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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 426216024
Report Date: 07/25/2024
Date Signed: 07/25/2024 10:43:00 AM

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
04/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20240429115457
FACILITY NAME:LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
426216024
ADMINISTRATOR:ERIKA & MARTIN RONCHIETTOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:3723 MODOC RD.TELEPHONE:
(805) 729-0352
CITY:SANTA BARBARASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93105
CAPACITY:150CENSUS: 106DATE:
07/25/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:20 AM
MET WITH:Erica RonchietoTIME COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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!.Unqualified staff is providing care and supervision.
3.Staff did not ensure the outdoor play area was free from harmful material.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/25/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete made an unannounced inspection to initiate the investigation of the above allegations. LPA met with , Erika Ronchietto, Administrator of the Child Care Center (CCC). LPA explained the purpose of the inspection was to deliver findings of the above mentioned allegations. During the inspection LPA toured the facility, LPA noted 106 children and 26 staff providing care and supervision.

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

Regarding allegation#1 Unqualified staff is providing care and supervision. LPA received a Updated LIC500 which included a total number of 25 staff listed. Continued on LIC812-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
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 6
Control Number 17-CC-20240429115457
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: LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 426216024
VISIT DATE: 07/25/2024
NARRATIVE
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LPA also received LIC9095-Evaluation of Teacher Qualification document and college transcripts for every staff listed on the LIC500 personal-report. LPA utilized Evaluation of Teacher Qualifications and college transcripts to determine staff qualifications and years of experience. LPA noted 8 staff members who the facility did not provide a LIC9095 evaluation form. However through email with Assistant Director , LPA verified these 8 staff members are Teacher Assistants and are never left alone with children. Also LPA verify on 7/19/2024 that all staff members listed on the LIC500 have a background clearance(See LIC812) and LPA verified Mandated Reporter Certification for all staff.

LPA conducted staff interviews. Through the interviews LPA did not find any evidence that would indicate a lack of qualification or experience. LPA also conducted Parent Interviews. Most parents stated they are happy with the care and supervision their child/children receive. Furthermore LPA reviewed staff handbook which clearly states on page 5, all new employees/candidates need to provide official transcripts and employment documentation/credentials as part of the new hire orientation.


In regards to Allegation #3 staff do not ensure the outdoor play area is free from harmful material. LPA interviewed parents. All parents interviewed stated they have entered and completed a tour at the preschool. But no parent was able to corroborate or state they observed harmful material in the outdoor play area. LPA interview staff. Staff stated they have not observed hazardous material however there have been incidents where a child has sustained a splinter(See LIC812). Also LPA was able to utilize two unannounced inspection to gather more visual evidence. LPA did observe wood pallets that could cause a child to obtain splinters. LPA was able to review unusual incidents that occurred at the play yard in the past 12 months. LPA did verify one unusual incident that occurred on12/12/2023. This particular incident involved Child#21 playing in the play yard, running and tripped and C#21’s forehead hit the bottom portion of a fence. The facility did self-report the incident to Licensing Division. The Administrator confirmed the child needed medical treatment. And the administrators stated the metal fence has been covered and additional fencing has been added to create a barrier so the children are safe. LPA did not observe any sharp metal fence that could cause harm to preschool children.
Continued LIC812-C
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 17-CC-20240429115457
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: LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 426216024
VISIT DATE: 07/25/2024
NARRATIVE
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Although allegation#1 and allegation#2 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

Exit Interview conducted with Administrator Erica Ronchietto.

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

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6
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
04/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20240429115457

FACILITY NAME:LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
426216024
ADMINISTRATOR:ERIKA & MARTIN RONCHIETTOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:3723 MODOC RD.TELEPHONE:
(805) 729-0352
CITY:SANTA BARBARASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93105
CAPACITY:150CENSUS: 106DATE:
07/25/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:20 AM
MET WITH:Erica RonchietoTIME COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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2.Staff did not properly report an incident .
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/25/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete made an unannounced inspection to initiate the investigation of the above allegation. LPA met with , Erika Ronchietto, administrator of the Child Care Center (CCC). LPA explained the purpose of the inspection was to deliver findings of the above mentioned allegation. During the inspection LPA toured the facility, LPA noted 106 children and 26 staff providing care and supervision.

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

In regards to Allegation#2 Staff do not properly report incidents. LPA was able to verify how the staff handbook (page 27) provides guidance on how all incidents shall be filled out immediately via bright wheel application. Continued on LIC812-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
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 6
Control Number 17-CC-20240429115457
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: LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 426216024
VISIT DATE: 07/25/2024
NARRATIVE
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The staff handbook Gives instructions on when a incident occurs a parent and assistant director of the preschool need to be notified. The Assistant director condcuts a follow up with the parents and submits the LIC624(unsusal Incident report) to CCLD.

LPA reviewed the hard copy and virtual Unusual Incidents that were documented by preschool in the past 12 months. After completing the review, LPA found all Unusual Incident Reports that were submitted due for the purpose of the investigation, were also self-reported to Child Care Licensing in the appropriate time frame as outlined in Tittle 22 reporting requirements.

However, LPA also interviewed parents of former and previous preschool staff. Majority of parents stated how they receive notifications of unusual incidents via the bright-wheel application. Multiple parents stated, that in the past few months their children were exposed to a Pinworm infection(parasitic). Two different parents did state how they had to get medical treatment for their children due to the Pinworm(parasitic) infection. LPA also gathered copies of the a bright-wheel notifications and one bright wheel notification clearly states in April of 2024 there was a pinworm infection.

Based on LPA, interviews, documents collected during investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore allegation#2 is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22) section 101212(b)(2)(A) of the health and safety code are being cited on the attached LIC-9099D.”

Exit Interview conducted with Administrator Erica Ronchietto.

Appeal rights were given.

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

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 17-CC-20240429115457
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: LEARNINGDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 426216024
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/25/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/26/2024
Section Cited
HSC
101212(d)(2)(A)
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Upon the occurrence, during the operation of the child care center of any of the events specified in (d)(1) below, a report shall be made to the Department by telephone or fax
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Administrsator will provide a Unusual Incident Report by calling the officer of the day or by meeting with LPA in perosn. Also Admnistrator will call Santa Barbara county public health and wil email LPA Negrete their repsonse. Also Administror will submit a LIC624.
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This requirement was not met as evidence by two children who were enrolled at the preschool needing medical treatment for a pinworm infection.
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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: Ana Tolentino
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German Negrete
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/25/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6