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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376600350
Report Date: 10/02/2025
Date Signed: 10/02/2025 02:26:33 PM

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
09/18/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Keely Messerschmidt
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20250918141135
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY INFANTFACILITY NUMBER:
376600350
ADMINISTRATOR:GRACE PENDERGRASSFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:2415 S. CENTRE CITY PKWAYTELEPHONE:
(760) 745-2474
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92025
CAPACITY:30CENSUS: 16DATE:
10/02/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:00 PM
MET WITH:Grace PendergrassTIME COMPLETED:
02:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff conducted inappropriate conversations with other staff while in the presence of children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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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 allegation. LPA met with Director Grace Pendergrass. LPA toured the facility, conducted census, and verified facility staff and children enrollment.

On September 18th, 2025, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging that with staff conducted inappropriate conversations with other staff while in the presence of children.


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

DATE: 10/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/02/2025
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 3
Control Number 10-CC-20250918141135
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 INFANT
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600350
VISIT DATE: 10/02/2025
NARRATIVE
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Pertaining to allegation allegation that Director conducted inappropriate conversations with Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) while in the presence of children, based on interviews conducted 2 of 2 staff members disclosed that they witnessed the Director enter the infant room from the bathroom speaking in a stern voice to S1 and S2 in front of them and the children. Staff also stated that the approach from the Director was not appropriate.

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

A Civil Penalty has been assessed on this visit in the amount of $500.00 with a Type B citation for repeat violation Personal Rights 101223(a)(1). Payment is due when billed and the check(s) or money orders shall be made payable to the “California Department of Social Services”. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVOICE IN THE MAIL. DO NOT SEND MONEY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR INVOICE. DO NOT SEND CASH.


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: 10/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 3
Control Number 10-CC-20250918141135
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 INFANT
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600350
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/02/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
10/24/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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(a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:
(1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.
This requirement was notmet as evidenced by,
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Director stated that they recently attended a conference with SD QPI called Early Education & Adminstrator Institute involving leadership styles and how to reach each person individually. Director stated they will create a plan on how to handle situations with staff in the future sending to LPA via email.
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Based on interviews conducted, 2 of 2 staff members disclosed that they witnessed the Director speak inappropriately to S1 & S2 in front of the children. This is a potential health and safety risk to 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: 10/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 3