, staff, and any other relevant parties. As part of the investigation, LPA obtained the facility and children’s rosters, sign-in sheets, and other documents relevant to the investigation. The investigation revealed the following evidence:

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Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Mariela Ramon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Andrea Pittman
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/02/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/02/2023

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 12-CC-20230731155244

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CHILD CARE, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551

FACILITY NAME: ARK ACADEMY	FACILITY NUMBER: 197750149
	VISIT DATE: 08/02/2023

NARRATIVE

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Allegation 1: It was alleged that staff reused the disposable eating utensils after use by children in care. The investigation revealed that the center uses disposable paper plates and eating utensils. Staff 1 disclosed that Staff 2 and Staff 3 are the primary staff responsible for cleaning the dishes, equipment, and eating utensils in the kitchen. Additionally, Staff 5 disclosed that Staff 5 and Staff 1 are also responsible for cleaning equipment, dishes, and eating utensils. Interviews from Staff 1, Staff 3, and Staff 5 revealed that they all stated they have only disposed of eating utensils and cleaned the dishes and equipment. All staff stated that when dish washing occurs, they use cleansing agents and hot water to sanitize and disinfect equipment and kitchenware. Interviews with other relevant parties and with Staff support that both disposable paper plates and eating utensils are typically disposed of by children of the program or staff, if children do not throw away the eating utensils. Staff 3 did admit that only once have they cleaned and sanitized disposable eating utensils only and placed the disposable eating utensils for reuse by children in care after being sanitized and disinfected.

After observations, record reviews, and interviews, it was determined that there was sufficient evidence that Staff 3 did reuse disposable eating utensils; however, there was insufficient evidence that the disposable eating utensils were not properly sanitized. The policy requires that any utensils used must be sanitized, regardless of being disposable or reusable. The allegation could not be corroborated with the evidence found during the investigation. Therefore, the allegation has been found unsubstantiated. Although, the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the facility operated in violation of policy in this circumstance.

An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided and explained to Director Vonda Perry along with the Notice of Site Visit and Appeal Rights.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Mariela Ramon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Andrea Pittman
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/02/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/02/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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