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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 483010705
Report Date: 06/17/2026
Date Signed: 06/17/2026 09:07:44 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
01/30/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Selena Mariani
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260130154822
FACILITY NAME:SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCHFACILITY NUMBER:
483010705
ADMINISTRATOR:SMOTHERS, JANAEFACILITY TYPE:
810
ADDRESS:TELEPHONE:
(707) 908-6222
CITY:FAIRFIELDSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94534
CAPACITY:14CENSUS: 0DATE:
06/17/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:00 AM
MET WITH:Licensee unavailableTIME COMPLETED:
08:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Licensee does not reside in the home
Licensee is operating facility in an off limit area
Licensee does not ensure that staff has a criminal clearance
Licensee advise staff to be dishonest
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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The Santa Rosa Child Care Unit (RO) sent a copy of the Complaint Investigation Report (CIR) via certified and First-Class mail, to notify the Licensee of the complaint findings related to the allegations mentioned above. On 04/17/26, Licensee (LS), Janae Smothers submitted a written statement to the Department to request closure of the facility license, and since that time, the Department made multiple attempts to deliver the findings including making an announced and unannounced visits but was unsuccessful in reaching Smothers; and all options of delivering the findings in-person were exhausted. Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Selena Mariani previously met with Smothers on 02/06/2026 and 04/03/2026 to discuss the purpose of the visit and initiated the investigation by conducting interviews, made observations; and obtained records that were relevant to the investigation. It was alleged that licensee does not reside in the home, licensee is operating facility in an off-limit area, licensee does not ensure that staff has a criminal clearance, and licensee advise staff to be dishonest. The report noted that LS instructed staff to be dishonest with licensing representative by misleading licensing
Continue on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/01/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/01/2026
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 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
NARRATIVE
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Page 2 continued from LIC9099
During the investigation, LPA Mariani interviewed LS, 13 adults (A1-A13), and one child (C1); from 02/06/2026 to 04/21/2026. LS denied claims about not residing in the home and stated she lived at the facility. According to LS, she left the house early on 02/06/26 at 6:45 am but surveillance of the facility revealed that LS was not at the home. Based on statements provided by A3-A5, A7, A10 and A12-A13, there is evidence which indicates that LS did not live in the home.

Additionally, A10, A12-A13 described occasions when they dropped their child off at a different residence that is unlicensed which is located in the same town/city as the facility, for LS to provide care and supervision.

C1’s statement corroborated that C1 received care from LS at a home other than the licensed family child care home (FCCH). On 02/06/2026 at 5:55 am, LPA Mariani arrived at the facility and observed there were no visible lights on in the home or garage, and no cars in the driveway. At 8:23 am, LPA Mariani observed LS park in the driveway, carrying a child from the rear passenger side of the vehicle into the house through the front door and left 4 minutes later. On a previous date, LPA Mariani arrived at the FCCH at 6:03 am and observed LS park in the driveway at 8:02 am, carrying a child from the rear passenger side of the vehicle into the house through the front door and left 1 minute later.

LS denied using off-limit areas of the home after being cited on 11/04/2025 for using the garage and on 12/18/25, LS was cited for using the second level of the home which are off-limit areas and did not obtain fire clearance by the local fire authority. Furthermore, LPA verified with the local fire authority that the facility was not approved to provide child care services on the second floor. A1 and A4 stated that the second level continued to be used for napping after 12/18/2025. Additionally, A3 and A5 confirmed the second floor of the home and garage continued to be used for child care after 11/04/2025 and 12/18/2025. A8 described the children played in the garage because that’s where most of the toys were; while A13 confirmed staff used the garage for some curriculum and the garage was set up for both play and teaching. LPA observed the garage was set up with toys, trampoline and parent notification board was leaned against the garage wall on the floor between trampoline and bearded dragon tank behind a folded stroller. The facility violated its own fire clearance, and this is a repeat violation because the facility was cited for the same violation on 11/4/25 and 12/18/25. The facility was cited for the deficiency CCR section 102371(a) and today's violation constitutes as a repeat violation because this same section is being cited again within a twelve-month period, for the garage and second level of the home, thus a civil penalty of $250 was assessed. Continue on LIC9099-C
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
NARRATIVE
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Page 3 continued from LIC9099-C
LS admitted that adult (A14), did not obtain a criminal record clearance, but lived in the third bedroom on the second level of the FCCH for at least 4 months. LS denied that another adult (A15) without a criminal record clearance, was present in the home during child care hours, and furthermore, because A15 couldn’t come to take care of a pet, that pet passed away. Department records further noted that A15 was a staff that was involved in the care and supervision of the children in care. A3 and S4’s account validated that A14 lived in the home, and they further stated that A15 was present in the home while children were in care.

A4 further described that A15 would come over to feed the bearded dragon when kids were in there. On a previous visit, LPA Mariani observed the third bedroom on the second level had an adult bed with blankets tossed on top with clothes and shoes. LPA Mariani verified that A14 and A15 do not have fingerprint clearance. An immediate civil penalty of $1000 is being assessed because LS did not ensure all adults obtained a criminal record clearance prior to working and/or residing in the home. Violation of Section 102370(d) will result in a citation of a deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five (5) days by the Department.



LS denied that she advised staff to be dishonest to Licensing representative. On 02/06/2026 LS said she left the facility at 6:45am, but surveillance revealed that LS was not at the home. Additionally, LS stated she notified families and emailed LPA Mariani of the facility closure from 11/5/25 to 11/11/25; however; A1, A3-A5, A7-A10 expressed that the facility was in operation and was not closed from 11/5/25- 11/11/25. A2 noted that kids did not sleep in play yards, they slept on mats, and the sleeping equipment was stored upstairs. A3, A4 and A5 stated that LS asked them to lie to Licensing representative if/when licensing came for an inspection. On 02/06/26 at 12:56 pm, LPA Mariani observed two children in two play yards in the downstairs living room, and other children were napping on mats. On 02/06/26, LPA also observed LS arrive at the FCCH at 8:23 am and left 4 minutes later.

Based on the information gathered during this investigation, the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the allegations are determined to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. Appeal rights were provided. Licensee, Janae Smothers in unavailable at this time for signature. Notice of site visit provided.
Continue on LIC9099-C
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
NARRATIVE
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Page 4 continued from LIC9099-C

LPA Selena Mariani informed LS, Janae Smother, that this report dated 06/16/2026 document(s) three Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Selena Mariani informed LS, Janae Smothers to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 06/16/2026 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
06/18/2026
Section Cited
CCR
102371(a)
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A fire safety clearance approved by the city or county fire department, the district providing fire protection services, or the State Fire Marshal shall be required for a large family child care home. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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LS provided a written statement to formally notify licensing of her decision to voluntarily close her licensed family child care facility, effective 4/17/2026. According to LS written statement, she had a change in her professional direction and the need to focus on family priorities at this time.
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Based on LPA observation, interviews & documents, A1 & A3-A5 stated the facility continued to utilize the second level for napping after 12/18/2025. A3 & A5, stated the facility continued to utilize the garage for child care after 11/04/2025. Additionally, A8 and A13 stated staff used the garage .... Fire inspection clearance (STD850) excludes the second level of the home and garage to be used for child care. The licensee did not comply with the section cited above which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Type A
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Section Cited
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All individuals subject to a criminal record review pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1596.871 shall prior to working, residing, or volunteering in a licensed facility: Obtain a CA clearance or criminal record exemption as required by the Department. Violation of Section 102370(d) will result in a citation of a deficiency and an immediate assessment of civil penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five (5) days by the Department.
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LS provided a written statement to formally notify licensing of her decision to voluntarily close her licensed family child care facility, effective 4/17/2026. According to LS written statement, she had a change in her professional direction and the need to focus on family priorities at this time.
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Based on LPA's interview, LS admitted that A14 lived in the FCCH for at least 4 months; A3 and S4 stated A14 lived in the home and A14-A15 were present while children were in care. Department records noted A15 was a staff that was involved in the care and supervision of the children in care. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to the children in care.
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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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
06/18/2026
Section Cited
CCR
102402(a)(3)
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The Department shall have the authority to suspend or revoke any license for the following reasons: Conduct in the operation or maintenance of a FCCH which is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of either an individual in or receiving services from the facility or the people of the State of California. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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LS provided a written statement to formally notify licensing of her decision to voluntarily close her licensed family child care facility, effective 4/17/2026. According to LS written statement, she had a change in her professional direction and the need to focus on family priorities at this time.
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Based on LS statement on 02/06/26 she left home at 6:45 am, however, LPA observed LS arrive at 8:23 am. A1, A3-A5, A7-A10 statements don't corroborate with LS statement of facility closure from 11/5/25 to 11/11/25. A2’s statement that play yards are not used doesn't corroborate with LPA’s observation of 2 children napping in play yards which poses/posed an immediate health, safety, and/or personal rights risk to children in care.
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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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 9
Control Number 01-CC-20260130154822
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: SMOTHERS, JANAE FCCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 483010705
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/17/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
06/18/2026
Section Cited
CCR
102369(b)(4)
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The applicant shall provide all of the following information at the time of submission of the application: A statement that the applicant will comply with all regulations and laws governing family child care homes. This requirement is not met as evidenced by: Based on Licensee’s signed application (LIC279) where section 10 stated Application/Licensee Responsibility

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LS provided a written statement to formally notify licensing of her decision to voluntarily close her licensed family child care facility, effective 4/17/2026. According to LS written statement, she had a change in her professional direction and the need to focus on family priorities at this time.
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 - I certify that: A. I live in the home to be licensed and section 11 stated Perjury Statement - I declare under penalty of perjury that the statements on this application & accompanying attachments are correct to the best of my knowledge. A3-A5, A7, A10 & A12-A13 statements that LS doesn’t live in the home which pose potential risk to the health and safety & personal rights of children in care.
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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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/17/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 9