198019653-3-3-2025-33-CC-ACHO-DEPUVN-20250312155523

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198019653
Report Date: 03/03/2025
Date Signed: 03/03/2025 12:09:18 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
02/27/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Nolan Tcheng

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20250227090057

FACILITY NAME:	SIERRA MADRE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH-BRIDGE		FACILITY NUMBER:	198019653
ADMINISTRATOR:	AARTHI RAMALINGHAM		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	695 W. SIERRA MADRE BLVD		TELEPHONE:	(626) 355-0629
CITY:	SIERRA MADRE	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91024
CAPACITY:	107	CENSUS: 82	DATE:	03/03/2025
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:50 AM
MET WITH:	Aarthi Ramalingham - Director		TIME COMPLETED:	12:15 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff engaged in an inappropriate behavior with child in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nolan Tcheng conducted an unannounced intial inspection of a complaint investigation. Upon arrival at 8:50am, LPA met with Director Aarthi Ramalingham, to whom the purpose of the inspection was explained. Owner/Licensee Lydia Nandakumaran arrived soon after at 9:10am. A tour of the facility was provided. There were children present during time of inspection.

Census was taken. There were 82 children with 12 staff members. During today's inspection, LPA conducted two staff interviews and two children interviews. Documentation in the form of email thread and signed statement was obtained.

Information from the complainant indicates that a staff engaged in inappropriate behavior with a child in care. Report states that complainant did not feel it was sexual but an inappropriate way to engage with child.
REPORT CONTINUES PAGE 1 of 2

Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nolan Tcheng
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/03/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/03/2025

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 2

Control Number 33-CC-20250227090057

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: SIERRA MADRE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH-BRIDGE	FACILITY NUMBER: 198019653
	VISIT DATE: 03/03/2025

NARRATIVE

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During interviews with staff, it was disclosed that on 02/24/2025, Staff #3 kissed a Child #1 on the lips while comforting them. It was stated that the child was crying and that Staff #3 was trying to console them and gave them a quick "peck" on the mouth. Per signed statement, there was no indication of malicious intent or abuse, but action did cross appropriate, professional boundaries. Following the discovery of the incident, the staff member was removed from work duties and given indefinite suspension during facility's own investigation. Parents of Child #1 were informed and confirmation was obtained. Staff #3 was unavailable for interview during the date of inspection.

Children interviews were attempted but due to age of children, they were non-verbal during interview.

On 02/25/2025, there was an unusual incident report that was self reported by the facility regarding the above incident.

Based on LPAs observations and interviews which were conducted and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

It was determined that the facility followed through with the appropriate actions and responses upon being notified of the incident. Family of child was notified, staff faced immediate action, and report was submitted to the Department within the 24hr requirement. The facility will be provided an Advisory Note-Technical Violation for California Code of Regulation Title 22 Division 12 Chapter 1 101223 Personal Rights, to training for staff on interactions with children in care.

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

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Owner Lydia Nandakumaran, at 11:55am. Copy of Report provided.

END OF REPORT PAGE 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nolan Tcheng
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/03/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/03/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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