372005685-4-16-2026-51-CC-JREG-DT8LN6-20260417085345

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 372005685
Report Date: 03/26/2026
Date Signed: 04/16/2026 09:23:01 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
12/17/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Gerald Poindexter

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 51-CC-20251217154802

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER - WORLD TRADE		FACILITY NUMBER:	372005685
ADMINISTRATOR:	MADELINE HOWERTON		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	12135 WORLD TRADE DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(858) 487-6444
CITY:	SAN DIEGO	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92128
CAPACITY:	72	CENSUS: 41	DATE:	03/26/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:30 AM
MET WITH:	Madeline Howerton		TIME COMPLETED:	11:15 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary
Staff do not keep the day care center free of odor
Staff accept children with signs of illness into care
Staff do not ensure child's toileting needs are met

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 3/26/26 at 9:30 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gerald Poindexter conducted an unannounced visit for a complaint received on 12/17/25. The LPA met with Madeline Howerton, director. There were 41 children present in 3 rooms with 7 staff. Facility is within ratio and capacity.

LPA Veronica Torres Gonzalez initiated the investigation on 12/24/25 and toured the facility, interviewed staff members, and reviewed facility documents. The investigation was assumed by LPA Poindexter on 2/12/26. Allegations:

“Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary:” During LPA Gonzalez’ unannounced visit to the facility on 12/24/25, teachers were observed cleaning surfaces and classrooms in between

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Joelle Redding
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Gerald Poindexter
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/16/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/16/2026

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 51-CC-20251217154802

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER - WORLD TRADE	FACILITY NUMBER: 372005685
	VISIT DATE: 03/26/2026

NARRATIVE

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THIS IS AN AMENDED REPORT DELIVERED ON 4/16/26

activities. Staff interviews yielded information about cleaning processes. The LPAs reviewed complete classroom cleaning checklists that identified what areas/objects of the classrooms were cleaned and by whom. Multiple parents interviewed did not express opinions that aligned with the allegation.

“Staff do not keep the day care center free of odor:” Staff interviewed by the LPAs described cleaning/disinfecting diapering areas, and that general cleaning is often done between activities and during naptime. The LPAs reviewed actively maintained cleaning logs that identified specific cleansers for restroom areas and food contact areas where odors might emerge. Parents interviewed did not express experiences similar to the allegation.

“Staff accept children with signs of illness into care:” LPA Gonzalez interviewed staff who reviewed protocols for addressing symptoms of illness and identified steps for parent support and guidance for possible classroom outbreaks. Parents interviewed did not express dissatisfaction with staff response to sickness. They noted that the staff is communicative via the KinderCare app with individual notifications and illness-related instructions.

“Staff do not ensure child's toileting needs are met:” Interviews with staff involved expressed that the children are cleaned in accordance with established diapering and toileting protocols. The facility director reviewed diaper processes with the LPAs and stated that they were also reviewed and reinforced following the allegation. Parents interviewed did not express opinions that aligned with the allegation.

Based on information obtained from interviews with relevant parties, and provided documentation, the above allegations could not be verified and are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. Although the allegations may have happened, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Madeline Howerton, center director. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights were provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Joelle Redding
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Gerald Poindexter
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/16/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/16/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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