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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 283009162
Report Date: 03/27/2023
Date Signed: 03/27/2023 05:59:59 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/03/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20230103120734
FACILITY NAME:LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERYFACILITY NUMBER:
283009162
ADMINISTRATOR:PAL PINTACSI, MILLIFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:2645 LAUREL STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 690-8797
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94558
CAPACITY:50CENSUS: 39DATE:
03/27/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:18 PM
MET WITH:Milli Pal PintacsiTIME COMPLETED:
02:09 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Daycare child was bitten several times while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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A follow-up complaint investigation visit was made today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Y. Yang to deliver complaint investigation findings. Previously, an investigation visit was made to the facility by LPA S. Phouthavong on 01/06/23 and on 02/09/23 and 02/21/23 by LPA Yang. It has been alleged that daycare child C1 was bitten several times while in care. Specifically, it was alleged that the center is not meeting the needs of child C1 resulting in child C1 biting other children and being bitten by other children.

During the LPA’s 02/09/23 site visit and interview with the Licensee/Center Director, Milli Pal Pintacsi, the Licensee acknowledged that child C1 was bitten by other children and bit other children on more than one occasion while in care. The Licensee stated that the bites were not due to a lack of supervision but rather due to the ages of the children. The Licensee stated that C1 was enrolled in an infant classroom (one to two years old) with children that were teething and lacking language skills. The Licensee stated that the bite incidents often occurred quickly and without warning. The Licensee stated that none of the bite incidents required medical attention. The Licensee stated that in the event of a bite incident, the authorized representatives of both children are notified through the Bright Wheel app. (Continued on LIC9099-C)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 9
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/03/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20230103120734

FACILITY NAME:LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERYFACILITY NUMBER:
283009162
ADMINISTRATOR:PAL PINTACSI, MILLIFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:2645 LAUREL STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 690-8797
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94558
CAPACITY:50CENSUS: 42DATE:
03/27/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:18 PM
MET WITH:Milli Pal PintacsiTIME COMPLETED:
02:09 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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-Day-care child was left in a soiled diaper for a long period of time
-Day-care child left in wet clothing for a long period of time
-Staff did not allow day-care child to finish eating food
-Facility is unsanitary
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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A follow-up complaint investigation visit was made today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Y. Yang to deliver complaint investigation findings. Previously, an investigation visit was made to the facility by LPA S. Phouthavong on 01/06/23 and on 02/09/23 and 02/21/23 by LPA Yang. It has been alleged that on more than one occasion, daycare child C1 was left in a soiled diaper or wet clothing for an extended period of time. It has also been alleged that the facility did not allow child C1 to finish eating their meal(s) and that the floors in the infant classrooms are unsanitary.

During the LPA’s 02/09/23 site visit and interview with the Licensee/Center Director, Milli Pal Pintacsi, the Licensee denied the allegations. The Licensee stated that children at the center are changed every two hours or sooner if needed. The Licensee stated that if a staff member detects a bowel movement in a child’s diaper, the diaper is changed immediately.
The Licensee stated that the diaper changes are logged on the Bright Wheel app and on a whiteboard, located in each classroom. The Licensee stated that staff make an effort to immediately update the Bright Wheel app after a diaper change, however, this is not always possible due to teachers being busy working with the children. (Continued on LIC9099-C)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20230103120734
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERY
FACILITY NUMBER: 283009162
VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023
NARRATIVE
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The Licensee stated that a child’s diapering needs are documented in their needs and services plan that teachers follow. The Licensee stated that if a child is picked up from the outdoor play yard in the afternoon, teachers will offer to change a child’s diaper if necessary, before the child is signed out by their authorized representative.

The Licensee stated that every child at the center has at least one spare change of clothing. The Licensee stated that if a child does not have a change of clothing available at the center, the center has spare clothing available for the child to borrow. The Licensee stated that families are asked to provide their child with a rain suit and rain boots for use when playing outdoors in wet weather. The Licensee stated that the center will not permit children to play outdoors in severe weather but will allow children to play outdoors when there is light rain if it is safe to do so. The Licensee stated that once the children return indoors, teachers will change children’s clothing if necessary. The Licensee stated that children are never left in wet clothing for an extended period of time.

The Licensee stated that on average, children who consume solid foods are provided approximately 30 minutes to eat their meals at the center. The Licensee stated that some children will finish before the time is up while other children require additional time. The Licensee stated that children are provided extra time if needed. The Licensee stated that all meals and snacks are brought from home. The Licensee stated that all uneaten food is sent home with the child at the end of the day. The Licensee stated that children are never forced to eat their food but are encouraged by their teachers to consume what was packed for them. The Licensee stated that children’s appetites during mealtimes are documented on the Bright Wheel app.

The Licensee stated that staff and children are not permitted to wear their outdoor shoes inside the classrooms. The Licensee stated that staff will leave their outdoor shoes outside the classroom entrance and change into indoor shoes or will wear socks inside the classroom. The Licensee stated that children have the option of either walking bare foot or wearing non-skid socks. The Licensee stated that several teachers at the center wear Crocs brand shoes for both indoor and outdoor shoes. The Licensee stated that it may appear that a teacher is wearing their outdoor shoes inside the classroom. The Licensee stated that the floors inside the classrooms are swept, vacuumed, and mopped several times a day by staff members. The Licensee stated the center also uses a weekly cleaning service for a “deep cleaning.” (Continued on LIC9099-C)

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20230103120734
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERY
FACILITY NUMBER: 283009162
VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, interviews were conducted with the center’s staff S1-S3 on 02/09/23 and S4-S7 on 02/21/23. Interviews with childcare clients were also conducted during the investigation. The staff members that were interviewed all corroborated the Licensee’s statements. Childcare clients that were interviewed stated that they have not observed or heard about any instance where a child was left in a soiled diaper or wet clothing for an extended amount of time. Clients stated that they believe their child is provided an adequate amount of time to eat meals and snacks. Clients stated that they did not have any concerns regarding the level of sanitation provided at this center. Clients stated that they have observed staff wearing indoor shoes and children walking bare foot or in non-skid socks inside the classrooms.

Based on available information and interviews conducted, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegations listed above are unsubstantiated. All licensing reports are public information and must be made available upon request for at least three years. This report was read and reviewed with the Licensee, Milli Pal Pintacsi. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited during today's inspection as a result of these allegations. Appeal rights were provided.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20230103120734
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERY
FACILITY NUMBER: 283009162
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Deficiency Dismissed
Type B
04/10/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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Personal rights. The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement was not met as evidence by:
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The Licensee stated that she will implement a new bite policy for the center's infant program. Furthermore, the Licensee stated that staff will receive training in implementing techniques to help address a child's biting behavior and will submit proof of staff attendance for the training and an agenda of the topic(s) covered. Reading materials regarding handling biting behavior was provided to the Licensee. The Licensee stated she will submit the aforementioned documents to the LPA by 04/10/23.
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Based on corroborating evidence to support the allegation and documentation obtained from the facility, the facility did not fully meet the needs of C1 and address C1’s biting behavior which resulted in C1 biting other children and also being bit by other children in care. Between May 2022 and December 2022, there were 50 documented instances where C1 was either bitten by another child or bit another child while in care. This poses a potential health and safety risk to the children in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20230103120734
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERY
FACILITY NUMBER: 283009162
VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023
NARRATIVE
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The Licensee stated that the center maintains small class sizes of between six to twelve children. The Licensee stated that the center maintains a ratio of one teacher to four children or fewer. The Licensee stated that if a child is known to bite other children, teachers are responsible for shadowing and redirecting that child. The Licensee stated that teachers also explain to children the effects of their actions. The Licensee stated that the center provides written resources and guidance to children’s authorized representatives regarding biting behavior and works together with authorized representatives to address biting behavior. The Licensee stated that the center's web page has a section for daycare clients dedicated to resources and information related to teething remedies and handling biting behaviors. The Licensee stated that authorized representatives are also asked to supply their child with teething toys and other items for use at the center.

The Le Petit Elephant parent handbook’s general biting policy reads: “Step 1: Your child bites or hurts someone for the first time. You will be informed through an incident report that will explain what happened. At that time, we will ask you to speak with your child about the incident. The administration and teacher will evaluate the incident, the classroom, and the supervision. Step 2: Your child bites someone a second time. You will again receive an incident report to let you know how we are dealing with the situation in the classroom. Furthermore, the administrator and/or teacher will council you and give you referrals to literature and professional resources to help you deal with the situation as a parent. Additional meetings may be requested by parents or the administration and/or teacher to monitor progress. Step 3: The biting or hurtful behavior continues. If the previous two steps are proving to be ineffective, you will be expected to pick your child up from school and not return for 24 hours. Step 4: If the previous three steps are proving to be ineffective, you may be asked to remove your child from Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool with one week’s notice.” The Licensee stated that the center does not have an infant specific biting policy but will be creating one to address repeat bite incidents.

During the investigation, the LPA obtained a log from the facility of all the documented bite incidents involving C1 that were recorded on the Bright Wheel app. Based on the log, between May 2022 and December 2022, there were 50 instances where C1 was either bitten by another child or when C1 bit another child (nine of the recorded incidents were of C1 bitten by another child). The LPA observed that there were several instances recorded where C1 bit other children on consecutive days. There was also an instance where C1 was bitten three times on the same day (morning, noon, and afternoon). The Licensee stated that a meeting was held in July 2022 with C1’s authorized representative(s) to discuss the biting incidents up to that point and to formulate a plan.

(Continued on LIC9099-C)

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20230103120734
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: LE PETIT ELEPHANT NURSERY
FACILITY NUMBER: 283009162
VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023
NARRATIVE
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The California Department of Social Services recognizes biting is a common behavior for certain age groups. It is not uncommon for infants and toddlers, whose verbal communication and social-emotional skills are emerging to use biting to communicate frustration, anxiety, or anger. The investigation revealed corroborating evidence that the facility did not fully meet the needs of C1 and resulted in a pattern of C1 biting other children and being bitten by other children while in care. Staff did not sufficiently address and deter C1’s biting behavior which produced an environment that was not safe, healthful, or comfortable for C1 and the other children in care and violated the children’s personal rights.

During the investigation, interviews were conducted with the center’s staff S1-S3 on 02/09/23 and S4-S7 on 02/21/23. Interviews with childcare clients were also conducted during the investigation. The staff members that were interviewed all corroborated the Licensee’s statements. Several childcare clients that were interviewed expressed frustration at the frequency at which the bites are occurring or have occurred. The clients interviewed stated that they did not believe the bite incidents were due to a lack of supervision, however. Clients that were interviewed stated that they did not have any other health and safety concerns.

Based on available information and the information obtained from interviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the Licensee, Milli Pal Pintacsi. Appeal rights were provided. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang YangTELEPHONE: 707-588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 9 of 9