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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371251
Report Date: 10/17/2025
Date Signed: 10/17/2025 10:13:23 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 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
08/13/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Anna Francesca Chan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250813175317
FACILITY NAME:CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371251
ADMINISTRATOR:WELCH, AMBERFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:20400 FAIRMONT CONNECTORTELEPHONE:
(714) 290-3993
CITY:YORBA LINDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92886
CAPACITY:19CENSUS: 9DATE:
10/17/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Director Amber WelchTIME COMPLETED:
09:45 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Unqualified staff is left alone to supervise children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 10/17/2025, at 8:30AM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Anna Chan conducted an unannounced Complaint investigation inspection. This is to deliver the findings of the investigation initiated on 8/19/2025. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Assistant Director Jennifer Connely and informed them of the purpose of visit Census was taken. LPA observed 9 infant children and 3 staff. Director Amber Welch arrived to continue with the visit.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on today’s date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

The Department received a complaint on 08/13/25 alleging (1) Unqualified staff is left alone to supervise children.
Page 1 of 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
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-20250813175317
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371251
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2025
NARRATIVE
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RP stated a teacher aide with no Early Childhood Education (ECE) unit was left alone supervising children without direct oversight from a fully qualified teacher multiple times.

During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff members, 2 parents, and reviewed staff files. No children interview was conducted due to children being non-verbal.

During the staff interview, Staff 3 (S3), who is an aide with only 3 Early Childhood Development units, stated they were left alone supervising 4 infants. Staff # 8 (S8) stated they left S3 alone in the classroom supervising 4 infants when S3 used the restroom.

Based on records reviewed on 8/19/25, (S3) is an Aide with only 3 units in Early Childhood Development.

LPA interviewed 2 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that supported the allegation.

Based on interview and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation was found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 1 101216.2 (e) Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties is being cited on the attached LIC9099D. See LIC9099D for one (1) Type B deficiency cited.

Exit interview was conducted with Director Amber Welch. Report and deficiency were discussed. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were provided.

Page 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20250813175317
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371251
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
11/17/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101216.2(e)
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101216.2 (e) Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties: An aide shall work only under the direct supervision of a teacher. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Director stated they will send a Plan of Action document on preventing Aide being left alone in the classroom and conduct staff training and remind staff about teacher qualification and duties by due date.
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Based on staff interview, S3 is an aide and was left alone supervising 4 infants.

This pose a potential risk to the health and safety of the child 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 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
08/13/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Anna Francesca Chan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250813175317

FACILITY NAME:CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371251
ADMINISTRATOR:WELCH, AMBERFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:20400 FAIRMONT CONNECTORTELEPHONE:
(714) 290-3993
CITY:YORBA LINDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92886
CAPACITY:19CENSUS: 9DATE:
10/17/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Director Amber WelchTIME COMPLETED:
09:45 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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2
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9
Lack of staff supervision resulted in child's injury
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 10/17/2025, at 8:30AM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Anna Chan conducted an unannounced Complaint investigation inspection. This is to deliver the findings of the investigation initiated on 8/19/2025. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Assistant Director Jennifer Connelly and informed them of the purpose of visit Census was taken. LPA observed 9 infant children and 3 staff. Director Amber Welch arrived to continue with the visit.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on today’s date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

The Department received a complaint on 08/13/25 alleging Lack of staff supervision resulted in child's injury. Reporting Party (RP) stated Child 1 (C1) was trying to climb on the bookshelf and was redirected then C1 went back and tripped and split the bottom lip on the bookshelf and the staff was on the phone when the accident occurred.
Page 1 of 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
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-20250813175317
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371251
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff members, 2 parents, and reviewed facility records. No children interview conducted due to children being non-verbal.


During the staff interview, 7 out of 8 staff stated there are enough teachers in the classroom to provide enough supervision. 7 staff stated they have not witnessed any unusual injuries to children that were not properly reported. 8 staff stated they use their personal phones for Bright Wheel app to upload photos and log children’s activities. Staff stated they use their personal phones to text their group chat for emergency support. Staff 8 (S8) stated there are usually 2 staff in each room and one staff can send a message in the group chat if support is needed in the classroom. Staff stated they use phones for personal use only on breaks. S8 stated S8 witnessed on April 11, 2025, C1 was running and tripped on a bookshelf and split their bottom lip, ice was applied and incident was reported to C1’s parents through bright wheel. S8 also stated C1 falls a lot and the parents have no issues with the fallings.

LPA interviewed 2 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegation.

Based on the interviews conducted and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview was conducted with Director Amber Welch. Report was reviewed and discussed. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were provided.

Page 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5