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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376600348
Report Date: 04/30/2025
Date Signed: 04/30/2025 11:49:05 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/14/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Keely Messerschmidt
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20250314123552
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376600348
ADMINISTRATOR:STEPHANIE MANGIONEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2415 S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAYTELEPHONE:
(760) 745-2474
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92025
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: 50DATE:
04/30/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:40 AM
MET WITH:Grace PendergrassTIME COMPLETED:
10:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff does not prevent children from being harmed by other children
Staff are co-mingling preschool children with school age
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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9
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On the above date and time listed, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Keely Messerschmidt arrived at the facility for the purpose of delivering the complaint findings on the above-referenced allegations. LPA met with Director Grace Pendergrass. LPA toured the facility, conducted census, and verified facility staff and children enrollment.

On March 14th, 2025, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging that staff does not prevent children from being harmed by other children and that staff are co-mingling preschool children with school age.

See LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Deborah Mullen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keely Messerschmidt
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
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 5
Control Number 10-CC-20250314123552
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
VISIT DATE: 04/30/2025
NARRATIVE
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Pertaining to the allegation that staff does not prevent children from being harmed by other children; it was disclosed by 6 of 6 staff and confidential interviews that Child #1 (C1) had been having behavioral challenges since prior to January 2025 when the old Director left the facility. However, based on record review and interviews facility did not contact the Inclusion Department for assistance until March 2025 and then soon after the child dis-enrolled. It was stated that there were multiple days where C1 would bite, throw toys and be sent home early due to behaviors in the classroom, yet no intervention was sought out until months later. It was also stated that C1 was shifted in to the TK/Kinder classroom but the behaviors continued. Based on record review, LPA observed ABC Behavior Charts completed from February 2025 to March 2025 for C1. In addition, multiple incident reports from November 2024 through March 2025 were observed in the file, showing the need for behavioral intervention. LPA also noted a Behavioral Action Plan that was created April 7, 2025, however, C1 dis-enrolled as of April 7, 2025.

Pertaining to allegation that staff are co-mingling preschool children with school age it was disclosed by 6 of 6 staff and confidential interviews that at least 7 preschool children were being moved from their preschool classroom to the kindergarten/school-age classroom due to the children being older preschoolers and to assist with behaviors, despite the children not being of age to advance to the school age program.

Based on interviews conducted the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with the Director Grace Pendergrass, and a copy was provided. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.



A Notice of Site visit was given, and Director understands that it must remain posted for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Deborah Mullen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keely Messerschmidt
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/14/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Keely Messerschmidt
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20250314123552

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376600348
ADMINISTRATOR:STEPHANIE MANGIONEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2415 S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAYTELEPHONE:
(760) 745-2474
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92025
CAPACITY:67CENSUS: 5050DATE:
04/30/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:40 AM
MET WITH:Grace PendergrassTIME COMPLETED:
10:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff are operating out of ratio
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On the above date and time listed, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Keely Messerschmidt arrived at the facility for the purpose of delivering the complaint findings on the above-referenced allegations. LPA met with Director Grace Pendergrass. LPA toured the facility, conducted census, and verified facility staff and children enrollment.

On March 14th, 2025, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging that staff are operating out of ratio.

Based on interviews conducted, 6 of 6 staff members stated they maintain ratio throughout the day. LPA reviewed Child Supervision Records (CSR) and did not observe any days where classrooms were out of ratio.

See LIC9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Deborah Mullen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keely Messerschmidt
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20250314123552
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
VISIT DATE: 04/30/2025
NARRATIVE
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Based on the information obtained during this investigation, it has been determined that although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with the Director, Grace Pendergrass, and a copy was provided. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

A Notice of Site visit was given, and Director understands that it must remain posted for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Deborah Mullen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keely Messerschmidt
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20250314123552
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/30/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
05/09/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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Personal Rights:(a)The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded 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 as evidenced by,
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Director stated they will create a plan for when behaviors occur to specify a timeline of when to include the Inclusion Department and conduct parent meetings to come up with a plan for child. The Director will submit this plan to LPA via email.
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Based on 6 of 6 staff and confidential interviews that C1 had been having behavioral challenges since prior to 1/2025 when the old Director left the facility. However, based on record review and interviews facility did not contact the Inclusion Department for assistance until 3/2025 and then soon after the child dis-enrolled. This is a potential risk to the health & safety of children in care.
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Type B
05/09/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101161(a)
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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 ws not met as evidenced by,
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Director stated they will review regulation and facility licenses to come up with a plan with where children will be placed based on age a and behaviors, then send this plan to LPA via email.
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Based on 6 of 6 staff and confidential interviews that at least 7 preschool children were being moved from their prek classroom to the kinder/school-age classroom due to the children being older prek and to assist with behaviors, despite the children not being of age to advance to the school age program. This is a potential health & safety risk to the children 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: Deborah Mullen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keely Messerschmidt
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5