191890404-1-8-2026-33-CC-KCHE-DQ9N36-20260112090545

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 191890404
Report Date: 01/08/2026
Date Signed: 01/08/2026 02:57:19 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/10/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Monica Ruiz

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20251010164440

FACILITY NAME:	PLACITA DE NINOS		FACILITY NUMBER:	191890404
ADMINISTRATOR:	DARLEENE MONARREZ		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	2661 PASADENA AVE		TELEPHONE:	(323) 223-2420
CITY:	LOS ANGELES	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90031
CAPACITY:	54	CENSUS: 16	DATE:	01/08/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:45 AM
MET WITH:	Facility Representative, Darleen Monarrez		TIME COMPLETED:	03:20 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Personal Rights - Day-care child sustained unexplained injuries while in care.
Other - Staff did not notify day-care child's responsible party of an incident.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On January 8,2026, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Monica Ruiz and Staicy Perry conducted an unannounced complaint investigation to deliver findings and met with Site Supervisor Darleen Monarrezz, to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Census was taken; LPA Ruiz observed 16 children in care with 3 staff.

During the course of the investigation, LPA Ruiz interviewed staff, reporting parties, children, and parents, reviewed facility records, including but not limited to the children’s roster, parent and employee handbooks, staff and children’s files, photos and obtained other pertinent documents.

Allegation 1: Day-care child sustained unexplained injuries while in care.

According to the Reporting Parties (RPs), Child 1 (C1), has come home from the child care facility listed above with unexplained injuries on numerous occasions. RP 2 and RP 3 reported that C1 came home from child care with a swollen eye and it was unknown if the child had an allergic reaction or an injury and the staff did not call the parents to report the injury. RP also reported that on 10/09/2025, the child had two adult size fingernail marks on his right arm, however the staff did not know how the child got the injury.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

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 6

Control Number 33-CC-20251010164440

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PLACITA DE NINOS	FACILITY NUMBER: 191890404
	VISIT DATE: 01/08/2026

NARRATIVE

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LPA interviewed RP’s on 10/24/2025. During the interview, RPs disclosed that on 10/9/2025, C1 came home with finger nail marks on their arm, and a date stamped photo was provided. LPA reviewed the photo and observed two small crescent shaped marks, resembling the shape of a fingernail on C1s right forearm. Parents stated that they were not given an Injury Report and that C1 returned to the facility the following day and S#8 observed C#1’s arm. Per S#8, they did not know what had happened but would speak with the staff. RPs stated that later on in the day they received a message from S#8 asking on which arm the nail marks were observed.

On 12/29/2025, LPAs obtained a signed declaration from S8 that describes the facilities procedure for conducting daily health checks. Revealed a record of a health check conducted on 10/9/2025 was observed by LPAs and staff did note that they observed any marks on injuries noted on record.
LPAs conducted multiple interviews of staff that corroborate that health checks are consistently conducted by staff as part of morning routine. Per S8’s declaration, “In the mornings as children and parents enter the center staff ask parent and child if they have any scratches or bruises that happened at home, if the parent says no, they are fine we (staff) initial on the health checks box write exactly what happened as parent is telling us. We initial on health checks box and file the child injury report”.

LPAs obtained and reviewed C1 Sign In and Out sheet for October 2025. LPAs observed that S8 initialed C1’s sign in and out sheet on 10/9/2025.
Staff interviews conducted did not provide corroborating evidence to the allegations listed above.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence has not been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Allegation 2: Staff did not notify day-care child’s responsible party of an incident.

LPA Ruiz conducted interviews with RP 2 and RP 3 on 10/24/2025. During the interview with RP 3, it was stated that an unexplained incident/ injury occurred on 8/27/2025. RP 3 stated that during pick up they became upset when they saw that C1’s eye was swollen shut. R.P. stated that a teacher nearby casually

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 6

Control Number 33-CC-20251010164440

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PLACITA DE NINOS	FACILITY NUMBER: 191890404
	VISIT DATE: 01/08/2026

NARRATIVE

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stated “…yeah it got worse”. R.P. stated that C#1 was taken to seek medical attention. Per RP, no incident report was provided. LPA’s observed patient discharge paperwork confirming C#1 was taken to seek medical attention. Per the discharge paperwork, it was determined that C#1 had either an eye infection, an injury, or an allergic reaction. R.P. stated they followed up with the facility for an explanation and had no response until S#8 got back to them the following day and was told it was due to a personal emergency.

On 10/15/2025 LPAs reviewed records and observed a Child Injury Report in C1’s file, dated 8/27/2025 that was completed by staff member and signed by parent. Child Injury Report describes an incident between C1 and C2. Per injury report, C1 was playing with a ball, C2 wanted the ball, C1 did not want to share and was bitten on the hand by C2. LPAs did observe an injury report for C#1’s injury but did not observe an injury report pertaining to child’s swollen eye. During staff interviews no disclosures were made about C1’s eye.
LPAs conducted child interviews, and no disclosures were made.

LPA’s observed parent and employee handbooks. Parent Handbook states that “Parents/guardians will be called for all minor/major head injuries, all injuries to any area shoulders and above, all bites and other major injuries.” Parent Handbook also states, “Parents will be notified of these incidences on a Minor Incident report. Minor injury reports are written immediately following treatment.” LPA’s did not observe an incident report related to the injuries mentioned above. During staff interviews no disclosures were made due to staff not being aware of any incident or injury occurring on this day. During this investigation LPAs were not allowed access to video footage of the incident(s). Per administration, video can not be shared with licensing.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence has not been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED.

No deficiencies are being cited at this time. An exit interview was conducted with Site Supervisor Darleen.. Appeal Rights were discussed, and a copy was provided. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was issued and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 6

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/10/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Monica Ruiz

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20251010164440

FACILITY NAME:	PLACITA DE NINOS		FACILITY NUMBER:	191890404
ADMINISTRATOR:	DARLEENE MONARREZ		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	2661 PASADENA AVE		TELEPHONE:	(323) 223-2420
CITY:	LOS ANGELES	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90031
CAPACITY:	54	CENSUS: 16	DATE:	01/08/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:45 AM
MET WITH:	Facility Representative, Darleen Monarrez		TIME COMPLETED:	03:20 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Personal Rights - Staff caused an injury to a child in care.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

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 6

Control Number 33-CC-20251010164440

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PLACITA DE NINOS	FACILITY NUMBER: 191890404
	VISIT DATE: 01/08/2026

NARRATIVE

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Staff interviews conducted on 11/6/2025, corroborate the alleged incident. All staff stated that S#8 did scratch C#1. S8 stated the scratch was caused by her finger nails. During child interviews, it was disclosed per C#1 that S8 did scratch C1 on face.

On 12/29/2025, LPAs reviewed the facility’s Employee Handbook and observed that on page 72 of the handbook, a section contains information / policy on personal hygiene, which states “Long nails are not acceptable. Employees who are working directly with children…must not have nails over 1/8 of an inch from the end of their nail.” Guidelines for finger nail length in the Employee Handbook (EH) were reviewed with S8. The responsibility for enforcing the policies outlined in the EH was discussed with S8, including how they are consistently followed by staff and, if not, how noncompliance is addressed. Per S#8, issues regarding fingernails were not or have not been addressed since this incident. During this investigation LPAs were not allowed access to video footage of the incident. Per administration, video can not be shared with licensing.

Therefore, based on a preponderance of evidence, it was found that S8 scratched C1 on their face. S8 stated that while attempting to reach for the toy C1 was holding, C1 motioned as if they were going to throw the toy. S8 anticipated C1 was going to throw the toy at them, so they put up their hands to block the toy and in doing so, S#8 scratched C1 on the face. Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter 1), section 101223(a)(3) Personal Rights are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.
The deficiency listed on the following page was observed by the LPAs and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. One type A deficiency is being issued today for regulation 101223 (a)(1) Personal Rights. Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health & safety. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child’s file, acknowledging receipt. Civil penalties are being assessed today for repeat violation, please see LIC 421FC.

An exit interview was conducted with Site Supervisor, Darleen. Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were discussed and provided. Copies of LIC 9099 and LIC 9099D were issued during the visit.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 6 of 6

Control Number 33-CC-20251010164440

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PLACITA DE NINOS	FACILITY NUMBER: 191890404
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 01/08/2026

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A 01/12/2026 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(3)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	101223 Personal Rights (3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to: interference....	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Facility site supervisor will have all staff review, sign and obtain a copy of their employee handbook, submit acknowledgment statements fromm all staff regarding the facility's fingernail length policy. Facility will also be conducting a re-training with all staff regarding the well being of children and their peronal rights.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	This requirement was not met as evidence by Child 1 being scratched by a staff member which poses an immediate risk to the child’s personal rights and physical safety.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Declarations will be submitted by all staff regarding what they learned from their training. Signed copy of all employee handbook signatures from all staff to be submitted to LPA by POC date.
	1 2 3 4 5 6 7		1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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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: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 01/08/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/08/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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