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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198019662
Report Date: 08/16/2021
Date Signed: 08/16/2021 07:53:50 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/06/2021 and conducted by Evaluator Betty Bell
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20210806134901
FACILITY NAME:BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
198019662
ADMINISTRATOR:SUSAN ROSALESFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:3602 WHEELER AVETELEPHONE:
(909) 353-9306
CITY:LA VERNESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91750
CAPACITY:92CENSUS: 33DATE:
08/16/2021
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:30 AM
MET WITH:Co-owner Jennie GonzalezTIME COMPLETED:
07:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance

Children are using the same water fountain
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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An unannounced complaint inspection was conducted on this date by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Emiko Bell. Upon arrival, LPA was greeted and let into the facility by Assistant Director (AD) Kobi Gonzalez, to whom the purpose of the inspection was announed, to whom the COVID screening questions were posed, and who guided LPA on a tour of the facility to take census. At 11:10, Co-owner Jennie Gonzalez arrived.

At 09:40, AD Gonzalez guided LPA on a tour to take census. The 2s room was on the 2s playground; there was one staff with eight children. In rm. 7 (the Pre-K room), there was one staff with nine children; in Pre-school A, there were two staff with 15 children; and in rm. 3, there was one staff with six children.

During today’s inspection, interviews were conducted with two staff and documentation in the form of the Parent Handbook, the Enrollment Agreement, the "Daily Health Screening Questions for COVID-19," the letter given to parents of new enrollees regarding face coverings, the letter to parents of new enrollees

Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claudia Guangorena
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
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 8
Control Number 33-CC-20210806134901
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198019662
VISIT DATE: 08/16/2021
NARRATIVE
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regarding symptoms, page 5 of the Blue Book from the "Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Guidance for Early Care and Education Providers," the letter to parents dated 10/13/20, and the "Statement of Responsibility for Child to Not Wear a Mask" were obtained. Prior to today's inspection, an interview was conducted with the Reporting Party.

-Pertaining to the allegation that "Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance":

This allegation refers to two to three staff and "older" children not wearing face coverings. Per the California Department of Public Health "Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings" issued on 07/28/21, all persons, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks indoors, including "indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings." In the FAQs, when asked why children ages 2-11 were required to wear masks indoors, it is because "they are currently ineligible for vaccines and are therefore 'unvaccinated.'" It was this same guidance which stated that, "In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors" and that "persons younger than two years old' are exempt from wearing masks due to the risk of suffocation." Both staff interviewed corroborated that children aged 2 are not required to wear face coverings while at the Center.

Documentation which verifies that the Center does not require children age 2 to wear face coverings was issued on 10/13/20 when the Preschool issued a memo to the parents recommending that all children over the age of two wear masks while at school, but stating that they will not require the children to wear a mask if the parent does not want them to wear it. The parents who elected to have their child not wear a mask were then able to sign the "Statement of Responsibility for Child to Not Wear a Mask." And a letter was then issued to parents stating that "Children who are 3 years and older will be required to use face masks coverings"; it was


SUPERVISORS NAME: Claudia Guangorena
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 8
Control Number 33-CC-20210806134901
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198019662
VISIT DATE: 08/16/2021
NARRATIVE
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stated that this letter is still being given to the parents of children newly-enrolling at the Center.

Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation that "Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance" has been determined to be true.

This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that there was a violation of Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 101223 "Personal Rights." The complaint alleged that “Facility is not following proper COVID-19 mask guidance."

Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be Substantiated. A finding of Substantiated means that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06, Section 101223 "Personal Rights" is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

-Pertaining to the allegation that "Children are using the same water fountain": this allegation refers to the fact that the children are required to use the water fountains indoors and outdoors at the Center. Though the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health retired the guidance that all water fountains be rendered inoperable effective April 30, 2021, both staff interviewed corroborated that children are required to use the drinking water fountains both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, staff clean the fountain with a soap and water solution and then disinfect it with a bleach and water solution in between each child. Outdoors, the same procedure was being followed until the end of June when an incident occurred and staff were directed to stop cleaning and disinfecting the outdoor water fountain in between each child, as each fountain would be thoroughly disinfected at the end of each day. During the tour, LPA observed a child at an outdoor water fountain on the 2s playground and observed that it was not cleaned or

SUPERVISORS NAME: Claudia Guangorena
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 8
Control Number 33-CC-20210806134901
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198019662
VISIT DATE: 08/16/2021
NARRATIVE
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disinfected after use. When asked whether the parents were informed of the difference between the indoor and outdoor fountains and of the change of not disinfecting the outdoor fountain in between each child, the response was no. When asked whether children could bring water bottles or sippy cups to the Center for personal use, the response was no. As the difference in cleaning and disinfecting only has to do with whether the child is indoors or outdoors, and as there were children diagnosed with upper respiratory infections, the allegation that "Children are using the same water fountain" has been determined to be true.

This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that there was a violation of Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 101223 "Personal Rights." The complaint alleged that “"Children are using the same water fountain."

Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be Substantiated. A finding of Substantiated means that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 06, Section 101223 "Personal Rights" is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Please refer to 9099D for documentation of deficiencies.

Upon receipt, Co-owner Jennie Gonzalez posted the Notice of Site Visit. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100 civil penalty.



An exit interview has been conducted with, and a copy of this report has been signed by and provided to Co-owner Jennie Gonzalez. Appeal Rights have been provided and explained to Co-owner Gonzalez as well.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claudia Guangorena
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8
Control Number 33-CC-20210806134901
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198019662
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 08/16/2021
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
08/26/2021
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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PERSONAL RIGHTS
To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.

-This requirement is not met as evidenced by: documentation and interviews corroborate that children age 2 are not required to wear face
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Per Co-owner Gonzalez, she will give a written notice to the parents dated 08/18/21 that effective Monday, 08/30/21, face masks will be requried for all children ages 2 and above A copy of the notice will be provided to LPA Bell via email, fax, or US Mail by the POC due date of 08/26/21.
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coverings while at the Center despite the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health order dated 07/28/21. *This poses a potentail health, safety or personal rights risk to the children in care."
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Type B
08/26/2021
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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PERSONAL RIGHTS
To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.

-This requirement is not met as evidenced by: LPA observed and interviews corroborate that children are required to use the drinking water
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Per Co-owner Gonzalez, effective Mon, 08/23/21,she will implement that the staff wipe the drinking fountains with either a wipe or a bleach solution. A copy of the notice will be provided to LPA Bell via email, fax, or US Mail by the POC due date of 08/26/21.
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fountains at the Center and that only the indoor fountains are cleaned and disinfected before and after the use by each child. *This poses a potentail health, safety or personal rights risk to the 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: Claudia Guangorena
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/16/2021
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 8