During interviews conducted with Staff #1 through Staff #6, all staff stated that no staff member hits or taps children on the head and that they have never observed any staff member do that to a child in care.

During an interview, the director stated, “Not one of my staff hit.” The director denied that staff hit or tapped children and stated that such behavior is not permitted at the facility.

During parent interviews, no disclosures were made pertaining to the allegation.

During child interviews, no disclosures were made pertaining to the allegation. Child #1 stated that no teacher has ever pulled their ear or tap them on the head.

During the course of the investigation, LPA observed staff interacting with children in a respectful manner and redirecting children appropriately. LPA did not observe any staff member hit, pull, or tap a child. LPA also reviewed the facility’s file and did not observe any allegations of staff hitting children nor any staff concerns. Based on interviews conducted, observations made during the investigation, and records reviewed, there was insufficient pertaining to the allegation.

Allegation 2: Staff do not adequately supervise day care children

Per the Reporting Party, R.P. it was alleged that, “Lack of Supervision On multiple occasions, 3-4 children were placed in a hallway for nap time without direct supervision from a teacher.” The Reporting Party was unavailable for follow-up interviews and additional questions regarding the allegation.

During interviews conducted with Staff #1 through Staff #6, staff acknowledged that on occasion some children were allowed to rest on cots in the hallway during nap time. Staff explained that these were generally older children who had difficulty napping due to distractions in the classroom. Staff stated that a teacher remained with and continuously supervised the children at all times while they were in the hallway. Staff stated that the classroom has since been rearranged to provide additional space, allowing all children to nap inside the classroom with fewer distractions.

During the course of the investigation, LPA did not observe any children sleeping in the hallway. At the time of the inspection, all children were observed napping inside their assigned classrooms under the visual supervision of staff. LPA observed that the classrooms had been rearranged to provide additional space and reduce distractions during nap time. LPA also observed the hallway to be wide, unobstructed, and free of hazards, with no exits blocked. Based on interviews conducted, staff stated that when children had previously rested in the hallway, a teacher remained with and visually always supervised the children. LPA found no evidence that the teacher-child ratio or supervision requirements were not met. Although LPA advised the facility to continue having children inside their assigned classrooms as a best practice to promote direct supervision and consistency of care, LPA did not observe evidence during the investigation that children were left without supervision or placed in an unsafe environment. Based on interviews, observations, and records reviewed, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation that children were inadequately supervised during nap time.

Therefore, the allegation is determined to be Unsubstantiated. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore at this time the above allegation is unsubstantiated.

An exit interview was conducted with Director Annie Chen. Appeal rights were discussed and provided. A copy of this report was provided during the conclusion of the visit. A Notice of Site Visit (NOS) was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.