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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370638
Report Date: 07/02/2026
Date Signed: 07/02/2026 03:01:19 PM

Unsubstantiated


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
04/24/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Long Pham
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260424150812
FACILITY NAME:BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD STARTFACILITY NUMBER:
304370638
ADMINISTRATOR:JOSEPHINE HERNANDEZFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6625 DALE STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 241-8920
CITY:BUENA PARKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90621
CAPACITY:16CENSUS: 10DATE:
07/02/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:40 PM
MET WITH:Director Angelica ReitzellTIME COMPLETED:
02:50 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On July 02, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Long Pham conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. Upon arrival at 1:40pm, LPA met with the director Angelica Reitzell and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 10 napping infants with 6 staff. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 04/30/2026.
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 04/24/2026, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner. Reporting Party (RP) stated that on 04/17/2026, the staff #1 (S1) squeezed the child #1 (C1)’s cheeks and shook C1’s head out of frustration from C1 crying. It was reported that C1 did not have any marks or injuries known from the incident.
Page 1 of 3
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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-20260424150812
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: BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370638
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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RP also reported that S1 yelled at C1 and other children in care loudly. Per RP, the information was reported internally; S1 was placed on administrative leave pending the facility’s internal review. S1 returned to the facility on 04/24/2026.
During the investigation, LPA toured the facility, interviewed 5 staff, 5 parents, reviewed 2 staff members’ statements and Human Resources’ findings document, and reviewed pertinent documents. LPA couldn’t interview C1 and other children because they are non-verbal.

Regarding the allegation of “Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner.”

During the physical plant inspection on 04/30/2026, LPA didn’t observe any staff member handling the day care children in an inappropriate manner.



During the staff interview, 4 out of 5 staff denied the allegation of “Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner.” The staff #2 (S2), the staff #3 (S3), the staff #5 (S5) stated that they never saw S1 squeezes C1’s cheeks or shake C1. The staff #1 (S1) denied that S1 squeeze or pinch C1’s cheeks or shake C1. S1 stated that the only time S1 touches C1 is to change C1’s diaper.

S5 stated that the facility placed S1 on Administrative Leave from 04/21/2026 to 04/23/2026 to investigate the incident. On Wednesday April 22, 2026, the outcome of investigating was provided by the Human Resources Department. S5 confirmed that there were no findings throughout the investigatory process regarding mistreatment of children. Therefore, S1 was released on Administrative Leave and returned to work on 04/24/2026.

During the parent interview, all 5 interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding the care of the children.

Based on LPA’s observations, interviews, and records review, the preponderance evidence of Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner has not been met. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated.

Page 2 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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-20260424150812
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: BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370638
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Angelica Reitzell.

Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The 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 facility representative was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) 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.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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
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
04/24/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Long Pham
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260424150812

FACILITY NAME:BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD STARTFACILITY NUMBER:
304370638
ADMINISTRATOR:JOSEPHINE HERNANDEZFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6625 DALE STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 241-8920
CITY:BUENA PARKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90621
CAPACITY:16CENSUS: 10DATE:
07/02/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:40 PM
MET WITH:Director Angelica ReitzellTIME COMPLETED:
02:50 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
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3
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9
Staff speak inappropriately to children.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On July 02, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Long Pham conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. Upon arrival at 1:40pm, LPA met with the director Angelica Reitzell and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 10 napping infants with 6 staff. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 04/30/2026.
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 04/24/2026, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging Staff speak inappropriately to children. Reporting Party (RP) stated that on 04/17/2026, the staff #1 (S1) squeezed the child #1 (C1)’s cheeks and shook C1’s head out of frustration from C1 crying. It was reported that C1 did not have any marks or injuries known from the incident. RP also reported that S1 yelled at C1 and other children in care loudly.
Page 1 of 3
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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: 4 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260424150812
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: BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370638
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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Per RP, the information was reported internally; S1 was placed on administrative leave pending the facility’s internal review. S1 returned to the facility on 04/24/2026.

During the investigation, LPA toured the facility, interviewed 5 staff, 5 parents, reviewed 2 staff members’ statements and Human Resources’ findings document, and reviewed pertinent documents. LPA couldn’t interview C1 and other children because they are non-verbal.



Regarding the allegation of “Staff speak inappropriately to children.”

During the staff interview, 2 out of 5 staff denied the allegation of “Staff speak inappropriately to children.” The staff #2 (S2), the staff #4 (S4) stated that on 4/17/2026 around noon they observed the staff #1 (S1) yelled at the child #1 (C1) loudly and said, “Stop Screaming and Stop Screaming.” S1 stated that on 04/17/2026, S1 raised S1’s voice at C1 loudly out of frustration because C1 kept screaming, but S1 denied squeezing C1’s cheeks or shook C1’s head out of frustration from C1 crying. S5 stated that the facility placed S1 on Administrative Leave from 04/21/2026 to 04/23/2026 to investigate the incident. S5 confirmed that there were no findings throughout the investigatory process regarding mistreatment of children. Therefore, S1 was released on Administrative Leave and returned to work on 04/24/2026.



During the parent interview, all 5 interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding the care of the children.

Based on LPA’s interviews, and records review, the preponderance evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the allegation of Staff speak inappropriately to children was found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06 Continuing Requirements, 101223(a)(1) Personal Rights is being cited. See LIC9099D for deficiency cited.

Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Angelica Reitzell.

Page 2 of 3

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260424150812
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: BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370638
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The 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 facility representative was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058 01/16) 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.



Page 3 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Long Pham
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-20260424150812
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: BUENA PARK EARLY HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370638
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/17/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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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 evidenced by:
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The director stated that the facility will provide the Personal Rights Training again to all staff members and email the LPA the documention with all staff members' names on it by 07/17/2026.
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Based on LPA’s interviews, and records review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above because staff #1 (S1) stated that on 04/17/2026, S1 raised S1’s voice at C1 loudly out of frustration because C1 kept screaming 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: Long Pham
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: 7 of 7