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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371250
Report Date: 12/11/2025
Date Signed: 12/11/2025 03:48:50 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
10/07/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Anna Francesca Chan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20251007091909
FACILITY NAME:CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371250
ADMINISTRATOR:WELCH, AMBERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:20400 FAIRMONT CONNECTORTELEPHONE:
(714) 290-3993
CITY:YORBA LINDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92886
CAPACITY:51CENSUS: 25DATE:
12/11/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:55 PM
MET WITH:Director Amber WelchTIME COMPLETED:
04:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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limitations on capacity.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 12/11/2025, at 2:55pm Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Anna Chan, conducted a follow up investigation to deliver findings regarding the above complaint allegation which was initiated on 10/09/25. LPA met with director, Amber Welch. Census was taken. Overall census observed was 25 preschool children and 8 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.

Page 1 of 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
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-20251007091909
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: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371250
VISIT DATE: 12/11/2025
NARRATIVE
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The Department received a Complaint on 10/7/2025 alleging limitations on capacity.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff members, 9 children, and 4 parents, obtained documents LIC500, LIC9040, Sign in and out (children/staff) for July 2025, July Ouch report, October 9, 2025, sample ratio report. Ratio Report July 1-30, 2025

Reporting Party (RP) stated staff bring their 13-year old daughter to school and stays in the classroom or run around the playground with preschool children.

During staff interview, 7 of 8 staff stated they witnessed a child 1 (C1) over the age of 6 who is present in the facility during operating hours. Staff 1 (S1) admitted to taking C1 (over 6yrs) at the facility during operating hours and would stay at the patio area doing homework. S1 stated children in care would talk to C1. Staff 2 (S2) stated C1 used to come on Fridays and would stay outside. Children in care would swarm to C1 and talk to C1. Staff 3 (S3) stated C1 stays in the outdoor yard and talks to children in care. Staff 5 (S5) stated C1 is in the facility on Fridays and will be out in the yard. Staff 6 (S6) stated C1 would play with the children outside and would run with the children and throw wood chips. S6 stated C1 stays in the facility the whole day during Summer. Staff 7 (S7) stated they witnessed C1 in the classroom with S1 and would hang out with the children and play with them. Staff 8 (S8) stated C1 would be in the facility and plays with the children in care and children go to C1 because they know C1.

During children’s interview, 9 of 9 children did not disclose information that supports the allegation.

During parent interviews, 4 out of 4 parents did not disclose information that could support the allegation.

Based on interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. See LIC9099D for a Type B deficiency cited.

An exit interview was conducted, and report and deficiency were reviewed and discussed with Director Amber Welch. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The director was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights Provided.

Page 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20251007091909
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: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371250
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 12/11/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
01/09/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101161(a)
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101161 (a) Limitations on Capacity
(a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation.
This requirement has not been met as evidenced by:



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Director stated they will proved LPA an Plan of Action on how to prevent limitations of capacity violation buy due date of 1/9/26
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Based on staff interview, 7 of 8 staff stated a child over the age of 6, child of another staff, has been present at the facility and interacts with children in care.

This 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: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 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
10/07/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Anna Francesca Chan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20251007091909

FACILITY NAME:CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371250
ADMINISTRATOR:WELCH, AMBERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:20400 FAIRMONT CONNECTORTELEPHONE:
(714) 290-3993
CITY:YORBA LINDASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92886
CAPACITY:51CENSUS: 25DATE:
12/11/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:55 PM
MET WITH:Director Amber WelchTIME COMPLETED:
04:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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2
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9
Out of ratio
Lack of supervision resulting to injury
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 12/11/2025, at 2:55PM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Anna Chan conducted an unannounced Complaint investigation inspection. This is to deliver the findings of the investigation initiated on 10/9/2025. Upon arrival, the LPA met with Director Amber Welch and informed them of the purpose of visit. Census was taken. LPA observed 25 preschool children and 8 staff.

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

The Department received a complaint on 10/07/25 alleging (1) out of ratio (2) lack of supervision resulting to injury
Page 2 of 3
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20251007091909
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: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371250
VISIT DATE: 12/11/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff members, 9 children, and 4 parents, obtained documents LIC500, LIC9040, Sign in and out (children/staff) for July 2025, July Ouch report, October 9, 2025 sample ratio report. Ratio Report July 1-30, 2025

Regarding allegation (1) Out of Ratio

Reporting Party (RP) stated staff is left out of ratio during the Summer.

During staff interview, 7 of 8 staff stated they have not witnessed staff being out of ratio. 8 of 8 staff stated they will send a group message if help is needed in the classroom. Staff 5 (S5) stated they help cover the classroom to be in ratio. Staff 8 (S8) stated they have issues with ratio in the Summer.

LPA reviewed Ratio Report printed from the facility’s Bright Wheel app for July 1-30, 2025. The report showed in increments of 30 minutes showing staff count and student count. The report did not show classrooms being out of ratio.

Regarding allegation (2) Lack of supervision resulting to injury



RP stated there are unexplained injuries due to staff taking personal calls while supervising children.

During staff interview staff stated they have not witnessed staff taking personal calls while supervising children.

Staff 1(S1) stated, no issues with phone use now, but S1 stated last year there was an issue with staff overly using phone and issue was resolved. Staff 2 (S2) stated they use their personal phone to access Bright Wheel and to log diaper changes, food, and to communicate with other teachers. Staff 3 (S3) stated they use their personal phones for Bright Wheel. Staff 4 (S4) stated they use their personal phones to log to bright wheel for snacks and bathroom breaks for children. S4 also stated they use personal phones during staff breaks and lunches. Staff 5 (S5) stated they use their personal phones for Bright Wheel. Staff 6 (S6) stated they use personal phones in updating parents, accidents on Bright Wheel. Staff 7 (S7) stated they only use personal phones for bright wheel and group chat. Staff 8 (S8) stated they only use it for emergency, group chat and Bright Wheel. S8 stated they have witnessed a staff use personal phone for facetime.

Page 2 of 3

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20251007091909
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: CANYON HILLS CHILDCARE/CANYON HILLS FRIENDS CHURCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371250
VISIT DATE: 12/11/2025
NARRATIVE
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During children interview, 2 of 9 children stated they see their teachers using their cellphone. Child 1 (C1) stated they have seen their teacher (S1) use their phone for a little bit. Child 2 (C2) stated they have seen their teacher (S8) use their phone for a minute. 7 of 9 children interview did not disclose information that supports the allegation.

LPA did not observe staff taking personal calls while supervising children.

LPA interviewed 4 parents and none of the parents interviewed disclosed any information that could support the allegations.

Based on observation, interviews conducted and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of being out of ratio, and lack of supervision resulting to injury did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.



Exit interview was conducted with Director Amber Welch Report and were discussed. The Notice of Site Visit was posted and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were provided.

Page 2 of 2

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anna Francesca Chan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/11/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6