376700971-12-5-2025-20-CC-RGOU-DP9PLF-20251211102438

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376700971
Report Date: 12/05/2025
Date Signed: 12/05/2025 12:27:42 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO 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
09/12/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Julieta Abrego

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 20-CC-20250912085027

FACILITY NAME:	COTTONTAIL PRESCHOOL		FACILITY NUMBER:	376700971
ADMINISTRATOR:	DENISE MATTHEWS		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	471 E STREET		TELEPHONE:	(619) 425-3107
CITY:	CHULA VISTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91910
CAPACITY:	49	CENSUS: 18	DATE:	12/05/2025
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:05 AM
MET WITH:	Director Denise Matthews		TIME COMPLETED:	12:45 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff do not meet the needs of a daycare child while in care.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 12/05/2025 at approximately 9:05 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Julieta Abrego conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering the complaint finding for the above listed allegation. Upon arrival, LPA met with director, Denise Matthews and proceeded to tour the facility. During the inspection there were 18 children in care with six (6) staff members present.

During the course of the investigation, interviews were conducted with the reporting party, director, staff, parents, and children in care. It was alleged that staff did not meet the needs of a daycare child while in care. LPA determined that the alleged incident involving Child 1 (C1) occurred on September 11, 2025, and pertained to concerns that C1’s needs were not being met during outdoor play.

The director denied the allegation and stated that the facility serves children with varying needs, some of whom may communicate through crying or yelling due to overstimulation. The director stated that staff are trained to respond to children through comfort, redirection, and supportive strategies based on individual

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Rajani Goudreau
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Julieta Abrego
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/05/2025

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 20-CC-20250912085027

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

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

FACILITY NAME: COTTONTAIL PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 376700971
	VISIT DATE: 12/05/2025

NARRATIVE

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needs.

Staff interviews indicated that they meet children’s needs by offering sensory materials, comfort items, verbal reassurance, and redirection. Staff stated that when children become upset, procedures include staying with the child, offering toys or sensory items, and using calming techniques as appropriate. Staff also reported that outdoor spaces may be used as a supportive environment for children who benefit from a quieter or softer area.

LPA reviewed video recordings related to the alleged incident that occurred on September 11, 2025, as well as recordings from the month prior. The video footage showed staff present and responding to the children in care, including C1. During children’s interviews, the children did not disclose any corroborating information related to the allegation. Parent interviews indicated they had no concerns regarding staff’s ability to meet the needs of children in care.

Due to conflicting information obtained throughout the course of the investigation and no additional witnesses to the alleged incident, LPA was unable to determine whether the allegation occurred. Although the allegation may have happened or may be valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur; therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated. No deficiencies were cited.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the director, Denise Matthews. A copy of this report, along with Appeal Rights (LIC9058), were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. LPA observed that the notice of site visit was posted during the inspection. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Rajani Goudreau
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Julieta Abrego
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/05/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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