376700122-12-21-2023-10-CC-PBER-CYYQ7G-20231229105505

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376700122
Report Date: 12/21/2023
Date Signed: 12/21/2023 11:30:24 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
11/07/2023 and conducted by Evaluator William M Chancellor Jr.

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20231107105601

FACILITY NAME:	CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSE		FACILITY NUMBER:	376700122
ADMINISTRATOR:	SHAINA CORMIER		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	145 N, MELROSE DR. STE 100		TELEPHONE:	(760) 724-5600
CITY:	VISTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92083
CAPACITY:	126	CENSUS: 83	DATE:	12/21/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:15 AM
MET WITH:	Ralani Donnarumma		TIME COMPLETED:	10:00 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Facility staff did not provide adequate supervision resulting in children engaging in physical altercations.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 12/21/23 at 9:15 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), William Chancellor arrived unannounced to Children’s Paradise-Melrose (CCC) and met with Assistant Interm Director (AD) Ralani Donnarumma to deliver the investigative finding’s regarding the allegation listed above. On November 13, 2023, LPA opened the investigation at the CCC and conducted a census. During this investigation, LPA conducted interviews with AD and three staff. (S1, S2, S3).
On November 07, 2023, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging facility staff did not provide adequate supervision resulting in children engaging in physical altercations; specifically, that C1 has been witnessed engaging in physical altercations with different children. It is alleged that C1 has been observed slapping C4 in the face and ripping C2 clothing. Directly after these incidents, C1 poured paint on C2.

Continued on 9099-C

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: William M Chancellor Jr.
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/21/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/21/2023

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 10-CC-20231107105601

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSE	FACILITY NUMBER: 376700122
	VISIT DATE: 12/21/2023

NARRATIVE

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Three (3) of four (4) interviews revealed that there were three staff in the classroom and appropriate ratios were being maintained on the day of the incident. Five (5) of five (5) interviews revealed that, C1 often antagonizes other children and provokes situations with peers. LPA also obtained incident reports, confirming that C1’s behaviors are neither provoked or predictable, showing a strong correlation between C1 being the aggressor in situations, seeking attention in inappropriate ways and not engaging in play appropriately from peers. Based on a report received by LPA, on October 31, 2023, C1 engaged in twenty-five (25) maladaptive behaviors primarily defined as throwing toys, opening doors, and yelling profanities. Five (5) of Five (5) interviews confirmed that staff are trained to use a positive behavior support plan's to de-escalate a behavior by redirecting the child, blocking hazards or removing C1 from area and using clear communication to request or problem solve. Although there has been an increase in incidents regarding C1, appropriate ratios and supervision have been maintained in the classroom. Four of four interviews confirmed that on the day specified in the report, C1 was separated from peers when incidents occurred, and staff followed appropriate strategies in place to redirect C1.

Based on file reviews, LPA observed that from July through December 2023, reports revealed that CCC has intentionally recorded the frequency of incidents, initiated behavior plans and safety plans to ensure the safety of C1 and other children in care. The CCC has also moved children who were routinely targeted into another classroom. Record review also confirmed that the center implemented a behavior specialist to routinely observe and provide support to the staff and all children in care.
Based on interviews, record review and observations, the allegation that facility staff did not provide adequate supervision resulting in children engaging in physical altercations may have occurred, however is not supported or proven by evidence. Therefore, the above allegation is unsubstantiated. A copy of this report and appeal rights were given to and explained to AD Ralani Donnarumma.

A notice of site visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: William M Chancellor Jr.
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/21/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/21/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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