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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197494840
Report Date: 09/09/2024
Date Signed: 11/15/2024 09:21:07 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 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
09/03/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Suzette Ornelas
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240903090508
FACILITY NAME:CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
197494840
ADMINISTRATOR:ERENDIDA ROMEROFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:13562-13548 VENTURA BLVDTELEPHONE:
(818) 783-2930
CITY:SHERMAN OAKSSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91423
CAPACITY:138CENSUS: 57DATE:
09/09/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:20 AM
MET WITH:ERENDIDA ROMEROTIME COMPLETED:
05:30 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Allegation 1 - Unqualified staff is providing care and supervision
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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***This is an amended report which supersedes the previous report***

On 9/9/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Suzette Ornelas conducted an unannounced follow up complaint inspection for the purpose of conducting an initial investigation regarding the above allegation. Upon arrival, LPA were greeted and let into the facility by Director, ERENDIDA ROMERO, to whom the reason for the inspection was announced.

LPA toured the facility and observed 57 daycare children and 8 staff.

Throughout the course of the investigation, LPA Ornelas made observations, conducted interviews, reviewed staff files and obtained copies of documents.
-Pertaining to the allegations that - Unqualified staff is providing care and supervision
According to the reporting party (RP) one person who works with the children does not have any child development units, but is left with the children.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
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 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 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
09/03/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Suzette Ornelas
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240903090508

FACILITY NAME:CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
197494840
ADMINISTRATOR:ERENDIDA ROMEROFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:13562-13548 VENTURA BLVDTELEPHONE:
(818) 783-2930
CITY:SHERMAN OAKSSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91423
CAPACITY:81CENSUS: 57DATE:
09/09/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:20 AM
MET WITH:ERENDIDA ROMEROTIME COMPLETED:
05:30 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Allegation 2 - Staff yell and scream at the daycare children
Allegation 3 - Staff mishandle the daycare children
Allegation 4 - Staff are not following general sanitation practices
Allegation 5 - Staff are operating beyond the terms and conditions of the license
Allegation 6 - Staff do not ensure the daycare children have water while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 9/9/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Suzette Ornelas conducted an unannounced follow up complaint inspection for the purpose of conducting an initial investigation regarding the above allegations. Upon arrival, LPA were greeted and let into the facility by Director, ERENDIDA ROMERO, to whom the reason for the inspection was announced.

During the course of the investigation, LPA Ornelas made observations, obtained documentation in the form of children/staff sign in/out sheets, conducted interviews, reviewed staff files, took pictures and obtained copies of documents.

-Pertaining to the allegation that – Staff yell and scream at the daycare children
According to the RP,staff member screams and yells at children in care.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
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 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240903090508
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494840
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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According to Staff interviewed during the course of the investigation, staff stated that they have never observed staff yell or scream directly at any child. Staff stated that there are times teachers might yell as in raising their voice to get the children's attention but never in a disrespectful manner.

-Pertaining to the allegation that – Staff mishandle the day care children
According to the RP, one staff is rough with the children and nothing is being done. Another teacher yanked a child from under the table.

According to staff interviewed during the course of the investigation, staff stated that they have never observed staff rough handling, yanking or pulling children by any of the staff.

-Pertaining to the allegation that – Staff are not following general sanitation practices
According to the RP, teachers do not change their gloves or wash their hands when changing diapers. Some teachers do not wear gloves at all when changing the babies diapers.

According to staff interviewed during the course of the investigation, staff all stated to LPA that gloves are used, hands are washed, liners are changed and disposed of and the mat is sanitized with a cleaning solution after every child has their diaper changed.

LPA observed all diaper changing stations to be within arms reach of a sink and postings of proper diaper changing procedures and gloves available in every diaper changing station.

-Pertaining to the allegation that – Staff are operating beyond the terms and conditions of the license
According to staff interviewed during the course of the investigation, staff stated that ratio is always maintained.

-Pertaining to the allegation that – Staff do not ensure the day care children have water while in care
There has been many times the facility has ran out of water for the children.

According to Staff interviewed during the course of the investigation, staff stated that there was one day where water was needed; however, efforts were made by the director and water was obtained and made available in a timely manner.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240903090508
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494840
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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LPA observed 20/2.5 Gallon water containers available at the facility. LPA obtained receipts of water purchases and per Director, water is repurchased every 2 weeks or as needed if any issue with shipping arises.

Based on the evidence as documented above, the allegations have been determined to be Unsubstantiated. A finding that the complaint is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the allegation occurred.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, ERENDIDA ROMERO.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240903090508
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494840
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
09/23/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101216.2(e)(1)
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101216.2 Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties(e) An aide shall work only under the direct supervision of a teacher. (1) An aide who is 18 years of age or older, and who meets the requirements of this section and Section 101216, may escort and/or assist children in going to the bathroom, and may supervise napping children as specified in Section 101230(c)(1), without being under the direct supervision of a teacher. This requirement is not met as evidence by:
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Director agrees to create a staff placement schedule detailing the staff names their titles , classrooms staff will be present in, times staff will be present in the classroom, breaks(lunch and 15min breaks) to ensure children are always supervised by a qualified adult as needed. Schedule will be provided to LPA via email.
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Base on observations and interviews and file review, director did not comply with ensuring that a fully qualified teacher was supervising children in care. This poses an immediate 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240903090508
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S COURTYARD, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494840
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
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LPA observed Staff 2 (S2) supervising 11 children during nap time. LPA observed that not all children were napping, at least half of the children were observed to be awake during nap time. Director confirmed that S2 is an Aide with at least 6 child care units and does not currently have the 12 child care units required to be a fully qualified teacher.

Based on the information obtained through observations and interviews, the allegation is substantiated. A substantiated finding means that the complaint is substantiated and the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

1 Type A deficiency is being cited on the attached LIC9099-D.

A copy of this report shall be provided to the parents/guardians of the children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parents/guardians of any children newly enrolled at the facility for the next twelve (12) months. The LIC 9224 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports must be maintained in each child's file immediately upon receipt from the parent.


A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, ERENDIDA ROMERO.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Raul Navarro
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Suzette Ornelas
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6