376600788-9-11-2025-20-CC-JGAY-DLSMQR-20250923094908

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376600788
Report Date: 08/22/2025
Date Signed: 09/11/2025 10:50:19 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/23/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Saul Zazueta

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 20-CC-20250623165238

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER - PASEO LADERA		FACILITY NUMBER:	376600788
ADMINISTRATOR:	ANA KING		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1101 PASEO LADERA		TELEPHONE:	(619) 482-1800
CITY:	CHULA VISTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91910
CAPACITY:	78	CENSUS: 59	DATE:	08/22/2025
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	01:30 PM
MET WITH:	Ana King		TIME COMPLETED:	02:20 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Child is handled in a rough manner by staff
Child was isolated by staff while in care
Child was physically restrained while in care
Staff did not accord child dignity in his/her relationship with staff

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 08/22/2025 at 1:15PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Saul Zazueta conducted an unannounced complaint inspection regarding the above allegation(s). Upon arrival, LPA met with Director, Ana King and discussed the purpose of the inspection, the complaint process and was led on a tour of the facility. There were fifty-nine (59) children and six (6) staff present during the inspection.

During the course of the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the director, staff, and daycare parents. LPA did not conduct daycare child interviews due to lack of verbal ability in the children from the involved classroom. Photographs, child incident reports and facility roster were obtained and reviewed by LPA.

It was alleged that on 06/20/2025, staff handled Child #1 (C1) in a rough manner by physically restraining them. The director denied the allegation, stating that staff were not rough, but were holding hands with C1.

This is an amended version of the original report created 08/22/2025.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Jason Garay
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Saul Zazueta
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/11/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/11/2025

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 20-CC-20250623165238

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER - PASEO LADERA	FACILITY NUMBER: 376600788
	VISIT DATE: 08/22/2025

NARRATIVE

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Based on LPA’s review of C1’s Incident Reports, C1 has a history of exhibiting physically aggressive behaviors such as hitting teachers. Interviews with staff explained that, on 06/20/2025, C1 was kicking staff on the playground because they were not given a specific toy. Staff #1 (S1) was called to assist and they stated that they held C1 by the hand and led them away from the playground to the front office. Staff #2 (S2) was also there that day and told LPA that S1 took C1 by the wrist using three fingers and walked them away. S1 reiterated to LPA that they understand that staff are not allowed to restrain children. Based on document review, the facility was in ratio during the incident and reporting requirements were met. Parents interviewed stated that they believe the facility provides a safe environment for children and are satisfied with the program and staff. C1 is non-verbal and unable to be interviewed.

It was also alleged that C1 was isolated by staff while in care and was not accorded dignity in their relationship with staff. The director denied these allegations, stating that all children are encouraged to participate in group activities and are treated with dignity. Director provided LPA with photographs which depict C1 participating in circle time as well as various other activities taken within the last several weeks. Director stated that staff take these photos and upload them to a childcare app for parents to view their child’s activities. LPA also observed the layout of the classroom and saw that all children had equal access to all areas and toys provided to them. Based on staff interviews, C1 has a history of withdrawing themselves from activities in large group settings despite several attempts to keep C1 engaged. Staff also stated that C1 has a preference for “counting toys” stored in the closet, which were only brought out during certain times of the day. Based on interviews, staff recognized C1’s needs and attempted to provide suitable attention and comforts, such as favorite foods and toys, to C1 when feasible. C1 is non-verbal and unable to be interviewed.

Due to inconsistent testimony, lack of supporting evidence and no other witnesses to the alleged incidents, LPA was unable to determine whether or not the above allegations occurred. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview was conducted and this report was reviewed with Director, Ana King. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Jason Garay
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Saul Zazueta
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/22/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/22/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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