On February 28, 2023, a complaint was called into the Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IA). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on February 28, 2023, and accepted it for investigation regarding concerns of the improper discipline. An investigation was conducted by OCCL beginning on March 1, 2023, and concluding on March 7, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because a staff member moved a child away from her with her hand then grabbed the child by one arm to physically move him to another part of the classroom. The child was left in an area of the classroom alone for eighteen minutes. While this area of the classroom is labeled as the Safe Place , or an area to calm down, the child was provided minimal direction or guidance, and the area was utilized similarly to time-out.

Disposition: Substantiated

On August 8, 2022, a complaint regarding La Fiesta was called into the Report Line and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IA). It was sent to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) on August 9, 2022, and accepted for improper discipline. On January 4, 2023, IA Investigator Michael Zuka stated the Institutional Abuse Unit will be closing the case as unsubstantiated with concern. The concern noted was for how Staff #1 carried and left marks on Child #1. IA Investigator Zuka stated Staff #1 had no intent to harm Child #1. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline based on the concern reported by IA Investigator Zuka and documentation Staff #2 provided, including Staff #1 s termination letter. The letter verified Staff #1 caused bruising when she inappropriately grabbed Child #1.

Disposition: Substantiated