<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 300605314
Report Date: 10/17/2024
Date Signed: 10/17/2024 05:47:13 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/26/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Nguyen K Tran
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20240826100710
FACILITY NAME:HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST COFACILITY NUMBER:
300605314
ADMINISTRATOR:MENDOZA, PATFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2701 FAIRVIEW ROADTELEPHONE:
(714) 432-5569
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92628
CAPACITY:120CENSUS: 53DATE:
10/17/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:45 PM
MET WITH:Rochelle Santacruz, DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff interacted inappropriately with daycare child.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 10/17/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Tran conducted a subsequent investigation visit regarding the allegation about Staff interacted inappropriately with daycare child, and delivered finding. LPA Tran met with Director Rochelle SantaCruz. A tour of the facility was conducted, and census was taken. Observed at the time of the investigation was a total of 53 preschool children 9 staff members in the preschool classrooms. LPA informed the Director the purpose of the visit.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 10/17/2024 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 08/26/2024, Regional Office received a complaint regarding Staff interacted inappropriately with daycare child.
(Continue next page)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/26/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Nguyen K Tran
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20240826100710

FACILITY NAME:HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST COFACILITY NUMBER:
300605314
ADMINISTRATOR:MENDOZA, PATFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2701 FAIRVIEW ROADTELEPHONE:
(714) 432-5569
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92628
CAPACITY:120CENSUS: DATE:
10/17/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:45 PM
MET WITH:Rochelle Santa CruzTIME COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff spoke inappropriately to daycare child
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 10/17/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Tran conducted a subsequent investigation visit regarding the allegation about Staff spoke inappropriately to daycare child, and delivered finding. LPA Tran met with Director Rochelle SantaCruz. A tour of the facility was conducted, and census was taken. Observed at the time of the investigation was a total of 53 preschool children 9 staff members in the preschool classrooms. LPA informed the Director the purpose of the visit.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 10/17/2024 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 08/26/2024, Regional Office received a complaint regarding Staff spoke inappropriately to daycare child by calling child "bad" and "stupid".
(Continue next page)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
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 06-CC-20240826100710
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
FACILITY NUMBER: 300605314
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(Page 2 of Report)

During the investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 6 parents and attempted to interview 5 children.

During interviews, all 5 interviewed staff members denied that they witnessed any staff ever called a child "bad" or "stupid". All interviewed parents did not share any related concern to the allegation. One child, out of five attempted children's interview, did not share any related concern to the allegation.

Based on information gathered from LPA's interviews, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation that staff spoke inappropriately to day care child . Although the allegation may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that staff spoke inappropriately to day care child did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided a copy of appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Rochelle Santacruz.

(End of Report)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20240826100710
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
FACILITY NUMBER: 300605314
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(Page 2 of Report)

During the investigation, LPA interviewed 5 staff members, 6 parents and attempted to interview 5 children. LPA also reviewed Police Report from Costa Mesa Police Department.

During interviews, 3 out 5 interviewed staff members confirmed that the inappropriate interaction occurred. Staff #1 (S1) admitted that S1 placed one leg over Child #1 (C1)'s body during nap time to assist C1 to remain relaxed on the cot. Staff #2 and Staff # 3 confirmed that staff members used a technique called "Bridge", in which, staff use their leg to create a bridge over child's body to help child to stay calm during nap time. During interview, Director stated that Director was not aware of the "Bridge" technique until it was brought to her attention. Director confirmed that the "Bridge" technique was not acceptable during interview. During parent's interviews, none of the interviewed parents share any related concern to the allegation. One child, out of five attempted children's interviews, did not share any related concern to the allegation.

During record review, LPA reviewed Costa Mesa Police Department's Report # 24-011319. The report did not reveal any finding relate to the allegation.

Based on information gathered from LPA's interviews and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation about Staff interacted inappropriately with daycare child, is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter 1, Section 101223(c) Personal Rights cited on the attached LIC9099D.

Due to the Type A violation, the licensee shall post and provide copies of the report to parents/guardians of the children in care at the facility by the next business day, and shall provide to the parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. In addition, the licensee shall immediately post upon receipt the Proof of Correction for 30 consecutive days and provide a copy to current and enrolling parents. The licensee is to keep Acknowledgement Receipt (LIC 9224) signed by parents in each child’s file. Failure to post Type A reports for 30 days will result in a Civil Penalty of $100.00

(Continue next page)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20240826100710
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
FACILITY NUMBER: 300605314
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
10/24/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101223(c)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
101223 Personal Rights (c) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the personal rights... This requirement is not met evidenced by:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Director states she will submit staff retraining document regarding personal rights and techniques to assist children to calm down in the classrooms, to LPA on due date.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Based on interviews and record reviews, 3 out of 5 interviewed staff admitted that staff members use the "Bridge" technique, in which, they put their leg over child's body during naptime, this posed an immediate risk to the health, safety and personal rights to the children in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20240826100710
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: HARRY & GRACE STEELE CHILDRENS CTR-ORANGE COAST CO
FACILITY NUMBER: 300605314
VISIT DATE: 10/17/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(Page 3 of Report)

Appeal Rights and deficiency were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Rochelle Santacruz.

(End of Report)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/17/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6