<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370779
Report Date: 12/12/2025
Date Signed: 12/12/2025 10:53:36 AM

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
09/26/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Dean Thompson
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250926151804
FACILITY NAME:SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
304370779
ADMINISTRATOR:KATHY LAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:10531 WESTMINSTER AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 534-5743
CITY:GARDEN GROVESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92843
CAPACITY:119CENSUS: 52DATE:
12/12/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:35 AM
MET WITH:Kathy LaTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff handle daycare children in a rough manner.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 12/12/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Dean Thompson conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to the facility to deliver the findings for a complaint that was initiated on 09/30/2025 by LPA V. Trinh. LPA was met by Director Kathy La, and explained the reason for today’s visit, and a tour around the center was completed. The census included 52 preschool children with 11 staff members.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on today’s date, 12/12/2025, indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 09/26/25, a complaint was filed with the Department alleging Staff handle daycare children in a rough manner.

Continue to page 2.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20250926151804
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: SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370779
VISIT DATE: 12/12/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Page 2

During the investigation, LPA V. Trinh conducted a physical plant inspection and interviewed five (5) staff members and attempted to interview three (3) preschoolers and five (5) parents. LPA Trinh also obtained pertinent documents.

Regarding the allegation Staff handle daycare children in a rough manner. During visit, LPA V. Trinh conducted observation in classroom #1, between 9:15am and 9:45am, LPA V. Trinh observed Staff #2 (S2) was being rough with the children in care by pulling their arms while guiding them to the handwashing sink and the restroom. LPA V. Trinh addressed concerns with S2 during the visit. During record review, LPA requested S5 to review facility camera footage on 09/18/2025, the date of the alleged incident. Staff 5 (S5) and LPA V. Trinh observed in the camera footage that S2 was pulling children’s arms roughly while guiding them. When interviewed, S5 stated S5 had a meeting with Staff 2 (S2) regarding concerns of S2 being rough with the children and issued a warning letter to S2, In the meeting, S5 also coached S2 regarding various techniques to address children's needs. LPA V. Trinh attempted to interview the children in care, but they did not respond. Five (5) parents interviewed did not express any concern related to the allegation.

In addition, the Orange County Regional Office received a self-reported incident on 09/26/2025, in which the Director reported that on 09/25/25, Garden Grove Police Department officer visited the facility due to a concern of Staff #1 (1) handled Child #1 roughly. LPA V. Trinh obtained and reviewed Police Report # 25051009, which indicated Police Officer reviewed facility’s camera footage on 09/24/2025, and observed S1 grabbed C1's wrists, lifted C1 slightly, and moved C1 to a nearby wall. S1 then placed C1 on the ground, facing S1, briefly touched C1's shoulders and cheeks to get C1’s attention, and appeared to be communicating with C1 without causing harm. Based on the camera footage of the alleged incident on 9/24/25, Police Officer addressed concern with S1 and reminded S1 to be gentle with the children in care. During interview, S5 also stated S5 met with S1 and issued a warning letter to S1 regarding handling the children roughly and provided training for S1.

Continue to page 3.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20250926151804
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: SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370779
VISIT DATE: 12/12/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Page 3

Based on the information gathered from LPA’s observations, interviews and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation Staff handle daycare children in a rough manner is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, 101223(a)(2) Personal Rights are being cited on the attached LIC9099D.

LPA Thompson informed Director Kathy La that this licensing report dated 12/12/2025, documents one “Type A” citation. Type A citation must be posted for 30 consecutive days during the hours that children are in care, as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. LPA Thompson further informed Director Kathy La that: A copy of this licensing report must be provided to parents or guardians of all clients currently enrolled by the next business day or by the next day the children are in care. A copy of this report must be provided to the parents or guardians of all newly enrolled clients for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224) form, or another written equivalent statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification of receipt of the report.



Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their 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. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted and the report was reviewed with the director.

An exit interview was conducted with the Director Kathy La. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Director 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. Director was provided with a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager at the address listed above.

End of the Report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20250926151804
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: SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370779
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 12/12/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
12/12/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
101223(a)(2) Personal Rights (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded with the following personal rights: (2) To be accorded safe, healthful, and comfortable accommodations, furnishings, and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement was not met with evidence by:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The director stated that a meeting with S1 and S2 had already taken place, discussing additional techniques for handling various situations. The director also mentioned that there will be a staff meeting to review the children's individual needs, and the minutes of the meeting, a proof of attendance to LPA by POC due date.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, S1and S2 were observed handling the children roughly on facility camera footage on 09/18/25, on 09/24/25, and on 09/30/25, which post an immediate Health, Safety, or Personal Rights risk to people 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
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
09/26/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Dean Thompson
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250926151804

FACILITY NAME:SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
304370779
ADMINISTRATOR:KATHY LAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:10531 WESTMINSTER AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 534-5743
CITY:GARDEN GROVESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92843
CAPACITY:119CENSUS: 52DATE:
12/12/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:35 AM
MET WITH:Kathy LaTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff pulled daycare child's ear.
Staff slapped daycare child.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 12/12/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Vivian Trinh an unannounced subsequent visit to the facility to deliver the findings for a complaint that was initiated on 09/30/2025. LPA was met by Director Kathy La, and explained the reason for today’s visit, and a tour around the center was completed. The census included 52preschool children, 11 staff members.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on today’s date, 12/12/2025, indicates all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 09/26/25, a complaint was filed with the Department alleging: (1) Staff pulled daycare child's ear, and (2) Staff slapped daycare children.

Continue to page 2.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20250926151804
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: SUNFLOWER PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CENTER, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370779
VISIT DATE: 12/12/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Page 2

During the investigation, LPA V. Trinh conducted observations and interviewed five (5) staff members, attempted to interview three (3) preschoolers and five (5) parents. LPA Trinh also obtained pertinent documents.

Regarding allegation (1) the Staff pulled the daycare child's ear. During the visit, on 9/30/25, LPA Trinh observed staff’s child interactions and witnessed Staff #2 (S2) handled the children roughly, however, LPA Trinh did not observe any staff pulling any child’s ear. During the staff interview, all five (5) interviewed staff members denied that they have ever pulled any child's ears or witnessed any staff pulling children’s ears. LPA Trinh reviewed camera footage on random dates, 09/26/25, 09/29/25 and 09/30/25, from 9:00 am to 11:10 am, and did not observe any pulling of children’s ears. LPA attempted to interview the children, but the children did not respond. Five (5) parents interviewed did not express any concerns related to the allegation.

Regarding allegation (2), Staff slapped daycare children. During the visit, on 9/30/25, LPA Trinh observed staff’s child interactions and witnessed Staff #2 (S2) handling the children roughly, however, LPA Trinh did not observe any staff slapping any child. During the staff interview, all five (5) interviewed staff members denied that they have ever slapped any child or witnessed any staff slapping children. LPA Trinh reviewed camera footage on random dates, 09/26/25, 09/29/25 and 09/30/25, from 9:00 am to 11:10 am, and did not observe any staff slapping children in care. LPA Trinh attempted to interview the children, but the children did not respond. Five (5) parents interviewed did not express any concerns related to the allegation.

Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, there is not a preponderance of evidence to corroborate that (1) Staff pulled daycare child's ear, and (2) Staff slapped daycare children. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegations did or did not occur; therefore, the listed allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted with the Director Kathy La. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The director was informed that the notice of the site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.

End of the Report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dean Thompson
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/12/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6