304370822-6-10-2026-06-CC-MMAE-DUYVWL-20260612164805

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370822
Report Date: 06/10/2026
Date Signed: 06/10/2026 01:48:39 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
05/06/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Anna Francesca Chan

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260506094846

FACILITY NAME:	STEPPING STONES		FACILITY NUMBER:	304370822
ADMINISTRATOR:	KIM, ESTHER		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	3320 NORTH HARBOR BLVD.		TELEPHONE:	(714) 526-6300
CITY:	FULLERTON	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92835
CAPACITY:	201	CENSUS: 116	DATE:	06/10/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	12:40 PM
MET WITH:	Assistant Director Paul Kim		TIME COMPLETED:	02:00 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff handled daycare child in a rough manner resulting in child injuring tooth.
Staff left daycare child crying for a period of time.
Parents were not allowed to enter child's classroom.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 6/10/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Anna Chan, conducted a follow up investigation to deliver findings regarding the above complaint allegations which was initiated on 05/08/26. LPA met with Asst Director Paul Kim and Director Esther Kim. Overall census observed was 116 children and 17 staff.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary shows all facility staff or individuals who require caregiver background checks have received a criminal record clearance and a child abuse index clearance or an exemption clearance.

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Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/10/2026

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 06-CC-20260506094846

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: STEPPING STONES	FACILITY NUMBER: 304370822
	VISIT DATE: 06/10/2026

NARRATIVE

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The Department received a Complaint on 5/6/2026 alleging:
(1) Staff handled daycare child in a rough manner resulting in child injuring tooth.
(2) Staff left daycare child crying for a period of time.
(3) Parents were not allowed to enter child's classroom

During the investigation, LPA interviewed 7 staff members and the director, 11 children, and 3 parents. LPA reviewed documents obtained; Employee Handbook, Teacher’s Handbook, Code of Conduct.

Reporting Party (RP) stated during the period of 2023–2024 Staff 1 (S1) was covering breaks and pulled the child by the arm causing a child’s tooth to turn gray. RP also stated they witnessed S1 making the parents wait outside the classroom and S1 leaving a child crying for a long period of time.

LPA interviewed 7 staff, 7 of 7 staff stated that in year 2023-2024, they did not witness the incident involving S1 grabbing a child or handling a child in a rough manner causing the tooth to turn gray. Assistant director stated they did not receive any report from parents that a child’s tooth turned gray. 7 of 7 staff stated in year 2023-2024, they do not recall or did not witness S1 letting a child cry for a long period of time. Staff 2 (S2) stated they would let a child cry for a little bit and then try to comfort the child. Staff 4 (S4) stated, when a child won’t stop crying or not calming down for half an hour, they call the parents of the child to pick up. Staff 5 (S5) stated when a child won’t stop crying, they will ask the child to take deep breaths. Staff 6 (S6) stated that if a child won’t stop crying, they will ask help from admin, and admin will take them for a walk to calm down. 7 of 7 staff stated parents are welcome to go inside the classroom any time. If parents want to do observation, they can request and can observe in the classroom or observe by the window. Assistant director stated, for new students, parents most of the time observe by the window so children won't cry when they see their parents. Assistant Director stated they never deny parents in going inside the classroom.

LPA interviewed 3 parents, none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/10/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 06-CC-20260506094846

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: STEPPING STONES	FACILITY NUMBER: 304370822
	VISIT DATE: 06/10/2026

NARRATIVE

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LPA interviewed 11 children. None of the children interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations. LPA attempted to interview Child 1 (C2), but C2 was on out on both visits (5/8/26 and 6/10/26)

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged: (1) Staff handled daycare child in a rough manner resulting in child injuring tooth. (2) Staff left daycare child crying for a period of time. (3) Parents were not allowed to enter child's classroom did or did not occur, therefore the allegations were UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed and discussed with Assistant Director, Paul Kim. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit and be posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights provided.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/10/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/10/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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