330908513-1-21-2026-09-CC-AROS-DQQSPT-20260127130340

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 330908513
Report Date: 01/21/2026
Date Signed: 01/21/2026 11:28:51 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE CC RO, 3737 MAIN ST., SUITE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
12/04/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Samuel Lopez

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 09-CC-20251204121618

FACILITY NAME:	FIRST SCHOOL OF THE DESERT		FACILITY NUMBER:	330908513
ADMINISTRATOR:	LYNDSAY HUNTER		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	2300 E. RACQUET CLUB ROAD		TELEPHONE:	(760) 327-5005
CITY:	PALM SPRINGS	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92262
CAPACITY:	60	CENSUS: 25	DATE:	01/21/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	07:50 AM
MET WITH:	Director Lyndsay Hunter		TIME COMPLETED:	11:50 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Lack of Supervision – Child’s braid was pulled out by unknown person

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Samuel Lopez arrived at the facility to conduct an inspection regarding a complaint received concerning the above allegation(s). LPA was given access to the facility by the Director Lyndsay Hunter. LPA toured the facility and took a census. LPA met with Lyndsay to further discuss the complaint/allegations. Previously, on 12/8/2025, an inspection was conducted regarding the complaint, on that visit, interviews were conducted, and facility files were reviewed.

The following was alleged: A child’s braid appeared to have been pulled off their head, while at the facility, and staff were not aware of how that may have occurred.

The Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Samuel Lopez investigated the above allegation(s) and gathered the following information: Child arrived at the facility with their hair styled with several braids. By the end of the day, upon being picked up to go home, one of the many braids had been pulled off and was just hanging by a few hairs.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Aaron Ross
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Samuel Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/21/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/21/2026

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 09-CC-20251204121618

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE CC RO, 3737 MAIN ST., SUITE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: FIRST SCHOOL OF THE DESERT	FACILITY NUMBER: 330908513
	VISIT DATE: 01/21/2026

NARRATIVE

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The area on the scalp where the braid was attached did not appear to be red in color or irritated in any way. The Director and staff inquired with each other as to how this may have occurred but could not come up with a conclusion. Throughout the day, the child was never observed in distress, sad, angry, or crying. The child had been observed playing with the beads that were on the braids and not necessarily pulling on their hair. Child was also observed to be in good spirits when prepared for nap. Child was described as very talkative and able to express themselves well. It is believed that if the child had an issue with someone pulling on their hair, the child would have said something. Furthermore, facility staff were unable to verify the child's physical appearance, specifically their hairstyle, at the time of arrival.

Based on the information obtained, and 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 allegation is unsubstantiated.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Lyndsay Hunter.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Aaron Ross
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Samuel Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/21/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/21/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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