480106922-4-2-2026-01-CC-MAUN-DT7M88-20260416092239

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 480106922
Report Date: 04/02/2026
Date Signed: 04/02/2026 11:30:26 AM

Substantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Amy Strother

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260116093437

FACILITY NAME:	SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	480106922
ADMINISTRATOR:	WEBB, KATHRYN		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	580 TRINITY DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(707) 447-6278
CITY:	VACAVILLE	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	95687
CAPACITY:	65	CENSUS: 26	DATE:	04/02/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	10:25 AM
MET WITH:	Kathryn Webb		TIME COMPLETED:	11:45 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Due to lack of supervision, children touched each other inappropriately

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Amy Strother made a subsequent complaint investigation inspection, for the purpose of delivering complaint findings, and met with Director, Kathryn Webb (D1). It has been alleged that due to lack of supervision, children touched each other inappropriately, specifically that children were involved in inappropriate behavior or touching between children, on more than one occasion.

During the initial investigation on 01/26/26, LPA Strother toured the facility and received the following documents: a current roster of children in care, current LIC500 Personnel Report and documentation related to the alleged incident. During the 01/26/26 visit, LPA interviewed D1, 2 staff (S1 & S2) and two children (C2 & C3).

D1 stated that she knew nothing about alleged inappropriate behavior or touching until behavior was brought to her attention beginning on 01/07/26 by the parent of child, C1.

Continue on LIC9099-C

Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026

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 01-CC-20260116093437

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 480106922
	VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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C1’s parent reported that their child, C1 and another child, C3 were involved in a “robot” game that involved making contact over clothing by “tag” with C2’s private area.

D1 provided LPA with a copy of her typed notes, a record of information related to the incidents as they occurred between 01/07/26 and 01/21/26. D1 stated that after the initial concern was brought up on 01/07/26, additional concerns were brought to her attention.

The additional concerns included an incident where child, C2 was allegedly lying down on the carpet in the classroom and child C3 inappropriately touched C2 in front of a group of children. Through the notes, D1 reported that she spoke with the parents of C2 and C3 on 01/13/26. D1 stated in her notes that she also spoke with parent A5 who informed D1 that child C3 allegedly came out of the bathroom with their pants down in the presence of other children. Additionally, A5 reported to D1 that C3 allegedly tried to peek at her child while in the bathroom.

Both through interview and records received, D1 stated that on 01/14/26 she learned from C2’s parent, A3, that C2 told A3 of an incident where child C3 put their hand down C2’s pants, under their clothing while outside on the playground. The date of occurrence is not known. D1 stated that based on reports from parents regarding inappropriate touching, she submitted two SCAR reports to CPS by email on 01/16/26, within 36 hours as required. D1 provided copies of the SCAR reports to LPA Strother. D1 submitted an Unusual Incident Report with a copy of the SCAR to the Santa Rosa Regional Office on 01/26/26.

D1’s notes state that on 01/16/26 the Vacaville police visited the facility. D1 wrote that she explained the whole situation to the officer. D1 reported that the officer told D1 that it sounded like the behavior was within appropriate behavior for 4 & 5 year olds.

All staff interviewed stated that they had not witnessed any inappropriate touching between children. Each staff person shared information that they had learned about through conversations with parents of children in care at a meeting that was held on 01/15/26 or by speaking with the Director, D1.

Continue on LIC9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 01-CC-20260116093437

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 480106922
	VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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One staff member stated that on 01/14/26 child C2 disclosed to them that child C3 put their hand down C2’s pants. The staff person stated during the interview that the information C2 reported was consistent with what they heard C2 had shared with their parent and then the parent shared with D1, on the same day, 01/14/26.

Both staff members shared that they recalled C2 playing “dead” and lying down on the playground. One staff specifically reported that C2 called it, “dead mommy” and when asked what “dead mommy” meant, C2 stated that it’s when she lies down on the ground and they play doctor, but never mentioned any inappropriate play, and stated again, that nothing inappropriate was observed by staff. Staff recalled this “dead” play occurring the first week back from winter break, the week of 01/05/26.

During LPA’s interview with C2, C2 stated that C3 did something on the playground, did something that they didn't like. C2 stated that they were lying down, with their eyes closed and their tongue out, (C2 demonstrated by closing their eyes and sticking out their tongue.) and C3 put their hand in C2’s underwear. (C2 stood up and pretended to stick their hand inside their pants, by making a downward motion above her clothing with their hand.) C2 stated that it just happened one time. C3 did not make any disclosure of inappropriate play, behavior or touching during the interview.

On 03/30/26 LPA requested and received police reports from Vacaville Police Department. A review of the records confirm that a visit was made by an officer on 01/16/26 and information collected.

On 04/01/26 LPA interviewed two adults, A3 and A4, and attempted to reach A5. A3-A5 are all parents of children enrolled or previously enrolled at the facility. A3 stated that on 01/13/26 they spoke to D1 who relayed information that A3’s child, C2 may have been involved in inappropriate play at the facility. A3 reported that C2 shared that child C3 does bad things at school, then stated that C3 touched their privates. A3 reported that C2 demonstrated by lifting their pants up away from their body and putting their hand inside of their pants. After the demonstration C2 told A3 that they were playing dead on the ground and that is when C3 touched them. This information is consistent with information stated by C2 and staff S1 and S2.

Continue on LIC9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 01-CC-20260116093437

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 480106922
	VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

NARRATIVE

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A3 stated that the concerns have been discussed with the facility and the facility has made policy changes and overall, A3 stated they feel that C2 is safe at the preschool and feels that the teachers do a great job with the children.

A4 shared that they feel that the teachers did not provide adequate supervision, and doesn’t feel that the school handled the incident in a timely manner and does not feel that it is a safe environment for their child. A4 stated that their child said that the touching game occurred in the tunnel and at the top of the playground structure.

Based on interviews conducted there has been at least one instance where a child was touched inappropriately by another child, due to a lack of supervision. Based on interviews conducted, it has been corroborated that C3 inappropriately touched C2 while on the playground on an unknown date in January 2026.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard had been met; therefore the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC9099D. Appeal Rights were provided.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with facility representative, Kathryn Webb.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 5

Control Number 01-CC-20260116093437

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 480106922
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 04/15/2026 Section Cited CCR 101229(a)(1)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time, except as specified in Sections 101216.2(e)(1) and 101230(c)(1). Supervision shall include visual observation. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Director (D1) stated she immediately made changes to indoor & outdoor supervision policies. D1 stated that on 02/23/26 she conducted a staff training with all staff on the topic of Active Supervision, providing a copy of the “Early Childhood National Centers – Active Supervision At-A-Glance : Six Strategies to Keep Children Safe”
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Based on interviews conducted it has been determined that facility staff failed to provide adequate supervision resulting in at least one incident of inappropriate touching between children, when C3 put their hand down C2’s pants, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	handout to staff, discussing the handout and going over questions. D1 will submit a written statement including the policy changes that have been implemented, details of the 02/23/26 training, with staff signatures acknowledging the Supervision training that they participated in. Statement to be submitted to the Department by 04/15/26 via email to amy.strother@dss.ca.gov.
	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.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/02/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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