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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304270379
Report Date: 07/02/2026
Date Signed: 07/02/2026 03:26:39 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/06/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260506095319
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270379
ADMINISTRATOR:GARDINER, ALYCIAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25507 MOULTONTELEPHONE:
(949) 470-0099
CITY:ALISO VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92656
CAPACITY:86CENSUS: 30DATE:
07/02/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:10 AM
MET WITH:Director, Alycia GardinerTIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff falsified child’s records
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/02/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), K. Trinh conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the complaint investigation that was initiated on 05/12/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director Alycia Gardiner and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 30 preschool children along with 3 preschool staff. A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

On 05/06/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the following allegation: Staff falsified child’s records. The Reporting Party (RP) stated that the facility representative asked staff to falsify an incident report for a bite that occurred in the classroom to place on record. (Continue to page 2)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260506095319
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2) During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with six (6) staff, four (4) parents, two (2) children, and obtained pertinent documents.

During record review, LPA reviewed incident reports, correspondence, a name-to-face transition, and photos related to Child #1’s (C1) injury. The incident report documented that on April 9, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., C1 was bitten on the shoulder while the children were lining up to enter the classroom from the playground. The report identified Staff 5 (S5) and Staff 6 (S6) as the staff present at the time of the incident. The report was dated and signed by the director on April 9, 2026. Correspondence showed that at 6:50 p.m. on April 9, 2026, C1’s authorized representative notified the director that C1 had returned home with bite marks and bruising. The authorized representative also stated that the family had not been notified of the injury or provided with an incident report. At 9:08 a.m. on April 10, 2026, the director responded that they had spoken with the classroom teachers and that staff would complete additional reports to ensure that parents were informed. The classroom name-to-face transition sheet showed that S5 and S6 were signed in with the classroom at 10:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026. However, the transition sheet confirmed only that the staff were present with the classroom and did not establish that either staff member witnessed the incident.

During staff interviews, all staff interviewed stated that incident reports are completed for injuries and observations. S5 and S6 stated that they did not witness C1 being bitten, did not observe the injury, and did not know which child caused the injury. S6 stated that they first became aware of the injury after S5 showed them a message from C1’s authorized representative. S5 stated that they did not recall observing the bite or noticing bite marks on C1. No staff member interviewed reported witnessing the bite or identified the source of the specific time, location, and circumstances documented in the incident report 04/09/2026.
During the course of the investigation, LPA noticed that the information recorded in the incident report was inconsistent with the statements provided by the staff identified as being present at the time of the incident. In addition, the available correspondence indicated that S5 and S6 became aware of the injury after C1’s authorized representative contacted the facility.

LPA conducted parent interviews. One parent expressed concerns about their child coming home with bruises on multiple occasions. During those incidents, the authorized representatives were not informed of the child’s bruises. LPA attempted to interview C1 but was unable to due to their age and limited verbal development. (Continue to page 3)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260506095319
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)
The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging that the staff falsified child’s records. Based on information gathered from LPA’s interviews and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the allegation is substantiated. Health and Safety Code, Chapter 03.4, Article 04.5, 1596.8897(a)(2) is being cited; see LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Facility representative was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.

Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.
End of report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260506095319
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/02/2026
Section Cited
HSC
1596.8897(a)(2)
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Conduct Inimical 1596.8897(a)(2) Engaged in conduct that is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of either an individual in or receiving services from the facility, or the people of the State of California. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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Director stated that they will provide a written statement that the incident reports from now on will indicate whether it was observed or assumed based on their observations.
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Based on interviews and record review, the incident report regarding C1 on 04/09/2026 was inconsistent with the statements provided by the staff identified as being present at the time of the incident, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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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: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/06/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260506095319

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270379
ADMINISTRATOR:GARDINER, ALYCIAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25507 MOULTONTELEPHONE:
(949) 470-0099
CITY:ALISO VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92656
CAPACITY:86CENSUS: 30DATE:
07/02/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:10 AM
MET WITH:Director, Alycia GardinerTIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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2
3
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5
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9
Staff does not ensure facility toys are in good repair.
Staff do not ensure facility is clean and sanitized
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/02/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), K. Trinh conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the complaint investigation that was initiated on 05/12/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director Alycia Gardiner and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 30 preschool children along with 3 preschool staff. A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

On 05/06/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the following allegation: (1) Staff do not ensure facility is clean and sanitized and (2) Staff does not ensure facility toys are in good repair. The Reporting Party (RP) stated that the children’s restrooms are often dirty and that the children’s toys and materials appear damaged. (Continue to page 2)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260506095319
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2)
During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with six (6) staff, four (4) parents, two (2) children, and obtained pertinent documents.

Regarding allegation (1) Staff do not ensure facility is clean and sanitized.
During staff interviews, all staff interviewed reported that teachers are responsible for cleaning the classrooms and restrooms and request additional assistance when necessary. All staff added that because some children are potty training, accidents occasionally occur, and children may forget to flush the toilets, which can sometimes cause unpleasant odors. Staff 1 (S1) reported noticing a smell in the Preschool B restroom in the past due to these incidents. Staff 6 (S6) has also noticed an unpleasant smell form the Discovery Preschool B restroom from the children’s accidents in the past.

During observations on 05/12/2026, LPA did not see unsanitary conditions or notice a bad smell in the children’s restrooms.

LPA conducted parent and children’s interviews. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of the children. The interviewed children did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations.

Regarding allegation (2) Staff does not ensure facility toys are in good repair.
During staff interviews, all staff stated that they will throw out any toys that are broken. All staff stated that if teachers need new materials, they will inform the director, and the director will order the new materials.
During observations on 05/12/2026, LPA did not observe broken or worn-out children’s toys and materials.

During record review, LPA reviewed the facility’s materials purchase receipts from 01/22/2026 to 05/05/2026. The materials purchased throughout that time consisted of children’s toys, classroom supplies, cleaning supplies, and more.

(Continue to page 3)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260506095319
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)
LPA conducted parent and children’s interviews. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of the children. The interviewed children did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations.

The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging that: (1) Staff do not ensure facility is clean and sanitized and (2) Staff does not ensure facility toys are in good repair although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated.
Exit interview was conducted. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Facility representative was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.

Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.

End of report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/02/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7