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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 490109141
Report Date: 11/30/2023
Date Signed: 11/30/2023 11:33:20 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
09/13/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Amy Strother
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20230913155305
FACILITY NAME:LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSAFACILITY NUMBER:
490109141
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH KALUAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2055 OCCIDENTAL RDTELEPHONE:
(707) 573-1623
CITY:SANTA ROSASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95401
CAPACITY:85CENSUS: 46DATE:
11/30/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:35 AM
MET WITH:Sarah MorrisonTIME COMPLETED:
11:48 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Aide left alone with children

Facility is operating out of ratio
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 Center Director, Sarah Morrison (D1). (Although the header of this report lists Sarah Kalua as the facility administrator, she was no longer working for the facility at the time the complaint allegations were filed.) LPA, Strother previously met with Assistant Director, Ranee Sass on 09/21/23 to open the complaint. A subsequent visit was made on 11/16/23 to further investigate the complaint which alleged that an aide was left alone with children, specifically that on 09/08/23, S1, who is allegedly an aide, was left alone with the “Two’s” classroom of children while the teacher went to get the children’s lunches. It was also alleged that the facility is operating out of ratio, specifically that on 09/08/23, S1 was left alone in classroom with 14 children.
During the course of the investigation, LPA Strother toured the facility, received and reviewed documents, conducted interviews and made observations. From 09/20/23 through 11/22/23, interviews were conducted with D1, D2, 6 staff (S1-S6) and one adult (A1).
Continue on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy StrotherTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5077
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
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 5
Control Number 01-CC-20230913155305
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
VISIT DATE: 11/30/2023
NARRATIVE
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 D1 and D2 denied the allegations stating that an aide has never been left alone with a group of children, apart from nap time, which is acceptable, and that none of the classrooms have ever been out of ratio. Through record review conducted on 11/16/23, it was determined that S1 is a fully qualified teacher. Interviews with staff did not provide evidence that an aide was left alone with children on 09/08/23 or any other date, with the exception of nap time, however based on LPA’s observation and a review of staff transcripts on 11/16/23, Staff 5 (S5) had proof of 6 units in Early Childhood Education on file, the qualifications of a qualified aide, and was providing care and supervision to a group of 12 children in the “pre-kindergarten” room without a qualified teacher present. Interviews with staff did not provide evidence that the “Two’s” classroom was out of ratio specifically on 09/08/23, but multiple staff interviewed did corroborate that the two’s classroom has operated out of ratio on more than one occasion, stating that a teacher (S4) along with and an aide (S6), who based on interview and record review, does not have units in ECE, have had 16 to 20 children in their care.

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 9099-D. Appeal rights were provided.

Exit interview conducted, and report was reviewed with Director, Sarah Morrison.

Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy StrotherTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5077
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20230913155305
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 11/30/2023
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
12/14/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101216.1(j)
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101216.1 (j) Each teacher shall visually observe aides under his/her supervision whenever the aide is working with children, except as provided for in Sections 101216.2(e)(1) and 101230(c)(1).

This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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D1 stated S5 has additional units in ECE that were not on file but is missing one of the core courses. D1 will either submit proof that S5 has enrolled in additional ECE units that meet the requirements under the alternative teacher qualifications or submit a statement outling how S5 will be scheduled to meet ratio requirements.
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Based on LPA’s observation and review of transcripts on 11/16/23, Staff 5 (S5) had 6 units in ECE on file (an aide) and was providing care and supervision to a group of 12 children in the “pre-kindergarten” room without a teacher or fully qualified teacher present, which poses a potential Health and Safety risk to children in care.
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Submit email to LPA Strother: amy.strother@dss.ca.gov by the POC due date of 12/14/23.
Type B
12/14/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101216.3(b)
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101216.3(b)The licensee may use teacher aides in a teacher-child ratio of one teacher and one aide for every 15 children in attendance.


This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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Center Director (D1) stated she would have a conversation with the Licensee to come up with a written plan to ensure compliance with the ratio requirements. D1 intends to submit her written statement by 12/14/23 via email to amy.strother@dss.ca.gov
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Based on multiple staff interviews, staff stated that the “Two’s” classroom has operated out of ratio with 16-20 children present with a teacher and an aid that does not have ECE units on more than one occasion, which poses a potential Health and Safety 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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy StrotherTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5077
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
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
09/13/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Amy Strother
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20230913155305

FACILITY NAME:LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSAFACILITY NUMBER:
490109141
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH KALUAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2055 OCCIDENTAL RDTELEPHONE:
(707) 573-1623
CITY:SANTA ROSASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95401
CAPACITY:85CENSUS: DATE:
11/30/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:35 AM
MET WITH:TIME COMPLETED:
11:48 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff handled children roughly
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
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3
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7
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10
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13
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Amy Strother made a subsequent complaint investigation inspection, for the purpose of delivering complaint findings, and met with Center Director, Sarah Morrison (D1). LPA, Strother previously met with Assistant Director, Ranee Sass on 09/21/23 to open the complaint. A subsequent visit was made on 11/16/23 to further investigate the complaint which alleged that staff handled children roughly, specifically that on 09/08/23, Staff (S1) handled three different children, Child 1 – Child 3 (C1-C3) roughly.

During the course of the investigation, LPA Strother toured the facility, received and reviewed documents, conducted interviews and made observations. From 09/20/23 through 11/22/23, interviews were conducted with D1, D2, 6 staff (S1-S6) and one adult (A1). D1 and D2 denied the allegations stating they have never observed any staff handle a child roughly. D1, D2 and one other staff person interviewed stated that they reviewed the non-audible video dated 09/08/23 and did not see that S1 was rough with any children, stating that what they observed was S1 placing their hand on children’s arms to redirect and guide them to another area.
Continue on LIC9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy StrotherTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5077
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
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 5
Control Number 01-CC-20230913155305
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
VISIT DATE: 11/30/2023
NARRATIVE
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Staff informed LPA that the video was no longer available for review, due to the video recording over itself after 7 days. LPA’s review of records, specifically two screen shots of video footage from the twos room, show S1 holding on to the inner elbow of two different children. LPA was not able to determine if S1’s physical contact with the children pictured was rough through the still photo. Staff interviewed all denied the allegation, stating that they did not witness any staff handling children roughly on 09/08/23 or on any other date and that they themselves have never been rough with the children.

Based on the information gathered during this investigation, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegation occurred and therefore is determined to be unsubstantiated.

This report was reviewed and discussed with the facility’s Director, Sarah Morrison. Appeal rights were provided.

Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Alexis HollonTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5036
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy StrotherTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5077
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/30/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5