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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197494332
Report Date: 09/15/2021
Date Signed: 09/15/2021 03:30:48 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, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/25/2021 and conducted by Evaluator Angelica Ramirez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 30-CC-20210825080719
FACILITY NAME:CRYSTAL STAIRS HEAD START - HAWTHORNE PLAZAFACILITY NUMBER:
197494332
ADMINISTRATOR:CARDENAS, LAURAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:4300-A W. 120TH STREETTELEPHONE:
(323) 421-1100
CITY:HAWTHORNESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90250
CAPACITY:116CENSUS: 49DATE:
09/15/2021
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:30 PM
MET WITH:Maria NavarroTIME COMPLETED:
03:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility staff engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of a day care child
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 9/15/2021 at 2:30 PM Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Angelica Ramirez arrived at the Crystal Stairs Head Start - Hawthorne Plaza for the purpose of delivering findings of a complaint received in the El Segundo Regional Office (ESRO) on 8/25/21 regarding the allegation referenced above. Upon arrival a health screening was taken prior to entry into facility and LPA wore a face mask. LPA initially met with lead teacher, acting director, Diane Ward due to Shaniece Smith's absence. Ward guided LPA Ramirez on a tour of the facility and LPA observed the following: seven children (age 3-5) in Class D with two staff, seven children (age 2-3) in Class E with two staff, 16 children (age 3-5) in Class C with two staff, 13 children (age 3-5) in Class B with two staff, six children (age 3-5) in class A with two staff.
LPA then met with Education Coordinator Maria Navarro who LPA conducted an interview with. During the course of the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the Reporting Party, Staff # 1, #2, #3, and #4, LPA obtained a copy of email exchange between Parent of Child #1 and Director Smith, and LPA reviewed personnel record for Staff #4.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karren Starks
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Angelica Ramirez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/15/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/15/2021
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 2
Control Number 30-CC-20210825080719
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CRYSTAL STAIRS HEAD START - HAWTHORNE PLAZA
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494332
VISIT DATE: 09/15/2021
NARRATIVE
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 Based on evidence obtained, Parent of Child #1 requested pictures of Child #1 be provided to parent daily. The facility does not provide this service as a daily practice, but pictures are taken of children's progress and are accessible to parents via the Learning Genie App. Although facility does not provide service of pictures sent directly to parents, Staff #4 sent pictures to Parent of Child #1 as a courtesy. Parent of Child #1 had a disagreement with Staff #4 regarding pictures sent and requested additional pictures be provided. Staff #4 and Staff #1 confirmed that Parent of Child #1 raised voice to Staff #4 in the parking lot in front of Child #1. Staff #4 left child #1 with parent and Staff #1 diffused the situation. In review of personnel record for Staff #4, LPA found no previous reprimands regarding Personal Rights violations or inappropriate behavior with children.
A follow up meeting was held with parent of Child #1 via Zoom to discuss expectations of appropriate behavior between staff and families.

Based on this information, the allegations referenced on this report are Unsubstantiated. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation occurred.

An exit interview was conducted with Maria Navarro where this report was read and discussed. A copy of this report will be provided to Navarro along with a Notice of Site Visit to be posted for 30 days in a prominent area.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Karren Starks
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Angelica Ramirez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/15/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/15/2021
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 2