Based on staff interviews, there was another incident that involved a child throwing objects and was removed to prevent others from being injured. D1 stated the child was taken to their office to be supervised by D1 and that this is their normal procedure for this kind of situation. Furthermore, D1 stated it is to separate them from the situation and redirect them. Once calmed down, D1 stated the child would return to the other daycare children. D1 stated the daycare children are never alone. Interviews from S1 and S2 indicated that if a child was misbehaving, staff would listen to the child and redirect the situation. Furthermore, S2 stated they would use helpful flash cards that support children on how to handle their emotions. When supervising the daycare children outdoors, D1 stated the staff would walk about the area checking on the children and that a mirror is located in a spot to ensure all areas can be viewed. Statements from S1 and S2 stated that staff would use walkie talkies to communicate with each other and call D1 if needed. In addition, S2 stated that there are times when only half of the area would be used to help with supervision. S1 and S2 stated the daycare children are never isolated, corroborating with D1’s statement.

D1 stated that the facility is not understaffed. Both D1 and S2 stated that the department’s ratio requirement is one teacher to 12 daycare children, but the facility’s ratio is lower with S2 stating that the facility’s ratio is one teacher to 8 or 9 daycare children. D1 and S1 stated there are two staff in one classroom and one in the other classroom. In addition, D1 stated S4 works part time and would assist with breaks/lunches. And if S4 is not available, D1 stated they would assist with classroom ratio.

According to LPA’s Observation on 04/24/2024 and 05/08/2024, LPA toured the inside/outside of the facility and observed that staffing ratios were being met, operating within the licensed capacity and ratio requirements No children were observed to be isolated during the time of inspections.

In Addition, statements from A2 and A3 stated to have been at the facility a few times and observed staff providing proper supervision and never out of ratio. A4 did claim to have observed their child alone in a room and that staff appeared overwhelmed when supervising the daycare children. Furthermore, A4 stated to have been informed by a staff member that the facility is understaffed. Additionally, A6 claimed there was a previous time, when the staff appeared overwhelmed supervising the daycare children during the morning drop off. Interviews conducted by Adults (A2-A3 & A5-A8) and children currently did not have any concerns with the allegations filed against the facility.

(Continued on LIC9099-C)

Based on the information gathered during this investigation, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegations occurred and therefore are determined to be unsubstantiated. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the Director, Faith Michael. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.