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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370713
Report Date: 03/22/2023
Date Signed: 03/22/2023 10:22:34 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
01/04/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Dianna ValdezSantana
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20230104153420
FACILITY NAME:GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304370713
ADMINISTRATOR:VAKIL-SIDDIQUI, REHANAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:758 ST. CLAIR STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 540-1775
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92626
CAPACITY:42CENSUS: 23DATE:
03/22/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:45 AM
MET WITH:Director, Maria Torres TIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Daycare child is not being allowed access to fluids while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 03/22/2023 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Dianna Valdez Santana made an unannounced visit to Giant Step Learning Center for the purpose to deliver findings of a complaint received. Upon arrival, LPA was met by Director, Maria Torres also known as “Ms. Chelo”. Director was explained the reason for today’s visit. LPA
were provided a tour of the facility and observed 03 Preschool Staff and 23 preschool children present.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on 03/22/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 01/04/2023 a complaint was filed with the Licensing office stating Daycare child is not being allowed access to fluids while in care. Complainants stated staff did not give the child fluid before nap time.

Page 1 of 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Thuy HoTELEPHONE: (714) 287-8515
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantanaTELEPHONE: 714-292-8628
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
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 5
Control Number 06-CC-20230104153420
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: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
VISIT DATE: 03/22/2023
NARRATIVE
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During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 10 children, and 4 parents.

During the staff interview, 2 staff members disclosed witnessing a teacher say “not right now” because the teachers were busy when the children asked for water.

3 children disclosed they are allowed to drink water during naptime. The other children either did not respond or did not qualify for an interview.

The 4 interviewed parents had no issues or concerns with the daycare.



Based on interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 Section 101239.2(a)(1) Drinking Water is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Please refer to attached 9099D for documentation of deficiencies.

Exit interview was conducted. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Appeal Rights was explained. A copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058 1/16) was provided and their signatures on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeal is to Regional Manager, address is above on the report.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Thuy HoTELEPHONE: (714) 287-8515
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantanaTELEPHONE: 714-292-8628
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20230104153420
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: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/22/2023
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
03/27/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101239.2(a)(1)
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101239.2(a)(1) Drinking Water
(a) Drinking water from a noncontaminating fixture or container shall be readily available both indoors and in the outdoor activity area.
(1) Children shall be free to drink as they wish.
This requirement is not met as evidence by:
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Licensee will submit a plan of correction in writing to assure compliance to LPA Valdez Santana by due date.

dianna.valdezsantana@dss.ca.gov
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 Based on LPA’s interviews, two staff members disclosed witnessing a teacher said “not right now” because the teachers were busy when the children asked for water.
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Licensee will submit a plan of correction in writing to assure compliance LPA Valdez Santana by due date.

dianna.valdezsantana@dss.ca.gov
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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: Thuy HoTELEPHONE: (714) 287-8515
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantanaTELEPHONE: 714-292-8628
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
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
01/04/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Dianna ValdezSantana
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20230104153420

FACILITY NAME:GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304370713
ADMINISTRATOR:VAKIL-SIDDIQUI, REHANAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:758 ST. CLAIR STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 540-1775
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92626
CAPACITY:42CENSUS: 23DATE:
03/22/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:45 AM
MET WITH:Director, Maria Torres TIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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2
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9
Staff are hitting a daycare child while in care
Staff behavior poses as a risk to daycare child
Staff yell at a daycare child while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 03/22/2023 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Dianna Valdez Santana made an unannounced visit to Giant Step Learning Center for the purpose to deliver findings of a complaint received. Upon arrival, LPA was met by Director, Maria Torres also known as “Ms. Chelo”. Director was explained the reason for today’s visit. LPA was provided a tour of the facility and observed 03 Preschool Staff and 23 preschool children present.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on 03/22/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 01/04/2023 a complaint was filed with the Licensing office stating staff are hitting a daycare child while in care; Staff behavior poses as a risk to daycare child and Staff yell at a daycare child. Complainants stated the following: staff slapped a child on the wrist, face, and top of the head. Staff did not give the child fluid before nap time. Staff yelled at a child in a mean tone and these behaviors pose risk to the children.
Page 1 of 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Thuy HoTELEPHONE: (714) 287-8515
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantanaTELEPHONE: 714-292-8628
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20230104153420
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: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
VISIT DATE: 03/22/2023
NARRATIVE
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During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 10 children, and 4 parents.

There were no disclosures from staff, children or parents. regarding staff hitting, yelling, or posing any risk to the daycare children. LPA Silva conducted class observations while LPA Valdez Santana conducted interviews. LPA Silva’s observations of teacher-children interactions at the time of the visit did not yield any indication of personal rights violations. 3 interviewed staff members stated for the discipline policy, the children will be sitting on the “thinking chair” for a couple of minutes. All staff stated they redirect the children if they misbehave.

LPA Valdez Santana contacted 11 parents for an interview and was able to interview 4. 4 of 4 parents interviewed did not disclose any concerns about the facility staff who provide care for the children.

Based on LPA’s observation, interviews conducted, and records review, there is insufficient information to corroborate the allegations of staff are hitting a daycare child while in care; Staff behavior poses a risk to daycare child and Staff yell at a daycare child. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur; therefore, the allegations are unsubstantiated.



Exit interview was conducted. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Appeal Rights was explained. A copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058 1/16) was provided and their signatures on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeal is to Regional Manager, address is above on the report.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Thuy HoTELEPHONE: (714) 287-8515
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantanaTELEPHONE: 714-292-8628
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/22/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5