198016200-9-10-2026-33-CC-BVON-DY5SBP-20260921134413

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198016200
Report Date: 09/10/2026
Date Signed: 09/10/2026 01:18:32 PM

Substantiated

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
07/24/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Roxana Lopez

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20260724082531

FACILITY NAME:	GRATTS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	198016200
ADMINISTRATOR:	KATHY ROMO		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1415 5TH STREET		TELEPHONE:	(213) 481-3230
CITY:	LOS ANGELES	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90017
CAPACITY:	175	CENSUS: 80	DATE:	09/10/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	11:30 AM
MET WITH:	Principal Emily Hooks		TIME COMPLETED:	01:30 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff members engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of children in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Roxana Lopez conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection visit to the above facility. Complaint was received on 7/24/2026. LPA met with Facility representative, Principal Emily Hooks, to whom the purpose of visit was explained. Per Principal, there are 114 children currently enrolled.

During the course of investigation, LPA conducted interviews with staff, children and parents. LPA also reviewed and obtained copies of children’s rosters, personnel report and other documentation.

Per initial complaint report, the Reporting Party (RP) reported that Staff members engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of children in care. During interview with the RP – they disclosed that there was a verbal altercation between staff in front of children and a parent. Per RP one of the staff members involved was being very aggressive and seemed that they were about to get physical. pg. 1 of 2

Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Roxana Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/10/2026

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 33-CC-20260724082531

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: GRATTS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 198016200
	VISIT DATE: 09/10/2026

NARRATIVE

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In regard to allegation Staff members engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of children in care. LPA conducted interviews with staff. Per Principal, they are aware of an argument between staff- it was investigated and determined the interaction was not professional. Principal disclosed that they have conducted interviews with staff and parent who witnessed the incident. Interviews disclosed that staff who witnessed the incident said staff # 1 was visibly upset and “rude” to the other staff member. Staff corroborated that incident happened in front of children but they were engaged therefore there was no reaction. Parent interview disclosed that the interaction was loud and unprofessional. Staff # 1 disclosed being offended over the situation and maybe overreacting

LPA conducted interview with staff # 1 who disclosed that they did have an argument with a staff member who accused them of hiding something. Per staff # 1 they were not rude, was trying to keep calm and walked away from the situation. Staff # 1 corroborated that children and a parent were present. 3 out of 6 staff disclosed that they have heard of arguments between staff members but not observed them directly. Interview disclosed they have observed or heard a group of staff planning things against other staff.

LPA conducted interviews with parents-but unable to reach the parent who witnessed the incident. Parents interviews corroborated that they have not witnessed any incidents involving staff directly.

LPA conducted interviews with children. 5 out of 6 children corroborated that they have not seen teachers argued. 1 child disclosed a staff member being “mean,” to another staff member.

This agency has investigated the complaint alleging: Staff members engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of children in care. Based on LPA’s observations and interviews which were conducted and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. The following deficiency listed on the attached LIC 9099D (deficiency page) is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiency that is being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health and safety.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Facility Representative Principal Emily Hooks. Page 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Roxana Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/10/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 3

Control Number 33-CC-20260724082531

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: GRATTS EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 198016200
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 09/10/2026

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 10/01/2026 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(1)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	101223 Personal Rights (a)The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.This requirement was not met as evidenced by	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Per Principal, they will be having a professional development regarding effective communication- and created a plan to help support staff with those type of situation. A meeting for closing staff was conducted and school wide expectaion . Metting mintues and sign in sheets will be provided.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Based on interviews and records review the facility did not comply on section cited above in that it was determined that staff had and argument in front of children in care which is a potential risk for children in care.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14
	1 2 3 4 5 6 7		1 2 3 4 5 6 7
	1 2 3 4 5 6 7		1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Roxana Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/10/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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