426212030-10-7-2024-17-CC-MMUR-DBV3PB-20241211172513

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 426212030
Report Date: 10/07/2024
Date Signed: 10/07/2024 01:51:32 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
07/10/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20240710094448

FACILITY NAME:	STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	426212030
ADMINISTRATOR:	JACQUELINE MCDONOUGH		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	2121 DE LA VINA		TELEPHONE:	(805) 687-4540
CITY:	SANTA BARBARA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	93105
CAPACITY:	45	CENSUS: 21	DATE:	10/07/2024
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:00 AM
MET WITH:	Jacqueline Mcdonough		TIME COMPLETED:	10:31 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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1#Facility is in disrepair. #2Staff do not maintain the facility in a sanitary condition.
#3Staff do not ensure that day care children have access to hand soap while in care.
#4Staff do not prevent day care children from having access to toxic materials while in care
#5staff did not prevent day care child from wandering from the facility while in care.
#6Staff member engaged in inappropriate behavior with other staff member in the presence of day care children in care.
#7 Licensee does not ensure that staff are adequately trained.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 10/07/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete made an unannounced inspection to deliver findings of the above allegations. LPA met with Director Jacqueline Mcdonough (CCC). LPA explained the purpose of the inspection. During the inspection LPA toured the facility, LPA noted 21 children and 5 staff providing care and supervision.

The investigations included reviewing staff qualifications/experience, sign in/out sheets of children, staff handbook and parent interviews of both current and previously enrolled children, as well as LPA observations. LPA also interviewed executive director and former staff and minimal current staff.

Regarding allegation#2 Staff do not maintain the facility in a sanitary condition and #1Facility in disrepair LPA conducted three unannounced site inspections. During those three site inspections, LPA completed a walk through of the facility and LPA observed the facility is in sanitary condition. Continued LIC9099-C

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

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 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

NARRATIVE

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From interviewing former staff LPA determined the facility has not been unsanitary in the recent past. During the director interview, Director stated that sanitation policy and cleaning policy is written in the staff handbook. Furthermore LPA did read the following on page 39 of the staff hand book "All employees are expected to keep their work areas clean and organized. People using common areas such as lunch rooms and restrooms are expected to keep them sanitary. Please Clean up after meals and dispose of trash properly. LPA also received a job description flyer for a vacant teacher position from director. The flyer clearly reads, staff need to maintain a sanitary work environment. LPA cound not find any evidence to determine the facility is kept in a unsanitary condition

Regarding allegation#2 ,Staff do not ensure that day care children have access to hand soap while in care. LPA conducted three unannounced site inspections. During those three site inspections, LPA completed a walk through of the facility with the Director. LPA observed soap and water in every child’s rest room(See LIC812). LPA interviewed staff and every staff stated, the facility always has soap and water available at the facility. LPA interviewed two current staff, and the two current staff stated the facility has always kept soap and water available through out the facility. Director also stated, the facility always has soap and water available. Director stated in a situation where the water would be unexpectedly shut off for multiple hours, the center would contact parents in order to close the facility.

Regarding Allegation#3 Staff do not prevent day care children from having access to toxic materials while in care. . As mentioned, LPA conducted the three unannounced site inspections. During those three inspection LPA completed a walk through of the facility . LPA did not observe any toxic materials. Interviews from staff revealed, the former staff have never observed any toxic materials at the center. Parent interviews revealed, how parents have also not observed any toxic materials at the facility. LPA interviewed one current staff who stated, toxic and hazardous cleaning materials are kept elevated out of the reach of children. Additionally, LPA read the aforementioned job description flyer which reads, Staff need to “Maintain a physically safe environment. Report all unsafe environment and hazardous materials to the program director, site supervisor and executive director”(See LIC812).

Regarding Allegation number #4 staff did not prevent day care child from wandering from the facility while in care. LPA conducted a file review. LPA could not find any type of report in the last 4 years where a child eloped or wondered from the facility during facility hours. The staff handbook on page 39 outlines instructions for the quality of supervision the staff must demonstrate when supervising a child or children. Also LPA interviewed parents, all parents interviewed stated they have never received a report from the staff regarding their child not being properly supervised or a report regarding their child wondering off. Continued on LIC9099-C

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

NARRATIVE

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Regarding Allegation Number #5 Staff member engaged in inappropriate behavior with other staff member in the presence of day care children in care.(no witnesses) LPA Interviewed parents, all parents interviewed stated they have never observed a staff member engage in inappropriate behavior with other staff member in the presence of day care children in care. LPA interviewed previously and current staff. Most staff interviewed stated, they have never observed a staff member engage in the aforementioned allegation. Additionally the staff handbook on page 42 provides guidance to employees of what would qualify as inappropriate behavior. Furthermore LPA interviewed director, in which director stated” inappropriate behavior by staff could result in termination but would definitely be rerported to Licensing as a unusual incident.

Regarding Allegation Number #7 Licensee does not ensure that staff are adequately trained. LPA received mandated reporter certificates, LPA reviewed training certificates for all active staff. The training certificates included Mandated Reporter as well as college transcripts. Also Director emailed LPA a list of multiple courses staff can take. These courses fall under social emotional strategies, teacher stress management, Licensing regulations, other educational strategies. Also the staff hand book provides guidance on the work performance employees need to meet. In particularly on page 34 of the staff hand book, it reads “Each employee will receive periodic performance reviews from their supervisor. Your first performance evaluation will occur after the employee completes the 90-day introductory period. Subsequent performance evaluations will be conducted annually on your anniversary date”. LPA also conducted staff interviews, most staff stated they believe they did receive enough quality training.

Findings

Based on LPA's observations, interviews, documents collected during investigation, although the above allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated

A Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given at the conclusion. Exit interview conducted with director Director..

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 8

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
07/10/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20240710094448

FACILITY NAME:	STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	426212030
ADMINISTRATOR:	JACQUELINE MCDONOUGH		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	2121 DE LA VINA		TELEPHONE:	(805) 687-4540
CITY:	SANTA BARBARA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	93105
CAPACITY:	45	CENSUS: 21	DATE:	10/07/2024
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:00 AM
MET WITH:	Jacqueline Mcdonough		TIME COMPLETED:	10:31 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff member handled day care children in a rough manner
Staff member bullies day care children in care.
Staff member intimidates day care children in care.
Staff did not ensure that day care children were adequately fed while in care.
Staff member used an inappropriate form of punishment against day care child in care.
Staff yell at day care children while in care.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 10/07/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete made an unannounced inspection to deliver findings of the above allegations. LPA met with Director Jackie Mcdonough (CCC). LPA explained the purpose of the inspection. During the inspection LPA toured the facility, LPA noted 21 children and 5 staff providing care and supervision.

The investigations included reviewing staff qualifications/experience, sign in/out sheets of children, staff handbook and parent interviews of both current and previously enrolled children, as well as LPA observations. Also LPA conducted a file review. LPA also interviewed executive director and former staff and minimal current staff.
Continued on LIC9099-C

Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

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 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

NARRATIVE

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Regarding Allegation , Staff member handled day care children in care in a rough manner. LPA conducted a file review and discovered a unusual incident which was self reported by the facility to the department on 4/18/2024. In this incident, the Director received a text message from a parent of C1 stating, S8 pulled C1's arm on 4/17/2024 and on a different occasion hit C1. The director gathered a statement from S8 then emailed the statement with the Unusual Incident Report(LIC624) on 4/22/2024. Through parent interview, LPA found, C1 communicated this alleged incident to parent, then parent communicated concerns to director. LPA interviewed Director, and director stated, how she did not conduct her own investigation, the director did not interview other staff. Director expected Licensing to conduct their own investigation. During the course of the investigation LPA interviewed C1 and the Parent of C1. LPA was able to gather statements and photographs(see LIC812). Today LPA was able to complete a interview of S8, regarding the aforementioned incident. LPA, cross referenced today’s S8 interview, with S8’s previous written statement, which was attached to the LIC624 and submitted on 4/22/2024 to the department. LPA found no discrepancies between todays S8’s interview and the submitted statement (4/22/2024, See LIC812).

However LPA reviewed staff handbook section, “conduct around children”. This section outlines prohibited conduct that will not be tolerated by the facility. Today Director could not provide evidence S8 followed the facility’s written policy “conduct around children”. Additionally LPA interviewed a staff that was that was present during the incident, staff stated S8 was aggressive with C1(see LIC812) Due to the aforementioned evidence the department has found the facility violated Title 22 section 101223 (a)(3).

Regarding the allegations, staff member bullies day care children in care. LPA interviewed multiple former and current staff. LPA discovered a pattern of behavior from S1, and one staff stated they observed S1 take food away from children as away to make an example of the child in front of other children. Furthermore two staff members stated they observed S1 yell at children. LPA also received copies of a concerning messages staff communicated via text to management(See LIC812). These text massages corroborate and highlight a serious concern that staff members had towards of S1's intimidating behavior towards the children. The aforementioned evidence also corroborates three additional allegation , A#Staff yell at day care children while in care.(substantiated), A#Staff member intimidates day care children in care(substantiated), A#Staff member used an inappropriate form of punishment against day care child in care.

Continued on LIC9099-C.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

NARRATIVE

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Regardding Allegation Staff did not ensure that day care children were adequately fed while in care. On 06/26/2024 LPA Giovani Gonzalez conducted a case management inspection at the above mentioned child care center. This visit was due to a self reported incident where staff disclosed they had witnessed S1 take food away from children. Through LPA Gonzalez interviews LPA issue a citation on 6/26/2024.

LPA Gonzalez cited a type B vi0lation pertaining to title 22 California Code of Regulations section 101223(a)(3) Personal rights. LPA Negrete will not issue a citation for allegation Staff did not ensure that day care children were adequately fed while in care. However today the preponderance of evidence has been met, LPA Negrete will substantiate the following Allegations:

1.Staff member mishandled day care children in care in a rough manner (LIC9099-D)
2.Staff member bullies day care children in care.(LIC9099-D)
3.Staff member intimidates day care children in care. (Technical violation)
4.Staff did not ensure that day care children were adequately fed while in care.(no citation)
5.Staff member used an inappropriate form of punishment against day care child in care. (Technical violation)
6. Staff yell at day care children while in care. (LIC9099-D)

The investigation has found that The facility has not followed Title 22 California code of regulations(9099-D page). S1 has been terminated on 07/31/2024. S1 is no longer working at the facility.

Exit interview was conducted with Director

Appeal Rights were given to the Director.

Notice of site visit was provided.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 6 of 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 10/08/2024 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(3)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	personal rights..To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to: interference with functions of daily living including eating, sleeping or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning.	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Every staff will read Personal Rights and sugned a document they undertsand personal rights.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	This requirement was not met as evidence by Interviwes conducted, LPA interviewed multiple former and current staff. LPA discovered a pattern of behavior from S1, and one staff observed S1 punish and yell at children as a away to make an example of the child in front of other children. This is a potential health and sfaety risk to persons in care,	8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Type B 10/08/2024 Section Cited CCR 1012239(a)(3)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	personal rights..To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, mental abuse.. this requirement was not met as evidence by...	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Every staff will read Personal Rights and sugned a document they undertsand personal rights.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	the facilities self reproted incident, LPAs children and parent interveiws, as well as cros referencing reports, revelaed C1 was grabed by the arm by S8 inapropriately and miss handled the child.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 7 of 8

Control Number 17-CC-20240710094448

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: STORYTELLER CHILDREN'S CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 426212030
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 10/07/2024

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 10/08/2024 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(3)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	personal rights..To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, mental abuse.. this requirement was not met as evidence by...	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Every staff will read Personal Rights and sugned a document they undertsand personal rights.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	multiple staff interviews codnducted by LPA, revealed S1 bullies day care children in care. In particlualry it was found C8 was not allowed to go to the bathroom by S1. And S1 took food away from children.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14
CCR	1 2 3 4 5 6 7		1 2 3 4 5 6 7
	1 2 3 4 5 6 7		1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana Tolentino	TELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete	TELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/07/2024

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/07/2024

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 8 of 8