<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 426214409
Report Date: 01/10/2025
Date Signed: 01/10/2025 01:37:42 PM

Substantiated


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
04/22/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20240422101733
FACILITY NAME:VILLAGE VALLEY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
426214409
ADMINISTRATOR:MARIA E. ANGULOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:3346 CONSTELLATION ROADTELEPHONE:
(805) 733-7330
CITY:LOMPOCSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93436
CAPACITY:32CENSUS: 5DATE:
01/10/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:04 PM
MET WITH:Maria AnguloTIME COMPLETED:
02:05 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff caused injury to child while in care

Staff did not accord child dignity in their relationship with staff or other persons
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 01/10/2025, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) German Negrete and Sylvia Ceja conducted an unannounced inspection at Village Valley Preschool (facility) to deliver the findings of the above-mentioned complaint allegations received on 4/22/2024. LPAs met with Director Maria Angulo. LPAs explained the purpose of the inspection and then toured the preschool, both inside and outside. The child-to-staff ratio at the time of the inspection was 5 children under the care of 3 staff.

The investigation included interviews with parents of both currently and formerly enrolled children. Unusual Incident Reports (UIRs), the facility staff and children roster, and the parent handbook were reviewed. Signed declarations and LPAs' observations were also included in the investigation. Additionally, information from a law enforcement agency was utilized in this investigation.
Continued on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
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 4
Control Number 17-CC-20240422101733
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: VILLAGE VALLEY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 426214409
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Allegation #1: Staff caused injury to child while in care

Interviews were conducted with parents. Parent interviews revealed that most parents had never received an incident report, including reports where a child was injured by staff. One parent (P9) did receive an "ouch report" (incident report), but according to the parent, it was not serious.

LPAs cross-referenced previous UIR's and complaint reports. One report was submitted to the department on 03/01/2024 by a parent (P1) of child C1. According to P1, staff requested(via telephone) that P1 pick up their child due to behavior issues. Upon arrival, P1 observed their child (C1) in a different classroom and saw staff member S7 holding C1 by the forearm and escorting them forcefully. LPAs interviewed S7, who denied mishandling the child and stated it was another staff member who had inappropriately handled C1.

Further investigation revealed two witnesses who reported observing signs of possible injuries on children attending the facility. Witness #1 stated they had documented bruises on children. LPAs were able to obtain a declaration from Witness #1, which described observing a red mark on the face of C3. The mark appeared to be the result of a slap. When C3 was asked who caused the injury, C3 stated it was staff member S3.

LPAs also interviewed another witness (Witness #2), who reported that C3 appeared fearful of S3 and was observed being taken to a room inside the facility by S3. Witness #2 reported that S3 would close the door and not allow any other staff to enter the room. Witness #2 also submitted photos to the department showing bruises under the arm of C14, which were alleged to have been caused by S3 pinching of C14.

Allegation #2: Staff do not accord children dignity in their relationships with staff and others

As part of the investigation, LPAs reviewed previous reports submitted to the department, including one dated 03/01/2024. According to a parent, around January or February, staff member S3 took away C1’s lunch because C1 was playing with their food and allegedly hit S3 (see LIC 812). The parent stated that S3 took the food as punishment for C1’s behavior.

Continued LIC9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 4
Control Number 17-CC-20240422101733
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: VILLAGE VALLEY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 426214409
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
As mentioned LPAs utilized photo that was taken of C3 as part as evidence to this investigation. Also former staff stated S3 would harm children in care. Additionally the department received statements from a parent and former staff, alleging S3 took away lunch as a form of punishment.

Based on LPAs' observations, interviews, and documents collected during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, Allegation #1 and Allegation #2 are SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

LPAs provided LIC9224-Receipt of licensing reports to Director.

Report was read to director.

appeal rights and notice of site visit was provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 4
Control Number 17-CC-20240422101733
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: VILLAGE VALLEY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 426214409
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Request Denied
Type A
01/17/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
(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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Licensee stated she disagress with the findings, will submit documentartions of text messages Licensee's received from parent#3
A meeting with staff will be condcuted in order to review the personal rights of chidlren.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Based on LPAs' observations, interviews, and documents collected during the investigation, LPA received statements from staff and parents describing the violation of perosnal rights of children, in particularly multiple statements revealed, a red mark wa sobserved on C3 cheek.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
All the staff who attend the meeting will signed statement, in order to confirm their understanding of chidlrens personal rights. And Licenseeemail this docuemnt to the following email: german.negrete@dss.ca.gov
Request Denied
Type A
01/24/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223.2(a)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Any form of discipline or punishment that violates a child's personal rights as specified in Section 101223 shall not be permitted regardless of authorized representative consent or authorization.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Licensee stated she disagrees with the findings, will submit documentartions of a meeting with staff . order to review certain practices that shall not be permitted in this facility. The staff wil sign a discipline policy and the policy will be emailed to German. Negrete@dss.ca.gov
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
 LPAs utilized photo that was taken of C3 as part as evidence to this investigation. Also former staff stated S3 would harm children in care. Additionally the department received statements from a parent and former staff, alleging S3 took away lunch as a form of punishment.
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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 4