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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 566209103
Report Date: 01/07/2025
Date Signed: 01/07/2025 11:49:44 AM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/10/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20241010083130
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER VENFACILITY NUMBER:
566209103
ADMINISTRATOR:VIRGIE AGUILARFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:1197 SOUTH VICTORIA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(805) 339-9363
CITY:VENTURASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93003
CAPACITY:32CENSUS: 19DATE:
01/07/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:03 AM
MET WITH:Shawn SmithTIME COMPLETED:
11:50 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff grabs and pushes children in a rough manner.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/15/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete conducted an unannounced inspection at the Kidercare Infant/Toddler Center (Facility) to deliver the findings of the above-mentioned complaint allegations received on 10/10/2024. The LPA met with Director Shawna during the visit. LPA explained the purpose of the inspection and toured the preschool inside and out. The staff-to-child ratio at the time of the inspection was 6 staff members providing care and supervision to 10 infants and toddlers.

Allegation #1: Staff grabs and pushes children in a rough manner
The investigation included interviews with parents and staff, reviewing children's files, and unusual incident reports received and reviewed by the department, as well as reviewing HR incidents involving staff misbehavior. Additionally, three unannounced visits and LPA's observations during those visits were included in the investigation.

Continued on LIC9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana TolentinoTELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German NegreteTELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
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 17-CC-20241010083130
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER VEN
FACILITY NUMBER: 566209103
VISIT DATE: 01/07/2025
NARRATIVE
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Parent interviews revealed that most parents are satisfied with the level of care their infants/toddlers receive at the center. One parent stated they observed an incident where a staff member wrapped their hands around child #3 (C#3) in order to separate C#3 from the toys they were using. The parent could not identify the staff member involved in the incident.

Through staff interviews, the LPA discovered an alleged incident where staff#4 (S#4) observed another staff (S#1) during an incident when S#1 was sweeping in the play yard. According to S#4, a child kept walking in front of S#1, and S#1 pushed the child out of the way, causing the child to fall forward. LPA interviewed a total of five staff members, but was unable to corroborate whether this incident actually occurred.

LPA reviewed the staff handbook, which outlines a respectful workplace policy. It reads as follows: "KCE (Kidercare) does not tolerate disrespectful behavior by, or directed at anyone in any of our locations, including employees, families, and anyone we do business with"(see LIC812).

During LPA's file review of unusual incident reports, only two unusual incidents were self-reported to our department in the last twelve months(see LIC812). Neither of the aforementioned tow incidents pertained to violations of the personal rights of infants/toddlers. LPA also requested and reviewed HR documents and write-ups pertaining to staff misconduct. The review of these documents and write-ups did not reveal any recent incidents where staff members pushed children in a rough manner.

Additionally, three unannounced visits and LPA’s observations during those visits were included in the investigation. During those visits, LPA did not observe any staff members violating the personal rights of infants/toddlers.

Although the above allegation may have occurred or may be valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegation is Unsubstantiated.

Exit Interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director.

.Notice of Site Visit was provided.



SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana TolentinoTELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German NegreteTELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/10/2024 and conducted by Evaluator German Negrete
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20241010083130

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER VENFACILITY NUMBER:
566209103
ADMINISTRATOR:VIRGIE AGUILARFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:1197 SOUTH VICTORIA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(805) 339-9363
CITY:VENTURASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93003
CAPACITY:32CENSUS: DATE:
01/07/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:03 AM
MET WITH:Shawn SmithTIME COMPLETED:
11:50 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff member does not provide adequate level of care to children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 1/07/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete conducted an unannounced inspection at the Kidercare Infant/Toddler Center (Facility) to deliver the findings of the above-mentioned complaint allegation received on 10/10/2024. The LPA met with Director Shawn Smith during the visit. LPA explained the purpose of the inspection and toured the facility inside and out. The staff-to-infant/toddler ratio at the time of the inspection was 6 staff members providing care and supervision to 7 infants and 12 toddlers.

Allegation #1: Staff member does not provide adequate level of care to children
The investigation included interviews with parents and staff, reviewing infant/toddler files, and reviewing unusual incident reports received by the department, as well as reviewing HR incidents involving staff misbehavior. Additionally, three unannounced visits and LPA's observations during those visits were included in the investigation.

Continued on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana TolentinoTELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German NegreteTELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 17-CC-20241010083130
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER VEN
FACILITY NUMBER: 566209103
VISIT DATE: 01/07/2025
NARRATIVE
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Parent interviews revealed that most parents are satisfied with the level of care their infants/toddlers receive at the center. One parent stated they observed an incident where a staff member wrapped their hands around child #3 (C#3) in order to separate C#3 from the toys they were using. The parent could not identify the staff member involved in the incident. No other incident was discovered by LPA during parent interviews.

Through staff interviews, the LPA discovered an alleged incident where staff member #4 (S#4) observed another staff member (S#1) during an incident when S#1 was sweeping in the play yard. According to S#4, a child kept walking in front of S#1, and S#1 pushed the child out of the way, causing the child to fall forward. LPA interviewed a total of five staff members, but was unable to corroborate whether this incident actually occurred. LPA reviewed the staff handbook, which outlines a respectful workplace policy. It reads as follows: "KCE (Kidercare) does not tolerate disrespectful behavior by, or directed at anyone in any of our locations, including employees, families, and anyone we do business with"(see LIC812).

During LPA's file review of unusual incident reports, only two unusual incidents were self reported to our department in the last twelve months(see LIC812). Neither of these incidents pertained to violations of the personal rights of infants/toddlers. LPA also requested and reviewed HR documents and write-ups pertaining to staff misconduct. The review of these documents and write-ups did not reveal any recent incidents where staff members pushed children in a rough manner. However LPA discovered a incident on 10/09/2024, Where four staff were written up due to staff arguing and yelling at one another in the centers play yard, while infant/toddlers were present. Director stated to LPA all four staff have been giving "coaching"(write ups) and if any other write up occurs with the four staff , the centers management will terminate employment.

Additionally, three unannounced visits and the LPA’s observations during those visits were included in the investigation. During those visits, LPA did not observe any staff members violating the personal rights of infants/toddlers.

Based on LPA interviews, documents collected during investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter 1), are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.”



Exit Interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director. Appeal rights were given to director
.
Notice of Site Visit was issued.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Ana TolentinoTELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German NegreteTELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 17-CC-20241010083130
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER VEN
FACILITY NUMBER: 566209103
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/07/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
01/10/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223)(a)(1)
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(a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:

(1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.
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Director will provide/email a memo that will provide guidence to all four staff involdved i n the 10/09/2024 incident. The Memo will be recieved by the department no later then 1/10/2025.
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Based on LPA interviews, documents collected during investigation, This regulation was not met due to documents/write ups were verified, where four staff were arguing with each other infornt of infants/toddlers.
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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: Ana TolentinoTELEPHONE: (805) 218-0429
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: German NegreteTELEPHONE: 805-315-8362
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/07/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5