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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 493010190
Report Date: 11/18/2022
Date Signed: 11/18/2022 05:52:05 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, 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
09/14/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20220914120951
FACILITY NAME:YWCA STARS PRESCHOOL-SEBASTOPOLFACILITY NUMBER:
493010190
ADMINISTRATOR:KAJA KNAPPFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:466 JOHNSON STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 869-8106
CITY:SEBASTOPOLSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95472
CAPACITY:22CENSUS: 9DATE:
11/18/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:13 AM
MET WITH:Blanca Hernandez, Lead Teacher and Laurin Johnson , Assistant Teacher TIME COMPLETED:
01:59 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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-Facility is operating out of ratio
-Facility has pests
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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An unannounced follow-up complaint investigation visit to the facility was made today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Y. Yang to deliver complaint investigation findings. It has been alleged that the facility is operating over ratio and that the facility has pests. Specifically, it was alleged that on an unspecified date, a daycare child was bit by a spider while at the center.

The LPA met with lead teacher Blanca Hernandez (staff S4) and teacher Laurin Johnson (staff S1) today to discuss the investigation findings. The facility’s acting center director, Ericka Araiza (staff S2) was not present at the facility during today’s visit. The facility was toured inside and out. This is a standalone preschool center without a toddler component for children ages two years old to entry into first grade. The initial investigation visit was made by the LPA on 09/16/22 and a follow up site visit was made by the LPA on 10/19/22. During today’s visit, there were nine children being supervised by two staff members. During the previous inspection visits, the LPA observed that the facility was operating within ratio and capacity requirements.
Continued on LIC9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Alexis Hollon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
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-20220914120951
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: YWCA STARS PRESCHOOL-SEBASTOPOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010190
VISIT DATE: 11/18/2022
NARRATIVE
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During the initial investigation visit on 09/16/22, the LPA interviewed the acting center director, Ericka Araiza. Araiza stated that she denies the allegations. Araiza stated that she has not observed any instance where the center was operating over ratio. Araiza stated that the center maintains an average ratio of one staff member to eight awake children. Araiza stated that if a teacher is absent or needs to leave before the end of their shift, a substitute teacher from one of the YWCA center’s sister sites is called in to assist.

Araiza stated that she has not observed any pests at the center and not aware of any instance where a daycare child was bit by a spider. Araiza stated she has worked at this center for approximately one month. Araiza stated that the center shares the grounds with the West Sonoma County Union High School. Araiza stated that the center works together with the school to address any pest concerns on the premises. During the LPA’s initial facility visit on 09/16/22, 10/19/22, and 11/18/22, the LPA inspected the classroom and outdoor play areas. No pests were observed inside the classroom. The outdoor play area appeared to be safe and clean.

Clients that were interviewed during the investigation all stated that they have not observed the center operating over ratio and have not observed any pests on the premises, either. Staff that were interviewed all corroborated the acting center director's statements regarding following ratios. Staff S1 and S3 both stated that they were aware of an incident that occurred at the facility involving a child being bit by a spider while outdoors on the playground. Staff S3 stated that the facility notified the child’s authorized representative the day of the incident and the child was examined and treated by a medical professional.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violations occurred, therefore the findings are unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, appeal rights were provided, and this report was read and reviewed with the center’s lead teacher Blanca Hernandez and teacher Laurin Johnson. The Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Alexis Hollon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
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
CCLD Regional Office, 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
09/14/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20220914120951

FACILITY NAME:YWCA STARS PRESCHOOL-SEBASTOPOLFACILITY NUMBER:
493010190
ADMINISTRATOR:KAJA KNAPPFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:466 JOHNSON STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 869-8106
CITY:SEBASTOPOLSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95472
CAPACITY:22CENSUS: 9DATE:
11/18/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:13 AM
MET WITH:Blanca Hernandez, Lead Teacher TIME COMPLETED:
01:59 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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-An unqualified staff member is left alone with daycare children
-The facility is providing care to a child that is not within the scope of its license
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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An unannounced follow-up complaint investigation visit to the facility was made today by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Y. Yang to deliver complaint investigation findings. It has been alleged that an unqualified staff member is left alone with daycare children and that the facility is providing care that is not within the scope of its license to a child. Specifically, it has been alleged that staff S1, a partially qualified teacher, has been left alone with daycare children without a center director or fully qualified teacher present on site. It has also been specifically alleged that child C1, who is under two years of age, is attending this center.

The LPA met with lead teacher Blanca Hernandez (staff S4) and assistant teacher Laurin Johnson (staff S1) today to discuss the investigation findings. The facility’s acting center director, Ericka Araiza (staff S2) was not present at the facility during today’s visit. The facility was toured inside and out. This is a standalone preschool center without a toddler component for children ages two years old to entry into first grade. The initial investigation visit was made by the LPA on 09/16/22 and a follow up site visit was made by the LPA on 10/19/22.
Continued on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Alexis Hollon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
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-20220914120951
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: YWCA STARS PRESCHOOL-SEBASTOPOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010190
VISIT DATE: 11/18/2022
NARRATIVE
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During the initial investigation visit on 09/16/22, Acting Center director Ericka Araiza stated that staff S1 is a partially qualified teacher and left alone with children on occasion without the center director or a fully qualified teacher present on site as well. Araiza stated that this typically occurs in the afternoon. On 10/19/22, the LPA conducted a follow up investigation visit and performed a file review for staff S1. The LPA observed that staff S1 is a partially qualified teacher. Per Title 22 regulations, “When the childcare center director is absent from the center, arrangements shall be made for a fully qualified teacher as specified in Section 101216.1(c) to act as substitute. This substitute childcare center director shall be aware of center operations, including total enrollment; shall be trained in program operation; and shall be designated as an authorized person to correct operational deficiencies that constitute immediate threats to children's health and safety.” Based on information obtained from staff interviews and staff S1’s own admission, staff S1 was permitted to supervise children alone at the center without a center director or fully qualified teacher present on site.

During the LPA’s initial facility visit on 09/16/22, the LPA observed that child C1 was present and receiving care and supervision at the facility. Staff present on this day admitted that child C1 was under the age of two. Staff interviewed all stated that they were aware of the limitations of their preschool license. During the LPA’s follow up visit on 10/19/22 and 11/18/22, child C1 was not present at the center. During the LPA’s follow up visit on 10/19/22, Araiza informed the LPA that child C1 has since been removed from this center and enrolled at an infant care center and will remain there until their second birthday.

Based on available information, the acting center director’s own admission, the LPA’s observations, and the information obtained from staff members, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the allegations are found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the facility’s lead teacher, Blanca Hernandez and teacher Laurin Johnson. Appeal rights were provided. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Alexis Hollon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20220914120951
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: YWCA STARS PRESCHOOL-SEBASTOPOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010190
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 11/18/2022
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
11/19/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101215.1(f)
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Child Care Center Directors Qualifications and Duties. When the child care center director is absent from the center, arrangements shall be made for a fully qualified teacher as specified in Section 101216.1(c) to act as substitute. This substitute child care center director shall be aware of center operations, including total enrollment; shall be trained in program operation; and shall be designated as an authorized person to correct operational deficiencies that constitute immediate threats to children's health and safety. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:

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This deficiency was cleared during today's inspection visit. The facility submitted an updated LIC500 "Personnel Report" with staff's name, work title, and days and hours on duty. The LIC 500 showed the apropriate coverage for the entirety of the center's hours and days of operation.
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Based on the acting center director’s and staff S1's own admission, and the information obtained from staff interviews, it was corroborated that staff S1, who is not a fully qualified teacher, supervised children alone at the center without a center director or fully qualified teacher present on site as well. This posed a potential health and safety hazard to the children in care.
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Type B
11/19/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101161(a)
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Limitations on Capacity.A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation.This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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This deficiency was cleared during today's inspection visit. The LPA observed on 10/19/22 and 11/18/22 that child C1 was no longer preset at the facility. Staff at the facility informed the LPA that child C1 has been enrolled in an infant care program and will remain there until their second birthday.
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Based on the acting center director’s admission and the information obtained from staff interviews with staff S1-S3, it was corroborated that child C1, who is under the age of two, attended the center on more than one ocassion. This is a standalone preschool center without a toddler component for children ages two years old to entry into first grade. This posed a potential health and safety hazard to the child(ren) 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: Alexis Hollon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/18/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5