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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 493010545
Report Date: 10/14/2026
Date Signed: 10/14/2026 01:51:36 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
07/20/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260720213008
FACILITY NAME:LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
493010545
ADMINISTRATOR:ZETTLER, MARIOFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:6150 COMMERCE BLVDTELEPHONE:
(707) 847-4894
CITY:ROHNERT PARKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94928
CAPACITY:170CENSUS: 65DATE:
10/14/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:18 PM
MET WITH:Kristine Peterson, Interim Center DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
02:10 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not ensure the surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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An unannounced follow-up complaint investigation visit was conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Yang to deliver the findings of the complaint investigation. The allegation stated that staff did not ensure that the outdoor activity area was maintained in a safe condition. Specifically, it was alleged that, on at least two separate occasions, children’s feet became caught in a hole in the outdoor play area, causing them to fall. It was further reported that staff attempted to cover the hole but were unsuccessful in keeping it covered.

During the initial complaint investigation visit on July 27, 2026, LPA Yang interviewed Center Director Mario Zettler (Staff S1) regarding the allegation. Director Zettler acknowledged that he was aware of incidents in which children had tripped due to a hole in the ground in the play yard. He stated that a work order had been submitted to address the issue through repair and/or replacement of the affected area. However, Director Zettler was unable to confirm whether the requested repairs had been completed or whether the condition had been fully resolved at the time of the interview. (Continued on LIC9099-C)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
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 7
Control Number 01-CC-20260720213008
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: LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010545
VISIT DATE: 10/14/2026
NARRATIVE
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During the initial complaint investigation visit, LPA Yang toured the play yard and inspected the area identified in the allegation. The LPA observed that the 4-inch opening in the poured-in-place rubber surfacing was covered by a 4-inch, round plastic drainage grate connected to the underlying 4-inch drainage pipe. The drainage grate was located near the play yard’s picnic benches in an area accessible to preschool children. Although the drainage grate was in place at the time of the inspection, its location and accessibility were relevant to the allegation that children had previously removed the grate, leaving the opening exposed. When removed, the grate would leave an opening large enough for a child’s foot to become caught, potentially causing the child to trip or fall and sustain an injury.

LPA Yang observed that the plastic drainage grate was secured to the underlying PVC drainage pipe by friction and could be easily removed. In the presence of Director Zettler, the LPA was able to lift the grate using only three fingers, demonstrating that minimal force was required to remove it. Director Zettler reported that several teachers had observed children handling the grate, lifting it from the drainage pipe, and throwing debris into the exposed pipe below. The LPA also observed various items, including toys, tissue paper, and other miscellaneous classroom materials, at the bottom of the drainage pipe. Because the grate could be easily removed by young children, the opening could become exposed during normal play activities, creating a potential tripping hazard and risk of injury to children accessing the area.

Because the drainage grate serves an important function in allowing water to drain from the play yard, LPA Yang advised Director Zettler that covering or obstructing the drain could interfere with proper drainage. Instead, the LPA recommended placing a suitable piece of outdoor furniture, such as a picnic table, over the drainage grate to prevent children from accessing, lifting, or removing it while allowing the drain to remain functional. This recommendation was intended to reduce the risk of children exposing the opening during play and to help maintain a safe outdoor environment for the children in care.

As part of the investigation, LPA Yang conducted site visits to inspect the premises and interviewed Staff S2 through S8 on July 27, August 11, and August 27, 2026, regarding the allegation. Several staff members provided corroborating information, reporting that they had observed children removing the plastic drainage grate, handling it during play, or hiding it elsewhere in the play yard. Staff members also reported incidents in which children tripped and fell in the area when the drainage grate was missing. Staff stated that removing or displacing the grate left an exposed opening approximately 4 inches in diameter in the outdoor play surface.

(Continued on LIC9099-C)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20260720213008
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: LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010545
VISIT DATE: 10/14/2026
NARRATIVE
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Staff members expressed concern that the exposed opening posed a safety hazard to preschool children, as a child’s foot could become caught in the hole while walking or playing in the area, potentially causing the child to trip, fall, and sustain an injury. The staff interviews supported the allegation that children had access to and were able to remove the drainage grate, leaving the opening exposed in an area routinely used for outdoor activities. Additionally, several staff members expressed concern that facility administrators had not adequately addressed the issue despite being aware of the potential hazard. Their statements indicated that the condition remained a concern among staff due to the risk of children removing the grate and exposing the opening, potentially resulting in injury during outdoor play.

Based on the Director’s admission, staff interviews, the LPA’s observations, and information obtained throughout the investigation, the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the allegation is substantiated. A violation of California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. An exit interview was conducted with Interim Center Director Kristine Peterson, during which the findings of the investigation were reviewed and discussed. Appeal rights were provided, and the Notice of Site Visit was issued with instructions that it be posted in a prominent location for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20260720213008
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: LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010545
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/14/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
10/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101238.2(d)(2)
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Outdoor Activity Space. The surface of the outdoor activity space shall be maintained: (1)In a safe condition for the activities planned.(2)Free of hazards including, but not limited to, holes, broken glass and other debris, and dry grasses that pose a fire hazard. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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The licensee will ensure that the drainage opening in the outdoor activity area is secured with a properly fitted, durable, and child-resistant drainage cover that cannot be easily removed by children while allowing for proper drainage. The licensee will ensure that the affected area is made inaccessible to children until the hazard has been corrected. The licensee will inspect the outdoor activity area daily, prior to use, to identify and address potential safety hazards. Staff shall be informed of the hazard and instructed to immediately report any displaced or damaged drainage covers to facility administration.
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Based on the LPA's observations and staff interviews, which revealed that a plastic drainage grate covering an approximately four-inch opening in the outdoor play area could be easily removed by children, leaving an exposed hole that posed a potential tripping hazard. Staff corroborated that children had tripped and fallen as a result of the exposed hole when the drainage grate was removed. This poses a potential 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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
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
07/20/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Yang Yang
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260720213008

FACILITY NAME:LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
493010545
ADMINISTRATOR:ZETTLER, MARIOFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:6150 COMMERCE BLVDTELEPHONE:
(707) 847-4894
CITY:ROHNERT PARKSTATE:CAZIP CODE:
94928
CAPACITY:170CENSUS: 65DATE:
10/14/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:18 PM
MET WITH:Kristine Peterson, Interim Center DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
02:10 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not ensure the daycare children's restoom was clean and safe at all times
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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An unannounced follow-up complaint investigation visit was conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Yang to deliver the findings of the complaint investigation. The allegation stated that staff did not ensure the children’s restroom was maintained in a clean and safe condition at all times. Specifically, it was alleged that a clogged toilet in a preschool classroom bathroom remained accessible to children and that the wall directly adjacent to the toilet was contaminated with human waste and accessible to children.

During the initial complaint investigation visit on July 27, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Yang interviewed Center Director Mario Zettler (Staff S1) regarding the allegation. Director Zettler acknowledged that a children’s toilet in a preschool classroom was clogged and unusable on July 15, 2026. He stated that he believed the obstruction may have been caused by a child flushing an excessive amount of toilet paper. According to Director Zettler, once he became aware of the issue, the toilet was taken out of service, and the bathroom door was kept closed to prevent children from accessing the area. He stated that no children attempted to use the bathroom after it was taken out of service because the door remained closed. Children were instead escorted to use a toilet in a vacant classroom. Director Zettler further explained that teachers communicated with one another to coordinate supervision and ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios were maintained while children used the alternate restroom. (Continued on LIC9099-C)

Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20260720213008
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: LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010545
VISIT DATE: 10/14/2026
NARRATIVE
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Director Zettler stated that he contacted the facility’s designated plumbing company to arrange for repairs and was informed that the earliest available appointment was July 21, 2026. On that date, a plumbing technician responded to the facility and used an air snake to clear the obstruction. During the investigation, LPA Yang obtained a copy of the plumbing service invoice from Director Zettler. The invoice was issued by a plumbing company based in Rohnert Park, California.

Director Zettler explained that classroom staff are primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of their assigned classrooms, including the children’s bathrooms, while the facility also utilizes a daily cleaning service to assist with general cleaning. He stated that staff typically address routine cleaning needs when classroom supervision responsibilities allow, such as during nap time or when another staff member is available to assist with supervision. The Director acknowledged that maintaining clean and sanitary bathroom facilities is important in a childcare setting to help protect children’s health and prevent exposure to potentially harmful contaminants. He further stated that if human waste were observed on the toilet, walls, or other bathroom surfaces, staff would be expected to promptly clean and disinfect the affected areas upon becoming aware of the condition, as soon as it was safe and feasible to do so without compromising supervision of the children. This would include ensuring that the contaminated area was appropriately cleaned and disinfected before children were permitted to access it again.

During the initial investigation visit, LPA Yang observed that the facility had a total of 11 toilets available for children’s use, with one toilet located in each classroom. At the time the toilet in question was clogged and out of service, the remaining 10 toilets were available for children to use. According to the Director, children were redirected to an alternate restroom, ensuring that restroom facilities remained available while the clogged toilet was awaiting repair. Under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, a toilet is not required in every classroom, provided that appropriate toilet facilities are available on the premises for children’s use. Based on these observations, the temporary closure of the affected toilet did not leave the facility without other available restroom facilities for the children in care.

As part of the investigation, LPA Yang conducted site visits to inspect the facility and assess the condition of the childcare areas, including the classroom bathroom identified in the allegation. During these visits, LPA Yang did not observe conditions that supported the allegation. LPA Yang also interviewed Staff S2 through S8 on July 27, August 11, and August 27, 2026, regarding the allegation and the facility’s procedures for maintaining bathroom cleanliness, supervising children, and responding to maintenance concerns.

Several staff members provided consistent information regarding the classroom bathroom and the procedures implemented while the toilet was out of service. Staff familiar with the classroom reported that the bathroom door was kept closed to prevent children from accessing the clogged toilet. They stated that children were escorted to another classroom, typically a vacant classroom, to use an available restroom. Staff further reported that children remained under supervision and that appropriate staff-to-child ratios were maintained while children were escorted to and from the alternate restroom. (Continued on LIC9099-C)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20260720213008
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: LEARNING EXPERIENCE, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 493010545
VISIT DATE: 10/14/2026
NARRATIVE
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During the interviews, several staff members acknowledged that their primary responsibility was to supervise and ensure the safety of the children in their care. They explained that when a child used the bathroom independently and did not require assistance, staff did not necessarily inspect the bathroom immediately after each use. Staff stated that bathroom cleaning and sanitation needs were generally addressed during nap time or when staffing and supervision responsibilities permitted. They also reported using disinfectant sprays and wipes to clean and sanitize bathroom surfaces as needed. The interviews provided information regarding the staff’s general cleaning practices and supervision responsibilities; however, the information obtained did not establish whether human waste was present on the wall adjacent to the toilet or whether the bathroom surfaces were contaminated as alleged.

Based on the information obtained, including interviews with the Director and staff, the plumbing service invoice, and observations made during the investigation, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegation is determined to be unsubstantiated at this time. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the Interim Center Director, Kristine Peterson. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Yang Yang
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/14/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7