During interview with Reporting Party (RP), C1 informed RP that C1 entered a small office (adjacent to the reception area) with the Director and closed the door. C1 informed RP that they were in the office because the Director requested to view the bruising, then took a photo without parental consent.

LPA conducted a visit on 03/19/2024. LPA interviewed Director, four (4) staff members and four (4) children. Director stated they were notified by Staff #3 of C1’s bruising on the afternoon of 01/26/2024. Director stated they spoke to C1 in the small office near the reception area with the door open. Director states C1 confirmed they were pinched, and a photo of their thigh was taken. Director denied closing the door to the office. Director then filed a report with Child Protective Services and attached the photo to the report. Director also submitted an unusual incident report with the licensing department on 01/26.2024. The bruising was documented on an “Ouch Report” and a copy was provided to C1’s family. The ouch report was given as notification to the family that the injury was not sustained at school and an ice pack was offered to C1 as they were complaining of leg pain.

During the interview with staff, 3 out of 4 staff were able to reiterate the personal rights of a child and their responsibilities of being a mandated reporter. 3 out of 4 staff stated C1 informed them each separately of their thigh bruising. 3 out of 4 staff stated they followed their mandated reporter training and reported the injury to the appropriate individuals and agencies. 3 out of 4 staff stated they were not aware of the discussion between C1 and the Director outside of the classroom. 1 out of 4 stated they observed the small office near the reception door open while Director was speaking to C1.

LPA interviewed four (4) children including C1. There were no disclosures made to LPA.

LPA interviewed three (3) parents. Parents did not provide any information pertinent to allegations of this complaint.

LPA reviewed the facility’s enrollment policies in C1’s facility file. The enrollment policies in the admissions agreement mention media release for photo consent and give parents the option to decline. The enrollment policies form for the 2023-2024 school year were signed by C1’s family dated 06/25/2023. There was no written notice by C1’s family choosing to decline photos and other forms of media to be obtained by the facility.

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Based on LPA’s interviews and record review, the allegation that staff did not accord child dignity in their interactions with staff may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Exit interview was conducted with Director Krista Bartolome. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Facility representative was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalty of $100. Licensee was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days.