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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370545
Report Date: 04/09/2024
Date Signed: 04/09/2024 10:06:04 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/18/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Carmen Odom
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20240318144154
FACILITY NAME:SAUSD/GARFIELD ELEM. SCHOOL-KINDER READINESSFACILITY NUMBER:
304370545
ADMINISTRATOR:SANDY ARMENTAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:850 BROWN STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 972-5356
CITY:SANTA ANASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92701
CAPACITY:48CENSUS: 33DATE:
04/09/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Berenice Johnson - Site SupervisorTIME COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff left daycare child unattended.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Odom conducted an unannounced complaint investigation. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 03/20/2024. Upon arrival LPA met with Site Supervisor, Berenice Johnson, to deliver complaint findings. Site supervisor contacted Early Learning Specialist Laura Barnette. LPA took a tour of the facility, census was taken in individual classrooms. LPA observed 33 preschool age children and 6 staff members.

A review of Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicated that all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

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Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Judy HansonTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2807
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen OdomTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2819
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
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 5
Control Number 06-CC-20240318144154
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: SAUSD/GARFIELD ELEM. SCHOOL-KINDER READINESS
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370545
VISIT DATE: 04/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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The Department received a complaint on 03/18/2024 alleging staff left Child #1 (C1) unattended. Reporting party (RP) stated on 03/15/2024 they were called by Staff #1 (S1) regarding C1’s early dismissal. When RP showed up to pick up C1, RP noticed C1’s eyes red as if C1 was crying. RP asked C1 what happened and C1 disclosed to RP that they were crying because C1 was left outside alone.

During the investigation LPA Odom interviewed 4 Staff members, 6 children, and reviewed children’s roster, personnel records, and e-mails.

During an interview on 03/20/2024, Staff #4 (S4) stated they received a call on 03/15/2024. Staff #2 (S2) told S4 that Staff #1 (S1) took 5 children to be dismissed, C1 being one of the 5 children. S1 called S2 to inform them that C1 was at the classroom door. S2 walked to the door and observed C1 outside the door crying because C1 forgot their backpack. During the phone conversation, S4 asked S2 if S1 always had eyes on C1 and S2 disclosed that S1 had eyes on C1. On 03/19/2024 S4 requested statements from all three staff, according to the statements it was disclosed by 2 staff that S1 did not have eyes on C1 at all times during dismissal. On 03/20/2023 S4 wrote and submitted the incident report to the Orange County Regional Office.

During the investigation, 3 staff members were interviewed on 03/20/2024. S2 stated at 1:30pm they took 4 children out for dismissal; one of the 4 children was C1. C1’s authorized representative did not pick up C1 during early dismissal. S2 called Parent #1 (P1) to notify that C1 had early dismissal, and no one had picked up C1. P1 told S2 they would send authorized representative to pick up C1. At around 1:50pm S1 took 5 children for dismissal including C1. At around 1:53pm Staff #3 (S3) observed C1 was outside the classroom crying, S3 told S2 that when they opened the door to let C1 inside S3 did not observe S1 outside the classroom. At 1:54pm S2 received a call from S1 asking if C1 was in the classroom, S2 confirmed they had C1. S2 stated they were on the phone with S1 while escorting C1 back to S1, S2 did not walk C1 the whole way to S1 but S1 had eye on C1 as C1 walked towards S1. S3 stated at 1:50pm they were getting ready to connect online for a zoom meeting and S1 with S2 were getting 5 children ready for dismissal. S1 left with 5 children and 1-2 minutes S3 stood up to connect their laptop when they observed C1 at the door crying. S3 stated when they opened the door to let C1 inside the classroom they did not see S1 outside the classroom.
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SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Judy HansonTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2807
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen OdomTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2819
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20240318144154
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: SAUSD/GARFIELD ELEM. SCHOOL-KINDER READINESS
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370545
VISIT DATE: 04/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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S1 stated on 03/15/2024 they took 7 children for dismissal alone, S1 was at the front of the line guiding the children through the hall which is about 70 feet from the preschool classroom. S1 stated after walking 40 feet down the hallway they turned around to check on the children and S1 observed that C1 was not in line. S1 stated they immediately called S2 to ask if C1 had returned to the classroom. S2 confirmed C1 was inside the classroom, S1 asked S2 to bring C1 outside to rejoin with S1’s group. S2 waited outside the classroom door while C1 walked 50 feet alone while C1 rejoined S1’s group. S1 stated they take responsibility in not conducting a head count before they left the classroom. All the staff disclosed since the incident S4 told them that 2 staff need to escort the children during dismissal.

During the investigation on 03/20/2024 LPA interview 6 children. C1 disclosed they were crying the other day because they were left outside the classroom alone. None of the children recall the incident with C1. All the children disclosed that the staff are always supervising them.

Based on LPA’s facility inspection, observations, interviews conducted with 4 staff, 6 children and records reviewed, it has been determined that S1 was not supervising C1 for about 1-2 minutes during dismissal. Therefore, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, 101229(a) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

LPA Odom informed Early Learning Specialist Laura Barnette that this report dated 04/09/2024 document 1 Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.
Also, LPA Odom informed the Early Learning Specialist Laura Barnette to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 04/09/2024 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.

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SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Judy HansonTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2807
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen OdomTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2819
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20240318144154
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: SAUSD/GARFIELD ELEM. SCHOOL-KINDER READINESS
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370545
VISIT DATE: 04/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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Exit interview was conducted with Early Learning Specialist Laura Barnette. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Director was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. Director was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Judy HansonTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2807
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen OdomTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2819
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20240318144154
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: SAUSD/GARFIELD ELEM. SCHOOL-KINDER READINESS
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370545
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/09/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
04/09/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)
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101229 Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision (a) The licensee shall provide care ... (1) No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time... Supervision shall include visual observation. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Early Learning Specialist stated they have spoken to staff and there has to be 2 staff present during dismissal. Staff are supposed to do head count. Post the head count on the board. Staff are to announce when staff are taking children out. ELS Laura Barnette will submit POC written statement by 4/10/24.
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Based on interviews conducted S1 was not visually supervising C1 for about 1-2 minutes during dismissal. S1 did not have accountability of C1 during dismissal. This poses potential Health and Safety risk to 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: Judy HansonTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2807
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen OdomTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2819
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
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