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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 191671703
Report Date: 04/10/2026
Date Signed: 04/13/2026 10:16:08 AM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK SW RO, 1000 CORPORATE CENTER DR 200B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/04/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Andrea Carter
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 54-CC-20260204161223

FACILITY NAME:OPTIMAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
191671703
ADMINISTRATOR:DOWELL,CAROLYNFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1300 EAST PALMER AVENUETELEPHONE:
(310) 603-0378
CITY:COMPTONSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90221
CAPACITY:75CENSUS: 21DATE:
04/10/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Carolyn DowellTIME COMPLETED:
11:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff yell at day care children while in care.
Staff do not adequately supervise day care children in care.
Staff force day care child(ren) to nap.
Staff do not ensure that day care children are adequately fed while in care.
Staff do not follow sanitation practices as required.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On April 10, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) A. Carter conducted an Unannounced Complaint Inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the above allegations. LPA announced purpose of inspection and was allowed entry to enter the facility by. Census was taken.

During the investigation LPA made observations, conducted interviews, and obtained records. Information gathered from the reporting party (RP) described a chaotic environment with administrators yelling, staff clarified that raised voices are used strictly for safety redirections. LPA observations during multiple visits confirmed the use of stern voices, but no threats toward children were witnessed. Witnesses interviewed reported that they had never observed staff members raising their voices to children in care. Staff corroborated the RP's claim that children wait in the hallway during restroom breaks. However, staff maintained that they position themselves in the doorway to ensure clear lines of sight for children both in the restroom and the hallway. .........Page 1 of 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Denise Gibbs
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Andrea Carter
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/10/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/10/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 54-CC-20260204161223
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK SW RO, 1000 CORPORATE CENTER DR 200B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: OPTIMAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 191671703
VISIT DATE: 04/10/2026
NARRATIVE
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LPA observations during multiple visits verified this practice. The RP alleged that children are forced to lie down without options for quiet play. Staff denied this, stating that while they encourage rest, children who cannot sleep are permitted to bring toys to their cots for quiet play, as the facility lacks a separate designated activity area for non-sleepers. Regarding claims that food is discarded prematurely to adhere to schedules, staff reported that lunchtime is roughly 30-45 minutes, with extensions provided for slow eaters. Interviews with children suggested they are comfortable asking for seconds, and the LPA observed children independently cleaning up after their meal. The RP alleged a teacher changed a child inside the classroom. Staff denied this, stating that all diapering occurs in the restroom following strict hygiene protocols, which does not support the RP's claim of unsanitary practices. Lastly, the report submitted provided specific details of a man removing a child from class. However, all interviewed staff stated are no male employed at the preschool. Additionally, this concern was never brought to attention of any staff member.

Although the allegations may have happened or is valid there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview was conducted with Director, Carolyn Dowell.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Denise Gibbs
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Andrea Carter
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/10/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/10/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7