426216678-12-5-2023-17-CC-MMUR-CYAQQG-20231207112215

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 426216678
Report Date: 10/03/2023
Date Signed: 12/05/2023 02:35:30 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 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
09/12/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Francisca Velazquez

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20230912120731

FACILITY NAME:	LA PATERA PRESCHOOL		FACILITY NUMBER:	426216678
ADMINISTRATOR:	ABBY VASQUEZ, KIMBERLY BRU		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	555 N. LA PATERA LANE		TELEPHONE:	(805) 681-1280
CITY:	GOLETA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	93117
CAPACITY:	48	CENSUS: 24	DATE:	10/03/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	10:04 AM
MET WITH:	Kimberly Bruzzese		TIME COMPLETED:	12:00 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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1.) Staff does not ensure bathrooms meet accommodations for day care children.
2.) Staff does not ensure facility is free of clutter.
3.) Staff does not ensure playground sandbox is free of animal feces.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 10/3/23 at 10:00 AM, Licensing Program Analysts, (LPAs) Francisca Velazquez and German Negrete conducted an unannounced inspection at the Child Care Center (CCC) to deliver the finding with respect to the allegations noted above. LPAs met with Kim Bruzzese, Director of the CCC and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. LPAs notes twenty-four (24) preschool children are present being cared by ten (10) staff.

The investigation included two unannounced inspections, interviews with Director of CCC, and interviews with parents currently enrolled in the CCC.

Interviews and unannounced inspections of the CCC did not corroborate the allegations noted above. One allegation investigated stated staff does not ensure bathrooms meet accommodation for day care children. During two unannounced inspections, LPAs toured the bathrooms accessible to children and found that there are plenty of toilets and urinals to meet the needs of children. CONT 9099-C

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Maria Mueller
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Francisca Velazquez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/03/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/03/2023

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 17-CC-20230912120731

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: LA PATERA PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 426216678
	VISIT DATE: 10/03/2023

NARRATIVE

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In addition, the restrooms were clean and contained plenty of hand soap and paper towels. Director disclosed that bathrooms are cleaned by the janitorial team who is responsible of cleaning the restroom throughout the day. CCC staff always accompany children to the bathroom and ensures children have access to clean toilets and urinals. Second allegation investigated stated; staff does not ensure facility is free of clutter. Based on LPA’s observation during unannounced inspections, LPAs found classrooms to be clean and orderly. There are plenty of staff to meet the needs of the children. LPAs did not observe clutter that could pose a danger to children in care. LPAs note one classroom is an inclusion classroom with plenty of activities to meet the needs of the children. These activities are well organized and do not pose a danger to children in care. The third allegation stated, staff does not ensure playground sandbox is free of animal feces. Based on LPAs observations during unannounced inspections, the LPAs found the sandbox to be clean and free of animal feces. During the first unannounced inspection, LPA observed the sandbox was not in use and was covered by a large tarp. LPA asked staff to open the sandbox and it was observed to be clean. During today’s inspection, LPA observed children playing in the sandbox that was observed to be clean and free of animal feces. Director disclosed that sandbox is covered every afternoon when the sandbox is not in use. It was also disclosed that every morning, prior to allowing children in the sandbox, CCC staff conducts a walk through to ensure all areas are safe and free of anything that can pose a hazard to children in care. Interviews with parents revealed that they are happy and satisfied with the CCC. In addition, parents reported feeling their children are safe and secure while in the CCC and expressed not worrying about their well-being.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

A Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) and Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) were provided to the Director, Kimberly Bruzzese. The Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100.00 may apply.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Maria Mueller
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Francisca Velazquez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/03/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/03/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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