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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 344501377
Report Date: 06/30/2026
Date Signed: 06/30/2026 11:39:08 AM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/07/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Jennie Tedlos
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 53-CC-20260507081539
FACILITY NAME:LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
344501377
ADMINISTRATOR:KIEL, MICHELLEFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:10374 TWIN CITIES RDTELEPHONE:
(916) 296-4934
CITY:GALTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95632
CAPACITY:100CENSUS: 73DATE:
06/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Michelle KielTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Director disclosed personal and health information regarding children.
Staff leave children unsupervised.
Staff communicate inappropriately with children in care.
Unqualified staff provide care and supervision to children.
Staff allow children to use play equipment that is not age appropriate

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jennie Tedlos met with Director, Michelle Kiel (MK) to deliver findings of the complaint investigation regarding the above five (5) allegations submitted to Licensing. There were 17 School Age, 31 Preschool, 16 Toddler, and 9 Infant Children supervised by 12 Teachers.

It was alleged that the Director disclosed personal and health information regarding children. There was a concern that children's private information was shared. The Director states that children's private information is only shared with teachers when appropriate and discussed only with the children's own family. LPA interviewed parents and teachers who do not support the allegation.

It was alleged that staff leave children unsupervised. There was a concern that staff in the School Age Room leave children unsupervised to prepare food in the kitchen or to go into the Director's office. There was also a concern that teachers are regularly on their phones. LPA conducted observations that do not support this allegation. During the LPA's interviews, staff state that while in ratio in the School Age Room,...
*Report continues on 9099-C*
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
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 6
Control Number 53-CC-20260507081539
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 344501377
VISIT DATE: 06/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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...teachers are not permitted to enter the kitchen to prepare meals or to enter the Director's office. Staff also state that personal phones are only used to access Brightwheel and to communicate with Parents. LPA conducted interviews with School Age children who state that teachers do not go into the kitchen or office while supervising children and that teachers use their phones but not frequently. School Age children also state that an extra teacher, who is not supervising the children, will prepare meals in the kitchen. LPA's interviews with parents do not support this allegation.

It was alleged that staff communicate inappropriately with children in care. There was a concern that staff use inappropriate words and inappropriately loud voices with the children in care. Staff state that some staff have louder voices but that staff do not yell at children nor do they use inappropriate language. If there is a situation with children that requires staff intervention, staff are trained to get down to the children's levels and speak calmly with them. Children state that sometimes staff use loud voices to address the room, however the voices are not angry and are considered normal teachers' voices that do not make the children uncomfortable. LPA's interviews with parents do not support this allegation.

It was alleged that unqualified staff was providing care and supervision to children. There was a concern that a staff member was supervising children alone in the toddler room without the required teacher qualifications. LPA's interviews with staff reveal that the staff member is an aide and is never alone with children. The aide helps with children in care but is always accompanied by staff members with the required qualifications. LPA's observations did not support this allegation. LPA's interviews with parents do not support this allegation.

It was alleged that staff allow children to use play equipment that is not age appropriate. There was a concern that Toddlers under 2 years old were using the Preschool Play structure, and that Toddlers were utilizing the School Age Playground. LPA made observations during the investigation and saw that the large Preschool Play structure is intended for children ages 2-5. There is a shared outdoor space waiver on file stating that Toddler children can use the Preschool Playground. Staff reveal that any Toddlers under the age of 2 are not permitted on the large play structure and are guided to other age appropriate structures and activities. Staff also state that Toddlers are only in the School Age Playground when transitioning in and out of the Toddler playground to the Toddler classroom. Interviews with children reveal that Toddlers are not allowed to play in the School Age play area, but often walk through the area to get to their own play area.

*Report continues on 9099-C*
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20260507081539
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 344501377
VISIT DATE: 06/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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Based on the information obtained throughout the course of this investigation for the above allegations, LPA Tedlos determined that the five (5) allegations were found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED, meaning although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. An exit Interview was conducted with the Director, Michelle Kiel.

A notice of site visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days

SUPERVISORS NAME: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
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
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/07/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Jennie Tedlos
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 53-CC-20260507081539

FACILITY NAME:LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
344501377
ADMINISTRATOR:KIEL, MICHELLEFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:10374 TWIN CITIES RDTELEPHONE:
(916) 296-4934
CITY:GALTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95632
CAPACITY:100CENSUS: 73DATE:
06/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Michelle KielTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff is not licensed for the type of vehicle used to transport children.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jennie Tedlos met with Director, Michelle Kiel (MK) to deliver findings of the complaint investigation regarding the above allegation submitted to Licensing. There were 17 School Age, 31 Preschool, 16 Toddler, and 9 Infant Children supervised by 12 Teachers.

It was alleged that staff is not licensed for the type of vehicle used to transport children. There was a concern that the 2 vans that the facility uses to transport children requires a commercial license that the staff have not obtained. The vans are a Ford Transit 350 12 passenger and a Ford E-350 XLT Super Duty. It was revealed that a Type-B California Driver's License required for a business to transport children in 12 passenger vehicles. The staff members who have driven the vans for transport have a Type-C California Driver's License.
The Director states that she was unaware that a Type-B CDL was required and has stopped using the vans for day care transport as of June 3rd, 2026. The Director will not use the vans and will remove seats or buy new vehicles for transport that are Type-B CDL compliant. Director will confer with Licensing about options.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
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 6
Control Number 53-CC-20260507081539
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 344501377
VISIT DATE: 06/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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Based observations the conducted the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is SUBSTANTIATED. A Type-B Deficiency is cited on a subsequent 9099-D page.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20260507081539
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: LITTLE FERNS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 344501377
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/31/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101225(a)
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101225 Transportation (a) Only drivers licensed for the type of vehicle operated shall be permitted to transport children.
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The Director states that the vans will no longer be in use. LPA cleared the deficiency during today's visit.
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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: Karyn Guerra
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Jennie Tedlos
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6