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13 | On 6/12/25 at 10:55 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gerald Poindexter made an unannounced visit for the complaint received on 3/24/25 for the purpose of delivering findings on the above reference allegations. LPA met with Belinda Arnold, center director. There were 21 children present in 3 classrooms with staff. Facility is with ratio and capacity. During the course of the investigation, LPA Poindexter toured all classrooms and play areas, reviewed facility documents, and interviewed the RP, current and former facility staff, children, parents, and other relevant parties.
It was alleged by the Reporting Party (RP) that “staff member's conduct poses a risk to day care children in care.” The RP specified that this allegation was based on staff’s rough, physical treatment and intimidation towards children that happened primarily during playground-to-classroom (preschool) transitions, and vice-versa. Information from multiple interviewees acknowledged that methods for handling challenging behaviors during transitions and in classrooms could be excessive, and with certain teachers, was sometimes a
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| Substantiated | Estimated Days of Completion: |
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13 | On 6/12/25 at 10:55 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gerald Poindexter made an unannounced visit for the complaint received on 3/24/25 for the purpose of delivering findings on the above reference allegations. LPA met with Belinda Arnold, center director. There were 21 children present in 3 classrooms with staff. Facility is with ratio and capacity. During the course of the investigation, LPA Poindexter toured all classrooms and play areas, reviewed facility documents, and interviewed the RP, current and former facility staff, children, parents, and other relevant parties.
It was alleged by the RP that “staff member handles day care child(ren) in care in a rough manner” – specifically, behaviors in which teachers pushed children to the ground or dragged them along the ground, by their arm or by their clothing. Interviewees consistently denied observing or hearing of these |
| Unsubstantiated | Estimated Days of Completion: |
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NARRATIVE |
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32 | “personal disciplinary” approach used for certain children. Methods witnessed and used by staff, included restricting a child’s movements by holding their arms together or pinning down their legs. Such tactics were deemed as protecting the child and others, but when excessive, are potentially coercive, intimidating, or an infliction of pain on the child. This allegation is substantiated.
It was alleged by the RP that “staff member forces day care child(ren) to sleep while in care.” The RP specified that at naptime, as matter of regular practice, or if children resisted sleep, staff would cover children’s heads with blankets. Information obtained by the LPA acknowledged that certain children did not sleep easily, but that they were not forced to sleep. References were made to sleep-inducing techniques such as rocking or patting the child. If those methods did not work, then re-directing the child to a specific activity. However, interviews confirmed the practice of loosely covering a child’s face with the child’s own sheet or blanket, to induce sleep. The information provided indicated that some children responded positively, but also, that some did not like the practice, and that it was potentially unsafe for some children or triggered difficult emotions. This allegation is substantiated.
Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, the LPA has determined that above allegations are substantiated because the preponderance of the evidence has been met.
See LIC9099D for Type B deficiencies cited.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Belinda Arnold, center director. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal rights were provided.
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Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number | DEFICIENCIES | PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs) |
Type B
07/12/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(3) | 1
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7 | PERSONAL RIGHTS: (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:
(3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature...This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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7 | Center director, Ms. Arnold, stated that the facility will conduct a re-training for the entire staff on Personal Rights, as documented in Title 22. A copy of the regulation was provided by the LPA. TSP Program was recommended by LPA. |
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14 | Based upon interviews, it was determined that staff members were physically excessive in employing techniques to restrain children’s challenging behaviors, which is a potential health, safety and personal rights risk to children in care. | 8
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14 | Facility will submit a copy of the training agenda and a signed/dated attendance sheet to LPA Poindexter by the POC due date. Email: Gerald.Poindexter@dss.ca.gov. POC Due Date: 7/12/25 |
Type B
07/12/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2) | 1
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7 | 101223 PERSONAL RIGHTS: (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement was not met as evidenced by… | 1
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7 | Center director, Ms. Arnold, stated that the facility will conduct a re-training for the entire staff and on Personal Rights, as documented in Title 22. A copy of the regulation was provided by the LPA. TSP Program was recommended by LPA. |
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14 | Based upon interviews, it was determined that staff members loosely covered the heads and faces of several children in care to induce sleep, which is a potential health, safety and personal rights risk to children in care. | 8
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14 | Facility will submit a copy of the training agenda and a signed/dated attendance sheet to LPA Poindexter by the POC due date. Email: Gerald.Poindexter@dss.ca.gov. POC Due Date: 7/12/25 |