483001825-8-20-2026-01-CC-MAUN-DXDUP7-20260828154501

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 483001825
Report Date: 08/20/2026
Date Signed: 08/20/2026 03:51:27 PM

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
05/07/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Robert Maciel

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260507084022

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	483001825
ADMINISTRATOR:	MICHELLE PALACIOS		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1101 ROSE DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(707) 745-0916
CITY:	BENICIA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	94510
CAPACITY:	72	CENSUS: 41	DATE:	08/20/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	02:01 PM
MET WITH:	Jamie Czelusniak		TIME COMPLETED:	04:05 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Child sustained multiple injuries due to staff neglect or physical abuse

Staff did not report child's incidents to the child's authorized representative

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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An unannounced inspection was conducted today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Robert Maciel-Kahsima, who met with Director, Jamie Czelusniak, to deliver the findings of the complaint investigation of the above allegations. It was alleged that a child (C14) sustained multiple injuries due to staff neglect or physical abuse and staff did not report child's incidents to the child's authorized representative.
During the course of the investigation, LPA obtained documents and interviewed staff (S2-S5, S7, S9-S11), parents (P2-P5), and adults (A2, A6, A8) between 4/20/26 and 8/17/26.

On 5/14/26, LPA received copies of facility Incident/Accident Reports for children which revealed that, between 3/3/26 and 5/1/25, there were 13 reports for C14, 5 of which recorded incidents where C14 was injured by another child. Of the 5 reports, 4 were caused by one child (C13). Review of incident reports for C13 showed that between 3/3/26 and 5/6/26, there were 32 incidents of C13 injuring children.

Continued on LIC9099-C

Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

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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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
05/07/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Robert Maciel

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260507084022

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	483001825
ADMINISTRATOR:	MICHELLE PALACIOS		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1101 ROSE DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(707) 745-0916
CITY:	BENICIA	STATE:CA	ZIP CODE:	94510
CAPACITY:	72	CENSUS:	DATE:	08/20/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	02:01 PM
MET WITH:			TIME COMPLETED:	04:05 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff shook children in care

Staff yelled at children in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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An unannounced inspection was conducted today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Robert Maciel-Kahsima, who met with Director, Jamie Czelusniak, to deliver the findings of the complaint investigation of the above allegation. It was alleged that a staff member (A1) shook children in care and yelled at children in care. Report states that the source of the allegations was reported by another adult that directly witnessed the alleged incidents.

During the course of the investigation, LPA interviewed staff (S2-S5, S7, S9-S11), parents (P2-P5), adults (A2, A6, A8), and children (C1-C11) between 4/20/26 and 8/17/26.

Interviews with staff did not corroborate the allegation of staff shaking children. S2-S4, S7, and S9-S11 stated that they had not directly observed or heard of any incidents in which A1 or any other staff had physically mishandled children. S5 stated that they had observed a former staff pull a child by the shirt in 2025. S2 stated that they did not see A1 shake any children but observed A1 grabbing a child by the arm but wasn’t sure if it was in a rough manner or not.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

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 8

Control Number 01-CC-20260507084022

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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
	VISIT DATE: 08/20/2026

NARRATIVE

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Interviews with staff did not corroborate the allegation of staff yelling at children in care. S2 stated that they had seen A1 yell at children who were visibly upset and S5 stated that they observed A1 yelling at children with an insulting tone. S3, S4, S7, S9, and S10 stated that though staff may yell or raise their voice, it is not insulting or in an inappropriate tone.

Facility management stated that A1 was terminated in part for unprofessional communication, specifically yelling, however, facility management clarified that the yelling was not malicious or targeted at children.

Interviews with adults and parents (A6, A8, P2-P5) did not corroborate the allegation of staff yelling at children. A6 stated that they heard A1 yelling at children and insulting them for soiling themselves. A8 stated that there are staff who have loud firm voices, but not screaming. P3 stated that they’ve heard staff yelling in the rooms and P2 stated that they had heard from another parent of verbal discipline that may have been excessive. P1 stated that they’d heard staff raise their voice, but not in a way that seemed mean. P4 stated that they’ve never observed or heard of any staff verbally interacting with children inappropriately.

Interviews with adults and parents (A2, A6, A8, P2-P5) did not corroborate the allegation of staff shaking children. A1 stated that although, A1 would raise their voice, it wasn’t yelling and screaming at the children. A6 stated that A1 had threatened to hit A6’s child and A1 stated to A6 that it is okay for some kids to be hit, however A6 did not report any incident directly observing A1 hitting any children. A8 stated they have never observed any staff physically mishandling children. Parents interviewed confirmed that they have never witnessed any staff physically mishandling children.
During interviews with children, C1 and C7-10 were unable to answer questions LPA asked. Interviews with C2-C6 and C11 did not corroborate the allegations. C2, C4, and C6 stated that staff have grabbed children’s arms, however, only C2 stated that staff grab roughly. No child interviewed reported witnessing any staff shaking children. C3, C4, C5, and C11 stated that staff yell, however, none of the children indicated the yelling was insulting or mean in tone.

Continued on LIC9099-C

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 01-CC-20260507084022

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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
	VISIT DATE: 08/20/2026

NARRATIVE

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Center Director stated that she has heard staff raise their voice but not with a negative demeanor and has never witnessed any staff shaking children, pulling children, or handling children in any way that it inappropriate.

Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred, and the findings are unsubstantiated. Appeal rights were provided and exit interview conducted. The Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 01-CC-20260507084022

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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
	VISIT DATE: 08/20/2026

NARRATIVE

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The former Center Director stated that they made multiple attempts to communicate with the C13’s parent regarding their behavior and that staff feel C13’s parent is unresponsive to notification of incidents where C13 injures another child.

S2 stated that they have seen incidents where children were hurting each other while staff were on their phones, not supervising the children. S11 stated that the facility had made a request with Individual Education Services for C13 on 5/15/26 but was disenrolled by C13’s parent the same day. A6 stated that for children who are known biters, the biting happens so quickly that staff are unable to stop it.

Center Director stated that she is unaware of any incidents not being reported to the parents of C14 due to not beginning employment at the facility until 5/18/26. Center Director also stated that for any child with consistent behavioral issues, the facility first reaches out to Individual Education Services to help give facility staff tools and guides for improving or managing the behavior. One of the tools is the ABC chart which is meant to be a daily log of the child's behavior that the parents are given every day at pick up and they are supposed to sign it indicating they read it.

During interviews with staff, S1, S3, S4, S5, and S11 confirmed that there have been incidents where incident reports were not made or given to parents in a timely manner.
On 5/14/26, the department received a police report from the Benicia Police Department (PD). The report stated that PD met with staff and adults regarding a concern about unreported injuries and staff confirmed that a teacher had been having issues with supervision and was not following the facility incident reporting procedure.

Additionally, during a simultaneous complaint investigation, the facility was cited on 7/9/26 for not operating in accordance with the terms specified in the facility plan of operation, specifically regarding the policy of notifying the parents of children who are injured. The deficiency was addressed, and the plan of correction was received by the department on 7/16/26.

Based on the evidence obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Appeal rights were provided and exit interview conducted. The Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 01-CC-20260507084022

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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 08/20/2026

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 09/10/2026 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(2)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This regulation was not met as evidenced by	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Director stated that she would conduct a meeting with all staff to review the resources that KinderCare provides to manage childrens behavior and submit a summary of the meeting including the names of staff in attendance to LPA by email at robert.maciel-kashima@dss.ca.gov by 9/10/26.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Based on record review and interview, the facility did not request guidance from Individual Education Services for child 13's behavior until 5/15/26 which resulted in multiple incidents of C13 injuring other children without an established behavior plan to improve or manage the behavior.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14
	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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Robert Maciel
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/20/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/20/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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