Sequoia Preschool Academy

Notice to parents that site visit reports are available — Based on interviews and statements made by Director, copies of licensing reports were not provided to all parents upon receipt by the licensee. This poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Personal Rights — Based on interviews and observation, Staff1 was observed shoving Child 1 in a forceful manner five times with escalating force each time resulting in bruising to the child’s forehead. Staff 1 was also observed lifting Child 2 by the hand from the ground and dragging the child several feet, which poses an immediate risk to the Health, Safety and Personal Rights to the children in care.

Personal Rights — Based upon information obtained, Child 1 was consistently able to engage in behaviors that could harm multiple children in the preschool without staff reasonably protecting them from child-on-child aggression, including throwing objects. This poses an immediate risk to the health and safety risk to children in care.

CCR102370(d)(1) Prior to employment or initial presence in the CCC, all employees and volunteers subject to a criminal record review shall obtain a California clearance or a criminal record exemption as required by law or Department regulations. This requirement was not met by: Based on record review and interview, Director allowed Staff#1 to work in the kitchen of the facility. Staff #1 is not eligible for a Criminal Record Clearance exemption and determination closed. This poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, and/or personal rights of children in care. A civil penalty was assessed.

Immunizations — Based on review of facility records, Child 1 did not have immunization records in the file.

101223 Personal Rights (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (3) To be free from... intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse .... — Based on interviews and observation, Staff 4 has been observed making inappropriate comments to children, making statements such as, “You’re spoiled,” “You don’t listen,” and repeatedly tell the children, “If you don’t stop talking, I’m going to turn off the movie. Stop talking!” Staff 1 was observed making statements to a children that they are bad and don’t listen.

Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision — During an inspection and reviewing facility surveillance footage, on 01/07/2025 at approximately 1:06PM, Staff #4 left the back preschool classroom and enter into another room for several minutes, leaving the preschool children unsupervised

Teacher-Child Ratio — While conducting the census, LPA and LPM observed 20 preschool children being supervised by two staff. LPM conducted a file review and determined that the two staff included one fully qualified teacher (Staff 4) and one teacher aide (Staff 5).

Personal Rights — Based upon information obtained, Staff 2 consistently yells at preschool children in an aggressive and intimidating tone. This poses a potential risk to the health and safety of children in care.

Sign In and Sign Out — During a review of facility records, on 06/05/2024, LPA Valerie Mireles observed Child #2 already signed in and out from 06/03/2024 through 06/07/2024.

Teacher-Child Ratio — LPA Tristan's observations during today's inspection. LPA observed only one staff, Staff #1 caring and supervising 18 preschool children in play yard. This poses a potential health and safety risk to children in care.

Staff immunization requirements — LPA’s observation: Based on LPA's visual observation of staff files, a duplicate copy of Staff #5's immunization record was in Staff #4's file. This poses a potential risk to the Health, Safety and Personal Rights to children in care.

Alterations to Existing Buildings or New Facilities — Per LPA's visual observation and interview. LPA observed the facility is currently undergoing construction for building repairs. Director Janet Guthmiller reported that the facility obtained grant money and will be undoing repairs over a 120-day period to be completed by January 2024.

Criminal Record Clearance. Prior to working or volunteering in a licensed child care facility, all individuals subject to a criminal record review shall request a transfer of a criminal record clearance from another facility or Trustline. LPA reviewed clearances and found staff #1 was missing Child Abuse Central Index clearance and staff #2 was not associated to the facility. This poses a potential risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children. A $100 civil penalty to be assesed.